Pooler’s struggle in the Forest of Dean

For Pontypool’s final pre-season friendly they made the journey over the border to the Forest of Dean to take on English Division 2 West side Cinderford at Beavis Memorial Ground and found it tough going throughout the game, writes Ray Ruddick. Pooler struggled in the set pieces and their discipline was poor but, considering there were a number of players unavailable and some players played out of position, it was a valiant effort. However, on a positive note, the defence was good overall.

Pontypool kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground on a fine, dry but breezy afternoon, with Pooler having the benefit of the wind in the first half. In the 7^th minute Pooler’s Callum Davies, normally a flanker but filling in at second row, was yellow carded after the visitors had conceded several penalties in quick succession. Then, a minute later, Cinderford took advantage of their numerical advantage when play was in Pooler’s 22 with the home side in possession. The ball went right and an overlap was created for the Forest of Dean club to open the scoring with an unconverted try in the corner by flanker Will Korb (5-0).

After half an hour’s play and after a period of pressure inside the visitors’ 22, Cinderford stretched their lead with a try near the posts from short range by prop George Alexander and the relatively easy conversion was kicked by outside half Luke McMahon (12-0). In the second minute of injury time at the end of a scrappy first half Cinderford’s full back was sin-binned with Pooler applying pressure on the home defence in the Cinderford 22. From the ensuing penalty and after several drives towards the goal line, number eight Scott Matthews burrowed his way over for a try to the left of the uprights but the conversion was unsuccessful. Half time score – Cinderford 12 Pontypool 5.

In the seventh minute of the second period and after a skirmish in front of the stand, Pooler replacement Will Gregory was shown the yellow card. Three minutes later the Pontypool scrum was under severe pressure close to their line. The scrum broke up and the referee ran between the posts and awarded the home side a penalty try (19-5).

On the hour one of Cinderford’s forward replacements also saw yellow as he failed to retreat 10 metres following a quick tap penalty inside the home 22. In the 71^st minute a powerful run by replacement number eight Morgan Allen inside the Cinderford 22 broke through the home defence and he offloaded to the supporting Duan Thomas for the replacement three-quarter to dive over for a try under the posts which outside half Matthew Flanagan (who is usually a scrum half) added the extras. There was no further scoring and the final score read Cinderford 19 Pontypool 12.

Cinderford fully deserved their win so congratulations to them and best wishes for a successful and enjoyable season. However, this was a difficult and disjointed day for Pontypool but one they can learn from. With several key players to return to the side and players reverting to their usual positions, hopefully Pooler can get back on track.

Pontypool’s next game is the first league match of the season which has been brought forward to Thursday 12 September as the clash with 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: Jordan Thomas, Mathew Powell, Pat Lewis, Amosa Nove, Marcus Jones, Matthew Flanagan, Dylan Davies, Sam Cochrane, Jack Wakely, Kelvyn Williams, Callum Davies, Dan Hill, Mike Herbert (captain), Adam Stratton and Scott Matthews. Also played: Evan Healey, Ioan Duggan, Tye Davies, Duan Thomas, Harry Jarvis, Owain Leonard, Kyan Best, Joseph Challingsworth, Jack Noyes, Will Gregory, Lewis Robey, Morgan Allen and Dylan Roberts.