Pooler took on local rivals in first run-out of the new season

Pontypool took a largely young and inexperienced squad to Emlyn Park, Talywain to face Talywain and Blaenavon in separate mini matches, Pooler’s first run-out of the new season, on a pleasant Saturday afternoon in early August, writes Ray Ruddick.

In fact only eight of the 23 players on show appeared for Pooler last season, namely Marcus Jones, Archie Lloyd, George Tuckley, Kyan Best, Buster Bodkin, Ieuan Jones, Scott Matthews and Callum Davies who skippered the side, so there were 15 players pulling on the famous red, white and black jersey for the first time.

It was agreed between the clubs that Pontypool would play Talywain in 2 x 25-minute sessions followed by a 30-minute game between Pooler and Blaenavon, who were struggling for a side.

Pontypool started strongly against their hosts in the first mini-match and scored a converted try early on, in the right corner (0-7). Then after a quarter-of-an-hour Pooler scored another converted try from a driving maul (0-14). Five minutes later, Pooler were alert and took a quick tap penalty inside Talywain’s 22 and scored an unconverted try to the right of the posts (0-19). At the end of the first 25-minute session, Pooler were on the attack and scored a try to the right of the posts, which was converted (0-26).

Talywain’s impressive start to the second half was rewarded with a deserved score when they chipped ahead, gathered and scored a converted try to the right of the posts (7-26). However back came Pooler shortly after and, following a good break, a converted try was scored near the posts (7-33). Pooler scored again when the ball was given some width, and another converted try was scored behind the posts (7-40). After an impressive passing movement, Pooler notched up another converted try near the posts (7-47). Pooler rounded off a good performance with two late tries – one good individual effort and the final try was the finishing touch of a good passing movement. Both these tries were converted so the final score over the two sessions was Talywain 7 Pontypool 61.

After a short break, Pontypool re-took the field to face Blaenavon. Pooler struck as early as inside the first minute with an unconverted try wide out on the right (0-5). Seven minutes later Pooler scored a converted try under the posts following a quick tap penalty (0-12). Then a couple of minutes later a great break led to another unconverted try in the right corner (0-17). In the 20^th minute a well-worked switch by the Pooler backs resulted in try, 15 metres in from the left corner and this score was converted (0-24). Eight minutes later and Pooler took a tap penalty near the Blaenavon line and crossed for a converted try. The final action of the afternoon was a Pooler interception try after Blaenavon had possession inside Pontypool’s half. This try, which was scored under the posts, was converted and the score at the end of this 30-minute session, Blaenavon 0 Pontypool 38.

This was a good opportunity for the Pontypool coaching team to have a look at the 15 new players, some of whom must have impressed. Hopefully it was a worthwhile exercise for both Talywain and Blaenavon and best wishes go to them for the forthcoming season in the Championship East and Division One East respectively. For Pontypool, there are three consecutive away friendlies against English opposition to look forward to. On Saturday 16 August, Pooler travel to Bristol to take on Dings Crusaders (National One) at Shaftesbury Park with an earlier than usual kick-off time of 1.00pm. A week later Birmingham Moseley (also National One) will provide strong opposition at Billesley Common, kick-off at 3.00pm. Pontypool wrap up their pre-season friendlies with a trip to the Forest of Dean on Saturday 30 August to face Cinderford (National Two West) on their newly-laid pitch at the Beavis Memorial Ground, again with a 3.00pm kick-off.