Right from
the day that the Championship fixtures were announced, Pontypool’s trip to
Narberth was recognised as the toughest assignment on the list. Here we were
then on a glorious sunny afternoon at Narberth nervously awaiting the kick off.
Not that the Championship itself was on the line as that was already in the bag
for Pooler, but this was the chance to go through the season with an unbeaten
league record. Narberth themselves were looking to secure a distant second
place in the league and would like nothing better than to upset the Pontypool applecart.
A good crowd containing a large contingent from the East basked in the sunshine.
The stage was set, the helicopter had landed and so the game commenced.
The first
quarter was a very cagey affair with lots of tactical kicking as the sides
tried to get the measure of each other. Narberth kicked the ball downfield
virtually every time they won possession while Pooler did at least try to move
the ball on occasions and as a consequence looked the more likely to score a
try.
As we went
into the second quarter, it was Pooler who drew first blood. A brilliant break
by Gullis fractured the home defence. The ball was recycled and, with Pooler
already awarded a penalty, Meek tried an audacious cross kick. Prothero managed
to tap the ball back for Lampitt to score the opening try in the corner. A tremendous
conversion from Matthew Jones gave Pooler a 0-7 lead. Sadly this was Lampitt’s
last contribution as he had to leave the field with an injury and was replaced
by Davies
Pontypool
still looked the more likely to score a try and Usher and Sparks both went
close after good approach play. Narberth still seemed content to kick for
position and finally got their reward with a penalty from Griffiths (3-7). As
the a tense first half drew to a close, Pooler were attacking strongly in the
home twenty two and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Matthew Jones
duly converted and at the break Pooler held a slim but deserved 3-10 lead. This
was nail-biting stuff indeed!
It was
Pontypool who started the second half the stronger and were soon deep in the
Narberth twenty two. They won a lineout close to the try line and spread the
ball wide and created an overlap which allowed Usher to score a try in the
corner. Another excellent conversion from Matthew Jones opened up a 3-17 lead for
the champions. The large Pooler contingent breathed a little easier.
Narberth
had to change something if they were going to get back into the game. Finally
they started to mix up their tactics and ran the ball and it paid dividends.
Narberth centre Jones found a gaping hole in the Pooler defence to gallop
twenty metres or so to the line. The try was converted by Griffiths and Narberth
were back within a converted try at 10-17. This seemed to give Narberth
confidence and brought about a shift in momentum towards the home side.
As the
third quarter came to an end, Narberth again breached the Pooler defence with
some good back play and this time Gale on the wing was the beneficiary. The try
was converted by Griffiths and it the scores were level at 17-17 with the Pooler
faithful stunned into silence. Worse was to come when Griffiths added a further
penalty to give the home side the lead at 20-17 with fifteen minutes or so left.
The chips
were well and truly down and this is where good sides show their mettle.
Pontypool used their full complement of replacements and rolled up their
sleeves and went to work. They managed to lift their game up a level and were
soon camped in the Narberth twenty two. They hammered away at the home line and
eventually Rhodri Jones forced his way over for the all-important try near the
posts. The conversion by Matthew Jones gave Pooler a four point lead at 20-24.
The game
was still far from secured and Pontypool continued to press for the try that
would surely win the game. They worked their way into the home twenty two and
were awarded a penalty in front of the posts when Davies offended at a ruck and
got shown a yellow card for his trouble. Matthew Jones kicked the goal and
Pooler were now 20-27 ahead as the game entered its final stages.
Despite a
few nervous moments, Pontypool managed to close the game out at 20-27 and
maintain their winning record. Cue massive celebration!
What a
tremendous season Pontypool have had. To go through a league season unbeaten is
a tremendous feat. It certainly has not been easy and they have been sorely
tested on a number of occasions but still managed to find a way to win. There
is a tremendous spirit and belief and no little talent in the squad that has
carried all before them. I heartily congratulate all involved on a fantastic
season – you have made an old man very happy! I am delighted to see the young
talent that has blossomed as the season has progressed – the future is bright.
It is a
real shame that there is no promotion as the squad looks capable of challenging
the teams in the Premiership. Still we will just have to do it all again next
season and see what the future holds.
Driving
back in the car I listened on the radio as the Scarlets were dismantled by
Leinster. Leinster must surely be favourites to win the European Champions Cup
now. Congratulations must go to the Cardiff Blues on reaching the final of the
Challenge Cup – it is great to see them turning things around so spectacularly.
When we got
back to the local we had the opportunity to hold the Championship Cup which
sadly had not made the trip to Narberth. Happy days!
Well done
Pooler you were magnificent!
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