Pooler get back to winning ways with hard-earned bonus-point triumph over RGC

With an impressive victory over reigning Super Rygbi Cymru champions Llandovery in the opening match of the season, followed by two heavy defeats, it was great to see Pontypool back to winning ways on Saturday with a much-needed and confidence-boosting bonus-point win over RGC 1404 at Pontypool Park, writes Ray Ruddick. Having leaked 22 tries and 134 points in their first three games, Pooler’s defence was much better and good teamwork paved the way for a deserved victory.

RGC kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground on a fine, dry and pleasant autumnal afternoon. The early exchanges were just about even and then, in the eighth minute, RGC were guilty of holding on at a ruck. 5 metres inside Pooler’s half in midfield but the attempt at goal went wide. Eight minutes later the visitors were penalised for offside just outside their 22 and to the left of the posts. Home centre Kieran Meek stepped up and slotted the goal (3-0). Midway through the first half Pooler were guilty of a high tackle, 30 metres from their line in midfield and Billy McBryde, the Gogs outside half, drew the scores level with a successful shot at goal (3-3).

In the 25^th minute Pontypool again tackled high and the referee was about to penalise the home side when a scuffle broke out near RGC’s 10-metre line and about 15 metres infield in front of the stand. The referee and his assistant on the stand side had a discussion and the result was a yellow card for Pooler skipper Scott Matthews and a straight red card for the Gogs’ left wing Ieuan Cornelius. So, the penalty that was originally going to RGC, was reversed. A couple of minutes later Pooler were on the attack inside the visitors’ 22. Play went right and wing Carrick McDonough received the ball in space and scored a try to the right of the posts. Kieran Meek added the extras (10-3). In the third minute of injury time at the end of a very tight and cagey first half, Pontypool were penalised just outside their 22, in front of the posts and Billy McBryde cut the deficit to four points with his second penalty goal. Half-time score – Pontypool 10 RGC 1404 6.

RGC made a good start to the second period, and the half was less than three minutes old when the visitors were in possession in Pooler’s half and play went right for wing Sam Jones to cross for a try, 15 metres in from the corner. Billy McBryde converted to put his side in front for the first time in the game (10-13). In the 50^th minute Sam Jones was yellow-carded for taking a player out in the air near half-way. Pooler then made their first change when Buster Bodkin took over from second row Lance Randall. Two minutes later and with Pooler having a two-player advantage, they made it pay when Carrick McDonough weaved his way through the opposing defence and scored a try near the posts. Kieran Meek slotted the conversion as Pooler re-took the lead (17-13). After 54 minutes two more changes for the home side – scrum half Carter Pritchard made way for Ellis Lewis and Jake Wisniewski took over from George Tuckley at loose head prop.

On the hour Pontypool were penalised just inside their 10-metre line and 10 metres in from their left touchline and Billy McBryde kicked a fine goal to make it a one-point game (17-16). A further two changes for Pooler saw Joel Mahoney replace centre Pat Lewis and tight head prop Owain James made way for Harri Rock and then, a little later Tiaan Hall took over from hooker Sam Scarfe and flanker Ryan Jones was replaced by debutant Rakhat Clarkson. With just over 10 minutes remaining of this close encounter, Pooler were on the attack inside RGC’s 22 and, after several drives towards the visitors’ goal line, the ball reached left wing Marcus Jones who stretched to touch down in the corner. Kieran Meek obliged with a fine conversion from wide out (24-16). In the 74^th minute Pooler were guilty of not rolling away at a ruck their side of the half-way line to the left of the uprights and Billy McBryde was on target to register his fourth penalty goal of the afternoon (24-19). Luke Daniel then came on for all-action number eight Ben Williams for the home side. Two minutes later and Pontypool were again on the offensive and showing some great handling skills, the ball travelled through several pairs of hands until it reached Rakhat Clarkson who finished off a wonderful build up to score Pooler’s bonus-point try when he ran behind the posts. Kieran Meek slotted the relatively easy conversion (31-19). The Gogs however were not done as, in the fourth minute of added time, they were building pressure inside the home 22 and managed to score a try, from close range, by co-captain and number eight Sam Williams, who barged over to the left of the posts, converted by Billy McBryde as the visitors from North Wales left Pontypool Park with a losing bonus point. Final score – Pontypool 31 RGC 1404 26.

This was a far better performance all-round from Pontypool, as the tackling was much improved on the previous three games. It was a hard-working, spirited and committed showing, and they scored some good tries, so well done to all concerned. RGC, who were always in the contest, despite their first half sending off, are always a very dangerous side that can score tries from anywhere on the field, so this result will give the Pontypool squad belief going into the first of two tough away games next Saturday with a trip to Church Bank to face Llandovery and the following Saturday Pooler travel to the Electric Brewery Field to take on Bridgend. Both games will kick-off at 2.30pm.

Pontypool: Ellis Davies, Carrick McDonough, Pat Lewis (replaced by Joel Mahoney), Marcus Jones, Evan Lloyd, Carter Pritchard (replaced by Ellis Lewis), George Tuckley (replaced by Jake Wisniewski), Sam Scarfe (replaced by Tiaan Hall), Owain James (replaced by Harri Rock), Joe Davies, Lance Randall (replaced by Buster Bodkin), Scott Matthews (captain), Ryan Jones (replaced by Rakhat Clarkson) and Ben Williams (replaced by Luke Daniel).

RGC 1404: Dion Jones, Sam Jones (replaced by Louis Williams), Danny Cross (co-captain), Delwyn Jones (replaced by Osian Llewellyn), Ieuan Cornelius, Billy McBryde, Tudur Jones (replaced by Niall Povall), Gareth Parry (replaced by Oliver Roe), Osian Burt (replaced by Jac Petch-Jones), Patrick Nelson (replaced by Pedr Jones), Harper Chamberlain, Will Kellett (replaced by Celt Ffransis-Roberts), Huw Davies, Dafydd Thirsk (replaced by Dylan Avery) and Sam Williams (co-captain).