Pontypool 77 Cinderford 14

Super Pooler in 11-try romp against Cinderford

Pontypool welcomed Cinderford to glorious Pontypool Park on Saturday for their third pre-season friendly and secured a third impressive win when they outclassed their opponents in a dominant second half display, writes Ray Ruddick. Having defeated Ystrad Rhondda and Newbridge in the first two pre-season friendlies, Pooler proved to be too strong for the English National League 2 West outfit. It was the Forest of Dean club’s first visit to Pontypool Park since December 1990.

Cinderford kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground on a very pleasant late summer’s afternoon, with Pontypool playing in their changed strip of predominantly black. In the sixth minute, play was inside Cinderford’s half and some great handling by the home team resulted in a try in the left corner by full back Ewan Rosser. Outside half Kieran Meek kicked a fine conversion (7-0). Eleven minutes later lovely inter-passing by Pooler along their right flank put wing Rhys Cole over for a try in the corner. Kieran Meek again obliged from the tee with another good kick (14-0). Midway through the first half Cinderford replied with a try by Grady Alford to the left of the posts following a driving maul, which was converted by Joe Winfield (14-7).

Six minutes later the visitors were on level terms as another powerful driving maul brought their second try by Sam Baker, 15 metres in from the right corner. Again, Joe Winfield slotted the conversion (14-14). On the half hour play was inside Cinderford’s 22 on Pooler’s right. The ball was recycled and reached Morgan Allen in midfield and the number eight broke one tackle and powered over for a try under the posts which Kieran Meek converted (21-14). About five minutes before the interval, another bout of wonderful inter-passing by the home side put Ewan Rosser over near the left corner, receiving the scoring pass from Kieran Meek, who converted to make the half-time score – Pontypool 28 Cinderford 14.

In the seventh minute of the second period, Pooler were testing Cinderford’s defence inside the visitors’ 22. Play went left and Ewan Rosser bagged his try hat trick when he touched down near the left corner. Once again Kieran Meek was on target with another conversion (35-14). In the 51^st minute good support play by Pontypool inside their opponents’ 22 and replacement second row Joe Davies scored a try near the posts. Kieran Meek converted (42-14). Just before the hour play was close to Cinderford’s line with Pontypool in control. The ball was released and Ewan Rosser claimed his fourth try of the afternoon, touching down in the left corner. This score was converted by replacement outside half Evan Lloyd, with Kieran Meek switching to centre (49-14).

In the 62^nd minute Pooler were on the attack again deep inside the visitors’ 22 and replacement prop Joel Patterson scored a try from close range near the posts. Kieran Meek added the extras (56-14). With just over ten minutes remaining a great kick down field put Cinderford under pressure and eventually left wing Marcus Jones, who was free wide out, touched down in the left corner for Kieran Meek to, once again, convert (63-14). In the 73^rd minute replacement hooker Ben Williams scored Pooler’s 10^th try of the afternoon when he dived over, 15 metres in from the left corner, following a driving maul. Again, Kieran Meek was spot on with the conversion (70-14). Four minutes later Joel Patterson scored his try brace to the left of the posts and Kieran Meek added his tenth conversion of the game. In fact, the kickers had an immaculate afternoon as all 13 tries scored were converted. Final score – Pontypool 77 Cinderford 14.

Many congratulations to Pontypool on a fine performance with forwards and backs contributing. There were some well-worked tries scored by Pooler in what has been a confidence-boosting pre-season, scoring 175 points, including 27 tries in the 3 warm-up games. Commiserations to Cinderford as they found Pooler in top form. They are a great club, always welcoming and friendly, and very best wishes to them for the season ahead. The next match for Pontypool is on Saturday 5 September when they make the short journey to the Memorial Ground on Conway Road to take on Pontypool United in the Steve ‘Junna’ Jones Memorial Match, the kick-off will be at 3pm. Then on Saturday 12 September the Super Rygbi Cymru begins with Pontypool taking on reigning champions Llandovery in a mouth-watering clash at Pontypool Park in the opening round of matches. This will be the later-than-usual kick-off of 5.30pm as the game will be broadcast live on S4C.

Pontypool starting XV: Ewan Rosser, Rhys Cole, Pat Lewis, Joel Mahoney, Marcus Jones, Kieran Meek, Ellis Lewis, Jake Wisniewski, Tiaan Hall, Harri Rock, Lance Randall, Liam Antrobus, Scott Matthews (captain), Ben Williams and Morgan Allen. Also played: Ben Williams (hooker), Joel Patterson, Scott Crewe, Joe Davies, Dan Bassett. Dan Hill, Jake Sheppard, Luke Daniel, Ellis Davies, Aneurin Patterson, Evan Lloyd, Carrick McDonough and Iestyn Martin-Lloyd.

Cinderford squad: Grady Alford, Ollie Aston, Sam Baker, Alex Bosworth, Reeve Brighty, Dan Broady, Ben Carpenter, George Chandler, Rio Ebanks, Sean Gardner, Jack Harris, Reuben Hinds, Jonny Holliday, Layton Hopkins, Tyler Jerrum, Olly Johnson, Brendan Llewelyn, Dan Nicholls, Connor Norman, Jacob Parker, Rhys Powell, Alfie Roberts, Tom Samak, Jack Shields, Vinnie Sims, Oscar Smith, Sam Smith, Renzo Spakman, Charlie Stallard, Henry Watts, Joe Winfield.