Battling Pooler stay top of the pile

I missed another Pontypool game as the long trek to Newcastle Emlyn unfortunately clashed with another part of my busy social programme. “Get your priorities right young man”, I hear you say. Pooler games are like gold dust in the slimmed down version of the Championship this season so it was with a heavy heart that I took up my position on the couch with my tablet close at hand. What is more, I may well miss the next Pooler game as I will be going to Cardiff for the Wales v. Argentina game. Even though the Pontypool game has been brought forward it still does not leave enough time for travel and adequate liquid refreshment.

The good news was that Pontypool recorded their ninth straight win in the Championship by the narrow margin of 18-23 at Newcastle Emlyn. It all sounded pretty tense with Pooler yet again tested to the full and just managing to squeeze home. Having read the excellent match report and fielded the tweets, it doesn’t seem as if Pooler were firing on all cylinders against a spirited home team. I felt quite tense on the couch I must say.

There certainly wasn’t much tension in the Ospreys v Dragons game on the TV. Two late tries by the Dragons made the final score (35-17) look a lot closer than the match actually was. The Dragon’s forwards struggled to be competitive against what was not far off an Osprey’s second team pack and the home backs were far sharper. Keelan Giles on the wing certainly looks an exciting prospect.

One of my hobbyhorses is the massive variation in the size of in goal areas on rugby pitches. It really does have a significant effect on the game – the laws say that the dead ball line can be 10-22 metres from the goal line. It seems a massive variation and with the way the ball bounces on both artificial and converted football pitches it has a major impact on tactical kicking. In the Dragons’ game Macloed actually had so little room that he put his foot on the deadball line while trying to make a clearance kick.

I also cast my eyes over Cardiff Blues v. the Scarlets on Friday night. A really strange game full of thrills and spills and perhaps the direst ten minutes of rugby that I have seen. The Blues were pressing with ten minutes left in the first half and the full ten minutes was consumed by five metre scrum after five metre scrum. Even though two of the props were yellow carded, it went on and on for what seemed to be an eternity. This does the game no favours at all. The referee didn’t have his greatest day but there has to be some responsibility on the players to produce a spectacle. The Scarlets would probably argue that they achieved the aim of stopping the Blues scoring but, dear oh dear, it was excruciating.

In the Premiership, there are wildly differing starts to the season from the four teams that pipped Pontypool for promotion last season. Merthyr and RGC 1404 go from strength to strength with six wins out of seven while Swansea and Bargoed struggle with only one win each. I wonder how Pontypool would have fared? Sadly it will be a few years before we get a chance to find out.

Next weekend Wales kick off the Autumn Internationals with a match against Australia. It must be a year since we played them last so we must all be getting withdrawal symptoms. Let’s hope we can finally play for the full eighty minutes and sneak a win. One can only hope. I suspect will not make too many changes from the tried and tested team and formula but it would be refreshing if they took the opportunity to try something or somebody new.

Come on Wales!

For Pooler there is a chance to reflect on what has been a terrific start to the season. Well done boys you have made us proud. There is still a long way to go and certainly no room for complacency but so far so good.

Keep it going Pooler!  

It’s Getting Harder

Management had decreed that I had to spend the weekend in Oxfordshire so I missed Pontypool’s latest encounter and it sounds like I missed a good close game. Bedlinog clearly gave a really good account of themselves and Pooler were mighty relieved to grab a narrow 13-10 victory when a first defeat of the season was staring them in the face. That is three tough encounters in a row and Pontypool have found a way to win all three. When you sit at the top of the Championship and have the great history that Pooler has, you can expect everyone to raise their game when they play against them and that certainly seems to be the case. Well done for keeping the impressive running going Pooler.

For my part, I did manage to sneak out to watch the local Oxfordshire side, Chinnor play against Bury St. Edmonds. Chinnor are enjoying a good season and are unbeaten and sit proudly at the top of English League Division Two South. This is just three leagues down from the English Premiership so it was interesting to compare the standard with Pontypool in the Welsh Championship two leagues down from regional rugby. I did spend most of the match fiddling with my mobile phone trying to keep up with events at Pontypool Park but I did watch the rugby enough to form an impression.

Chinnor have a mixture of professional and semi-professional players and what immediately struck me was the size of the forwards. These were not young players making their way in the game but burly men who knew their way around a rugby field. The ground itself had no stand or terrace but did have floodlights and a large clubhouse at the side of the pitch. There were also another three or four pitches nearby although there were no other matches being played. Apparently they have a tremendously strong mini-rugby set up. There are sixteen teams in their league so they do manage to play a decent amount of rugby unlike the Welsh Championship.

Chinnor were by far the stronger team and played some good rugby to overpower Bury St. Edmunds 45-14. The million dollar question of course is how would Pontypool fare against them? It is difficult to judge but I got the feeling that it would be a close run thing with home advantage possibly tipping the balance either way. When you think that Chinnor actually play on the outskirts of Thame  which has a population of around 12,000 and you consider how many similar setups there are in England you begin to realise just how powerful a rugby nation England is. You really wonder how the other home nations can compete at all when you look at the sheer weight of numbers. Is it only just over a year ago that Wales beat England in the RWC?

