Pooler’s poor performance in disappointing defeat down west

Pontypool travelled along the M4 to Carmarthen Park on Saturday when they faced Carmarthen Quins in the Super Rygbi Cymru as they try to put last week’s disappointing home defeat to RGC 1404 behind them, but another poor performance resulted in another loss, writes Ray Ruddick. Carmarthen Park is not a happy ground for Pontypool as they have only 3 victories and this, the 12^th defeat in their 15 matches there against Carmarthen Quins.

Carmarthen Quins kicked off attacking the Tesco end of the ground with the weather fine and dry but breezy at the start of the game with Pontypool playing in their changed strip of predominantly black. Quins started much the stronger and had the lions’ share of territory and possession. They asked questions of the Pontypool defence and, in the 14^th minute, the pressure told when home loose head prop Rhys Fawcett scored a try from close range, 10 metres in from the left corner. This score was converted by outside half Elis Price (7-0). Nine minutes later Pooler were caught offside, 25 metres from their goal line and to the left of the posts. Elis Price extended his side’s advantage with a successful shot at goal (10-0).

Just after the half-hour mark, Pontypool were in possession near half-way but, a loose pass in midfield was kicked ahead by the home side and left wing Thomas Williams won the race to the touchdown under the posts, converted by Elis Price (17-0). Five minutes before the interval Lewis Robey replaced visiting number eight Morgan Allen who took a knock. Two minutes later Quins were on the attack inside Pooler’s 22 and Rhys Fawcett bagged his brace with another close range try in a similar position to that of his first and, again, the conversion was kicked by Elis Price (24-0). The forecasted rain then started to fall just before half time as Pontypool were grateful to hear the whistle to end a dreadful first 40 minutes. Half- time score – Carmarthen Quins 24 Pontypool 0.

The Pontypool coaches must have had a few choice words to say to the players at half-time as the second half performance was better. Pontypool opened their scoring in the 47^th minute when play was in Quins’ 22 and, after several phases and some good handling, debutant full back Carrick McDonough crossed for an unconverted try in the left corner (24-5). Seven minutes later Pontypool made three changes when centre Ioan Evans, loose head prop Tom Sims and flanker Ryan Jones were replaced by Pat Lewis, George Tuckley and Evan Minto respectively.

Then, on the hour, Pooler made a further two replacements with Ieuan Jones taking over from Joe Davies in the second row and outside half Harri Ford made way for Kieran Meek. Ewan Burrows replaced hooker Evan Wood four minutes later and shortly after Kyan Best took over from tight head prop Owen Popple for the visitors. In the fifth minute of injury time the referee showed the yellow card to Quins’ replacement Gabe McDonald for an offence near the home line. A minute later, Pooler took advantage of the extra player as, with last play, the ball went left and Carrick McDonough got his second try of the afternoon with a try wide out, which was superbly converted by Kieran Meek. Final score – Carmarthen Quins 24 Pontypool 12.

Congratulations to Carmarthen Quins on a well-deserved victory as they were the better side. From Pontypool’s point of view, the positives were that their defence was good overall, considering the amount of territory and possession Quins had, and that the visitors prevented their hosts from getting a try bonus by not conceding a point in the second half. However, Pontypool seemed to lack direction and penetration when in possession, there were too many loose passes, and they didn’t gel as a team so, overall, it was another below par showing, leaving Pooler bottom of the league table. Pontypool will have a chance to put the wrongs from this match right next Saturday when Carmarthen Quins visit Pontypool Park in the return Super Rygbi Cymru fixture, kick-off 2.30pm.

Carmarthen Quins: Steff Evans, Ioan Jones, Ifan Davies, Jac Howells, Thomas Williams, Elis Price, Rhodri Davies, Rhys Fawcett, Lewis Morgan, Ifan James, Tom Phillips, Lee Taylor, Ben Williams, Shaun Evans (captain) and Lewys Millin. Replacements: Gruff Williams, Lewys Jones, Connor Allen, Ryan Bean, Iestyn Wood, Osian Williams, Bowyn Clark and Gabe McDonald.

Pontypool: Carrick McDonough, Ioan Duggan, Ioan Evans (replaced by Pat Lewis), Joel Mahoney (captain), Walker Price, Harri Ford (replaced by Kieran Meek), Morgan Lloyd, Tom Sims (replaced by George Tuckley), Evan Wood (replaced by Ewan Burrows), Owen Popple (replaced by Kyan Best), Joe Davies (replaced by Ieuan Jones), Dan Hill, Scott Matthews. Ryan Jones (replaced by Evan Minto) and Morgan Allen (replaced by Lewis Robey).