Pooler won tough battle in the Forest of Dean in testing conditions

Pontypool’s third visit over the border in as many Saturdays took them into the Forest of Dean for their final pre-season friendly when they faced a committed Cinderford side on their newly laid 3G pitch at the Beavis Memorial Ground, writes Ray Ruddick. It was difficult for both sides to play due to the heavy rain and cold wind but credit to Cinderford and Pontypool for serving up an entertaining encounter. The inclement weather was a major factor during the game on a grey afternoon in what seemed like late November rather than late August.

Pontypool kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground and, in the eleventh minute, opened the scoring when they kicked to the right corner following a penalty. From the resulting driving maul, hooker Evan Wood scored a try, 5 metres in. This score was converted by outside half and captain-for-the-day Kieran Meek (0-7). Six minutes later a carbon copy build-up and try was scored by the visitors in the opposite corner and, again, the scorer was Evan Wood but this time the difficult conversion attempt failed. There was no more scoring in this close and evenly matched first half which ended Cinderford 0 Pontypool 12.

In the 51^st minute Cinderford were asking questions of Pooler’s defence with some concerted pressure inside the visitors 22. The home side’s patience and pressure were eventually rewarded with a try by back row forward Aaron Ryan, converted by full back Sonny Greenman (7-12). With thirteen minutes to go, Pooler extended their lead with another powerful driving maul in the left corner as flanker Scott Matthews touched down for a try, 5 metres in. Kieran Meek slotted the conversion with a fine kick (7-19). Pontypool finished the stronger and, with last play of an absorbing contest, replacement number eight Morgan Allen picked up from the base of an advancing scrum inside Cinderford’s 22 and galloped over for a try, 10 metres in from the left corner. Another great kick by Kieran Meek sealed victory for the visitors. Final score – Cinderford 7 Pontypool 26.

It is always hard fought whenever you play in the Forest of Dean and Cinderford provided very worthy opponents. They made Pooler work hard for their victory. Both sides will take positives from the game but there is still much to work on going into their respective league seasons. Best wishes to Cinderford for the season ahead as they challenge for honours in National 2 West and many thanks to them for their warm welcome. As for Pontypool, this was a pleasing result in testing conditions which will give them confidence as they now look forward to their first game in Super Rygbi Cymru when they welcome Swansea to Pontypool Park on Saturday 13 September, kick-off 2.30pm.

Pontypool starting XV: Harry Jarvis, Ioan Duggan, Pat Lewis, Amosa Nove, Marcus Jones, Kieran Meek (captain), Cai Wardman, Tom Sims, Evan Wood, Kelvyn Williams, Ieuan Jones, Dan Hill, Scott Matthews, Callum Davies and Lewis Robey. Also played: Ellis Davies, Ioan Evans, Sam Berry, Dylan Davies, Dafydd Ebsworth, Matt Cotton, Kyan Best, Joe Davies, Liam Antrobus and Morgan Allen.