I did get to watch four matches from the various European competitions on the TV. I started with two pretty poor spectacles: Bath v Bristol (Thur) and Sale v Toulon (Fri). Both matches were the typical slug fests that are so often European rugby. It is tough and uncompromising and punctuated by injuries and referrals to the fourth official. There is plenty of muscle but little of the artistry that you would hope would set the rugby at this level apart. The two games yesterday: Toulouse v Wasps and Leicester v Racing 92 were in a similar vein although there were some flashes of brilliance from Wasps and Racing 92 at times. The neutral observer wonders at the ferocity but there is little to get the pulse racing.

Yet again in Wales we wait with bated breath to see if our players plying their trade outside Wales will be able to play in the extra Autumn international. You would think by now we would know one way or the other but it never changes. Only a few years ago, people were saying how much Welsh players would gain from a spell playing outside Wales with the exposure to different cultures and coaching methodology. Now we only want the old dogs to finish their playing days outside Wales and they certainly will not learn any new tricks. Maybe we need to award rugby scholarships to promising young players that enable them to go and play in the Southern Hemisphere in our summer.

Next week Pontypool are away at Newcastle Emlyn and will be hoping for a win to keep them ahead of the chasing pack in the Championship. I am sure the recent victories will leave the squad in confident mood but there is certainly no room for complacency.

Come on Pooler!

Pontypool Rumble On

A grey autumnal day in Pontypool Park greeted Skewen RFC for their Championship match. This was going to be a tough challenge for the West Walians as Pontypool have made a commanding start of the season with six straight victories. For Pooler, it was all about maintaining their momentum as they continue in their quest to win the league.

The trees around the Park provided a stunning backdrop with the leaves showing their autumn tints as Skewen kicked off playing down the slope. Pontypool made a tremendous start and soon had the visitors under pressure. The power and pace of their attacks stunned Skewen and within the first fifteen minutes Pooler had scored two converted tries to lead 14-0. The first came after some excellent approach play had led to a scrum five metres from the visitors’ line. Quick sniped after Sparks had made ground to score near the posts. The second followed a break by Hancock that resulted in Kent crossing the whitewash for the second time in two weeks.

As the finally gained some possession, Skewen did manage to get a foothold in the match and showed that they had strong ball carriers to go with a resolute defence. Pontypool, however, were in no mood to give away any tries and thundered into the tackles thwarting most of the attacks on the gain line.  Skewen did manage to get on the scoreboard through a penalty when Pontypool gave away a penalty at a scrum (14-3) after fifteen minutes spent almost exclusively in the home half.

The driven lineout has become a weapon of choice for Pontypool and a reliable source of points. They turned to it to reassert their authority and from a lineout close to the Skewen line, Nash scored after a textbook drive. The try went unconverted but Pooler held a solid 19-3 lead at the interval.

The heavens opened during half time and the rest of the match was affected by heavy rain which rather dampened both teams’ attempts at attacking rugby. Pooler set off in pursuit of the bonus point try but there followed a scrappy period of play with neither side able to make much headway against well organised defences. After about a quarter of an hour of frustration, Pontypool won a lineout just inside the Skewen 22. The lineout was won and the forwards drove fully twenty metres for Smith to score the try. The successful conversion gave Pooler a comfortable 26-3 lead.

Both sides made a series of substitutions in the third quarter and Skewen continued to frustrate the home side with good defensive work at the breakdown. For their part, Pooler continued to tackle fiercely with Tu’ipulotu to the fore and, hard as they tried, Skewen were prevented from scoring a try. It was one such Tu’ipulotu tackle that resulted in the ball coming loose near the halfway line. Thorley scooped up the ball and outpaced the cover defence to score near the posts (33-3).

Pontypool continued to attack but the combination of the dogged Skewen defence and the slippery ball proved too difficult to overcome and the score remained 33-3 at the final whistle.

Although the match did not really have the tension of the match against Tata Steel last week, make no mistake this was a tough encounter. Skewen never gave up and certainly provided a stern challenge. Pontypool were always in charge, however, and produced a workmanlike performance to deliver a bonus point win. Their lineout drive has become a potent weapon and takes us old codgers back to the days of the rolling maul with Bobby Windsor at its heart.

Talking of the past, it was great to see that Pontypool feature prominently on the new Lions’ website. It is almost forty years ago but it brings a tear to the eye to remember those heady days when Pooler were the best and most consistent team in the UK and provided a string of players for Wales and the Lions. It seems pretty unlikely that we will ever see that again but you can still dream!

Wonder of wonders, the Welsh Regions had a great start to the European rugby competitions. All four Regions recorded good victories – admittedly only the Scarlets in the Champions Cup. Let’s hope that they continue with the good work and avoid a Wexit at the pool stages.

