Pooler edged out in close encounter with the Wizards
Pontypool made the journey along the M4 to the Talbot Athletic Ground to take on old rivals Aberavon in a Super Rygbi Cymru game televised live on S4C Clic, writes Ray Ruddick. Aberavon had lost 9 of their last 10 matches, including the last six, but they showed resilience and determination and came away with a narrow but deserved victory in an entertaining match.
Pontypool, in their changed strip of predominantly black, kicked off defending the scoreboard end of the ground on a very pleasant Thursday evening. The early exchanges were just about even, however, in the 14th minute play was inside Pooler’s 22 and the Wizards were applying pressure when home number eight Ben Gregory dived over from close range for a try to the right of the posts. Outside half Charlie Thomas converted (7-0). Midway through the first half Aberavon were caught offside, 15 metres from their line in front of the posts and visiting outside half Kieran Meek slotted the kick at goal (7-3).
In the 29th minute Aberavon used their forwards with a very powerful driving maul from just inside Pontypool’s 22 and hooker Luke Davies benefitted when he scored a try near the posts, which was converted by Charlie Thomas (14-3). Back came Pooler and within two minutes flanker and captain Mike Herbert took a difficult pass well deep inside the home 22 and used his strength and determination to score a try 15 metres in from the right corner. Kieran Meek made no mistake with the conversion attempt (14-10). Just before the break the Wizards extended their lead when, after a great break out of defence down the left side of the field by wing Cory Lewis-Jenkins took play into Pooler’s 22. A cross kick to the right corner was gathered by flanker Rhys Thomas who crossed for an unconverted try in the corner. Half-time score – Aberavon 19 Pontypool 10.
In the fifth minute of the second period Pooler made their first change when Kelvyn Williams took over from Harry Drane at tight head prop. Then, a minute later, Pontypool were on the attack and centre Joel Mahoney took a short pass then made a break down the left side. He then gave the scoring pass out to full back Harry Jarvis who scored a try, 5 metres in from the corner and Kieran Meek converted with a fine kick (19-17). On 50 minutes Callum Davies replaced flanker Lewis Robey, a couple of minutes later Harry Jarvis made way for Ioan Duggan and just before the hour scrum half Morgan Lloyd made way for Rhodri Cole for the visitors. Then in the 67th minute Pooler made three more changes with Regan Jones, Evan Wood and Tye Davies replacing loose head prop Owain James, hooker Connor Chapman and right wing Jordan Thomas respectively.
A minute later the Wizards struck again from close range when loose head prop Tom Mably powered over for a try, and Aberavon’s bonus point, 15 metres in from the right corner. This score was converted by replacement Ed Dunford (26-17). Pooler now had it all to do and they made their final change when Scott Matthews took a knock and was replaced by Buster Bodkin. With ten minutes remaining Aberavon’s centre Brad Roderick was shown the yellow card for a cynical action at a ruck near the home 10-metre line. Then, three minutes later Pontypool’s replacement hooker Evan Wood, making his debut for the club, scored a try from close range under the posts after Pooler had put their hosts under some pressure. Kieran Meek obliged from the tee (26-24). Pontypool tried to get territory to have a chance of winning the game but Aberavon saw the game out to gain a well-earned and very welcome win. Final score – Aberavon 26 Pontypool 24. The S4C Clic player-of-the-match was awarded to Aberavon hooker Luke Davies who was quite outstanding.
This was another frustrating game from Pontypool’s point of view. The players’ commitment and effort cannot be faulted but, once again, unforced errors and giving away unnecessary penalties cost them, and perhaps a change of tactics might have helped their cause. Pontypool’s final match in the league before the play-offs is on Saturday 19 April when Cardiff will be the welcome visitors to Pontypool Park, with the kick-off being the usual 2.30pm.
Aberavon: Felix Gilbert, Cory Lewis-Jenkins, Brad Roderick, Joe Gage (captain, replaced by Luke Pollock), Frankie Jones, Charlie Thomas (replaced by Ed Dunford), Ellis Horgan (replaced by Scott Whitlock), Tom Mably, Luke Davies (replaced by Saul Hurley), Geraint James (replaced by Morgan James), Ross Fox (replaced by Lewis Marsh), Shay Smallman, Rhys Thomas, Gwilym Evans and Ben Gregory (replaced by Ashton Evans).
Pontypool: Harry Jarvis (replaced by Ioan Duggan), Jordan Thomas (replaced by Tye Davies), Pat Lewis, Joel Mahoney, Marcus Jones, Kieran Meek, Morgan Lloyd (replaced by Rhodri Cole), Owain James (replaced by Regan Jones), Connor Chapman (replaced by Evan Wood), Harry Drane (replaced by Kelvyn Williams), Ieuan Jones, Dan Hill, Lewis Robey (replaced by Callum Davies), Mike Herbert (captain) and Scott Matthews (replaced by Buster Bodkin).
