Pooler Power Home

I had been away for a couple of weeks and missed three Pooler games and was in urgent need of a fix. Fortunately it is not as bad as it seems as the excellent service provided by the tweeters and the facebookers enables you to stay in touch whether you are on the couch or in some far-flung part of the world. We were able to keep up to date by visiting the local Starbucks (free wi-fi) in the USA or Canada. Not quite like being at the ground but a decent substitute. Anyway I was delighted to learn of three excellent victories against Beddau (16-26), Newbridge (50-17) and Glynneath (10-33) which meant four wins out of four. A great start to the season.

The opponents for my re-initiation were Dunvant a club that we had crossed swords with many times in the past. Like Pooler they are trying to recapture their place in the Welsh pecking order. The morning had been punctuated by heavy showers so the first big decision was whether to risk standing on the Bank. The sky was blue with few dark clouds so we decided to risk it. Much is said about the trees in the fall in New England but the trees in autumn in Pontypool Park present as captivating sight as any in the world. Anyway enough of this - let’s get down to the rugby.

Dunvant had a rather splendid red and green kit which would not have looked out of place on Stade Francais. This meant that Pontypool sported their blue strip which is also rather fetching. Dunvant kicked off with Pooler playing up the slope in brilliant sunshine with the pitch in remarkably good condition. From the outset, Pooler looked the more powerful outfit and scored a great long range try almost the first time that they had decent possession. Robinson outpaced the Dunvant defence after good work by Jones and Usher. Further good tries were added by Usher and Hurley in the next ten minutes or so and at 19-0 it all looked pretty plain sailing for a home side that looked full of running.

As so often happens with such a good start. Pooler went off the boil a little and the second quarter became scrappy and littered with mistakes. Dunvant seized their opportunity to get back into the game and their backs showed a good turn of speed and eye for a gap to score two quick tries from Williams-Parry and Lewis to close the gap to 19-14.

Pontypool were stung into action and the forwards took control with Rusby-Davies scoring from a lineout drive to secure the bonus point and ease the home side into a 24-14 lead. Dunvant were not about to lie down and kicked a penalty just before half time to leave the score at 24-17 at the interval.

Pontypool had their game faces on when they returned to the field after some mentoring in the changing room. They certainly went up a gear or two and proceeded to dismantle Dunvant with a great second half display. They ran in no fewer than seven tries as Dunvant’s resistance faded – the tries came from Williams, Dyer, Harford, Robinson, Jones, Thorley and Meek. With five successful conversions, it meant they racked up forty five unanswered points to leave a final score of 69-17. It really was exhilarating stuff with backs and forwards combining effectively. Towards the end of the match the dark storm clouds reappeared and the rain pelted down and we were delighted when the referee called a halt a little early.

A fine second half performance form Pooler resulted in a convincing victory and must put them in good heart for next week’s tough challenge at unbeaten Tata Steel. The good thing is that there is still plenty of room for improvement with the team not always running like a well-oiled machine. The passing at times was a bit erratic which might have been more problematic against stronger opposition. The game was won in style and I went away feeling content with my fix - if a little damp. We even won the half time raffle so a really good day.

The great news in Pontypool now have a clear lead at the top of the Championship after gaining 24 of a possible 25 points on offer. Just behind are Tata Steel on 23 points so next week’s match in Port Talbot promises to be “le crunch” with two unbeaten records on the line. I can’t wait!

On Friday I spent the evening (much to the annoyance of Isobel) flicking furiously between the Ryder Cup, Northampton v Exeter and Dragons v Glasgow. What is really striking is the difference between the English Premier League and the Pro 12 in terms of atmosphere, quality of player, intensity and even the quality of television coverage. You guessed it - the English Premiership comes out on top and it really demonstrated the gulf between the two leagues. It is all about money unfortunately and it is hard to see how the gap will ever close. The good news for Wales was that George North looked in fine fettle and set the Northampton game alight with a super break as well as scoring a try. The Dragons had a good go at Glasgow but came up short and it looks like another tough season for them.

It’s great to be back and to see Pontypool playing so well. Good luck next week – come on Pooler!