Next up for Pontypool is a first visit by Gwent rivals Bedlinog. Their victory over Tata Steel yesterday shows that they certainly cannot be taken lightly. We have now completed almost a third of the Championship matches with Pontypool sitting proudly at the top of the table with a ten point lead. Long may it continue!

Come on Pooler!

Pontypool Show Their Mettle

Two unbeaten records were on the line when the top two teams in the Championship clashed in Port Talbot. Tata Steel had started the season impressively and were sure to provide Pontypool’s sternest test of the season so far. A decent crowd had gathered and there was a roar of from the Eastern Valley faithful as the teams took to the field. Everyone knew that this was going to be one of the biggest games of the season. Conditions were perfect for rugby with a dry pitch and little wind for the players to contend with.

Pontypool started the stronger and really pressed hard in the opening ten minutes. Unfortunately, for all the pressure they exerted, they came away pointless. A combination of indiscipline from the away side coupled with some over-zealous refereeing led to a string of penalties being awarded and meant that Pooler’s early control of the match was wrested away from them. As Tata gained territory, the penalties became kickable and the home side took a 6-0 lead. Pooler did manage to respond with a penalty from Jones to close the gap to 6-3.

It was a fiercely contested game and the two sides were quite evenly matched at this stage with Tata giving the Pontypool plenty to think about at the scrum and at the breakdown. Hurley was rather harshly yellow carded for what looked like a fifty-fifty challenge in the air for a high ball and the away side were down to fourteen men. Worse was to follow when a Pontypool lineout close to their line went wrong and Hall gleefully gathered the loose ball to score the first try of the game. The successful conversion meant that Tata had opened up a substantial 13-3 lead.

It is at times like these that good sides respond although the odds are seemingly against them. Pooler responded brilliantly and took the game to Tata despite being short-handed. First Jones kicked a penalty and then, after a great drive from the forwards, the ball was moved out into the threequarters where a miss pass allowed Kent to gallop over for a try. The conversion from Jones tied the score up at 13-13 and Pooler were well and truly back in the match.

There was no further scoring before halftime and Pontypool must have felt mighty relieved to be on equal terms after a half that had been littered with penalties against them. It was going to take a big effort to overcome their opponents in the second half that was for sure.

Pontypool brought on the vastly experienced Nash as a replacement in the pack for the second half and started the stronger. They began to gain a measure of dominance in the scrum and Tata conceded penalties as a consequence. Jones converted two of them to ease the away side into a 13-19 lead.

Just as Pooler were beginning to assert a measure of control, a high tackle by Coundley led to a yellow card and they were reduced to fourteen men again. Tata yet again seized the opportunity and came back strongly with two penalties of their own to level the scores at 19-19. It was still anyone’s game as we went into the final quarter.

Tata were penalised and combative No8 Llewellyn yellow carded for an offence at a ruck on the Tata twenty two. Jones obliged with the kick to edge Pooler into a 19-22 lead. It was now Pooler’s chance to make numerical advantage pay and a powerful drive from a lineout close to the home line resulted in a try for Parry. Although the conversion went narrowly wide Pooler there was now daylight between the sides at 19-27. The away side continued to apply the pressure and a further penalty from Jones further increased the lead to 19-30.

The home side were far from finished and put together a storming finish which was given further impetus with Pooler’s third yellow card as a consequence of a deliberate knock-on by Kent. Pooler somehow managed to weather the storm despite Tata battering away at their line for the last five minutes or so. This prevented the home side gaining a losing bonus point which might turn out to be important in the latter stages of the season. Final score: Tata 19 Pontypool 30.

Make no mistake this was a really searching examination for Pontypool. Tata Steel were tough uncompromising opponents who never gave up. The turning point in the match was Pooler’s magnificent comeback in the last ten minutes of the first half when everything seemed to be against them. The whole team stood up to be counted and this will surely stand them in good stead as the season progresses. There were some great performances in the pack and with Matthew Jones controlling the game and kicking his goals this was an excellent win that takes Pontypool five points ahead at the top of the Championship.

There are still a few issues with discipline which need to be looked at with too many penalties and yellow cards. Not all the referees that we come across will have Nigel Owens’ sympathy for the game! I take my hat off to those who referee at this level. I certainly wouldn’t want to do it. Fortunately there are those who do and remember that without them we wouldn’t have a game.

I did watch Ospreys v Blues on the TV on Friday night and the Blues were brought well and truly down to earth. You have to be impressed with Sam Davies – there must surely be a place for him in the Welsh squad. At prop Arhip is a real handful – shame he’s not Welsh. I also saw the tail end of the Springboks v the All Blacks. There is no doubt that NZ are taking rugby to a new level and the rest of the world is some distance behind. The Lions are certainly going to find it very tough next summer.

For Pooler, next up is Skewen who visit Pontypool Park next Saturday. They have certainly made an encouraging start to their first season as Championship level winning three of their six matches to date.

Great win boys let’s keep it going. Come on Pooler!

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!