Pooler found it tough going against impressive Birmingham Moseley

Pontypool travelled to the West Midlands to face English National Division One side Birmingham Moseley, an old club rich in history and tradition, at a very pleasant Billesley Common on Saturday – the very first meeting between the two clubs, writes Ray Ruddick. It was a very competitive encounter and Pooler found their opponents in good form with Birmingham Moseley deservedly taking the spoils.

Pontypool kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground on a fine and dry afternoon. The home side struck first when, in the sixth minute and following a penalty, Moseley kicked to the right corner. From the ensuing driving maul flanker Santiago Edwards scored a try to the right of the posts. The conversion struck the right upright and went wide (5-0). Eight minutes later Pontypool replied when, after going through several phases in the home 22, the ball reached left wing Jordan Thomas who popped up on the right flank and stretched over for an unconverted try, 5 metres in from the right corner (5-5). After 16 minutes Moseley re-took the lead following some good work by their pack when outside half Ollie Allsopp dived over for a try under the posts and scrum half Jack Jolly converted (12-5).

In the 22^nd minute a great midfield break by visiting centre Joel Mahoney took play to the home 22 when he offloaded to his fellow centre Pat Lewis who strolled over for a try to the right of posts. Outside half Kieran Meek converted to bring the scores level again (12-12). With about 5 minutes to go to the interval, Moseley were putting their opponents under pressure and, despite a sterling effort by the Pooler defence, Moseley were rewarded with a try near the posts by hooker Sam McNulty, converted by replacement Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley. Half time score – Birmingham Moseley 19 Pontypool 12.

The Midlanders started the second period strongly and play was in Pooler’s 22 on Moseley’s left. The home backs looked sharp and in the 44^th minute, created an overlap for replacement Freddie Painter to touch down for an unconverted try, 10 metres from the right corner to extend his side’s lead (24-12). Three minutes later, a cross-field kick by Moseley on Pooler’s 10-metre line freed up their backs and again an overlap was created for replacement Call to score a try to the left of the posts which Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley converted (31-12).

On the hour, play was inside Moseley’s 22 with Pontypool on the attack. Pooler right wing Marcus Jones took the ball and made a powerful run. He burst through the home defence and his strength took him over the line for a fine individual score as he touched down to the right of the posts. Matt Bancroft, who had moved from his starting opposition of full back to outside half, added the extras (31-19). Then, with about five minutes left, Moseley were giving the ball plenty of air and replacement Austin Nevitt scored the final try of the match to the right of the uprights but the conversion attempt went wide. Final score – Birmingham Moseley 36 Pontypool 19.

Birmingham Moseley looked organised and well-drilled with a powerful pack and dangerous backs who were looking to move the ball wide and they created overlaps on several occasions. It was a good run out for Pooler and will they learn from this experience against an impressive outfit, as there is much to work on going into the season in the Super Rygbi Cymru. The final pre-season friendly will be on Saturday 31 August when Pontypool visit the Forest of Dean to take on Cinderford at the Beavis Memorial Ground, kick-off at 3.00pm. The first league match has been brought forward to Thursday 12 September as the game against the reigning double champions Llandovery at Pontypool Park will be covered by S4C Clic. The kick-off will be at 7.30pm.

Pontypool starting XV: Matt Bancroft, Marcus Jones, Pat Lewis, Joel Mahoney, Jordan Thomas, Kieran Meek, Archie Lloyd, Sam Cochrane, Connor Chapman, Peter Lloyd, Dan Hill, Will Gregory, Mike Herbert (captain), Adam Stratton, Scott Matthews. Also played – Lewis Bates, Duan Thomas, Amosa Nove, Harry Jarvis, Mathew Powell, Dan Davies, Lewis Rosser, Callum Oliver, Buster Bodkin, Lewis Robey and Dylan Roberts.

Referee: Mr Ian Kay (RFU)