Ebbw Vale RFC v Pontypool RFC

Scott Matthews is targeting a strong end to the season, even with the play-offs no longer in sight, starting with the trip to Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale.

Cardiff’s victory over Merthyr on the weekend ended Pooler’s play-off chase but skipper Matthews still believes there is plenty of hunger and desire in the squad to end the season on a positive note.

Pooler trail Pontypridd by two points but can leapfrog them into fifth with victory over the Steelmen at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

And a top-five finish would represent a positive season on Pooler’s return to the Premiership, according to Matthews.

“We’re massively disappointed,” he said.

“As players if we are not disappointed then we are in the wrong place.

“To have that taken away by points being taken away, you do feel a little bit hard done by at times.

“It’s a huge learning curve, we’ve been in the Championship for a number of years.

“The thing for us was to change the perception of Pontypool, that was a big driver of Leighton’s from day one when he took over. That has certainly gone in the right direction for us.

“I think everyone at the club – players, management, supporters – can hold their heads up high and we’ve showed we deserved to be back in the Premiership.

“The supporters have been fantastic and as captain of the club I would genuinely like to thank them.

“We ride the wave together, there have been way more highs in recent years than there has been this season and I know we aren’t used to losing but we are realistic as a playing group and there have been some times as a playing group where we have deserved to lose but it is all about gaining experience and getting better.

“It’s hugely important that we finish strong together.

“The first thing is to show massive respect to Ebbw Vale.

“They are probably a bit further down the line in their development.

“They’ve got very good coaches and they love the physical side of the game but so do we.

“Huge respect will be shown but you don’t show respect by standing off, the way to respect a team is to up your own game and go after them.

“They’ll be hurting from the last time we played them and we know they are going to bring the fire.”

Not only will Pooler be looking to finish strongly, but so will Matthews on a personal level as he chases the club’s top try-scorer mantle, as he did last season.

While he enjoys going over the whitewash, he admitted he takes great pride and satisfaction in providing support to the team, whatever form that takes.

“I was taught from a young age that when you are in the opposition 22 to get excited and that is something I like to do,” he revealed.

“If you can assist and help the team in anyway then it’s a pleasure.

“I would rather have a good jackal and win the ball for the team rather than scoring a try but I’ll take anything to help the team.

“As long as I’m supporting the team and having a positive impact.”