Pontypool United 24 Pontypool 36

Pooler prevailed in United’s 80^th anniversary celebrations

Pontypool United Rugby Football Club was formed in 1946 and the first game was against Cwm (Ebbw Vale), away, on Saturday 7 September with United recording a superb 24-3 victory, writes Ray Ruddick.. 80 years on and Pontypool made the short journey to the Memorial Ground last Saturday in the final warm-up game before the league fixtures start next Saturday. The match was played for the Steve ‘Junna’ Jones Cup, remembering a great servant to both clubs over many years who died in September 2007. Pontypool United played very well and the players showed plenty of commitment and enthusiasm, making their club proud on this anniversary day, but the youthful-looking Pontypool side proved the stronger in the end of what was a very entertaining encounter, played in a great spirit. Before the United v Pooler contest, Pontypool United Youth played Merthyr Youth and the match ended in an honourable 24-24 draw.

Pontypool kicked off attacking Conway Road end of the ground in their changed strip of predominantly black on a glorious afternoon in early September. There was not much to choose between the two sides in the first quarter, however, the deadline was broken in the 21^st minute when Pooler were on the attack inside United’s 22 and, after several drives towards the goal line, the ball was released and play went left for wing Aneurin Paterson to dive over in the corner for an unconverted try (0-5). Three minutes later Pooler were on the attack again and loose head prop Joel Paterson scored a try near the posts for outside half Ethan Paterson to convert (0-12). United’s scrum half Ollie Mayo was yellow-carded for an offence deep inside the home 22.

On the half hour Pooler extended their lead when they had a scrum feed in front of the home posts and play went left for full back Ellis Davies to dive over for a try, 15 metres in from the corner. Ethan Paterson converted (0-19). With two minutes to go before the interval, Pooler were on the attack deep inside United’s 22 but the ball went loose. United counter-attacked and play moved to the other end of the field for outside half Declan Dawkins to score a great try in the corner and he duly converted. Half-time score – Pontypool United 7 Pontypool 19.

In the sixth minute of the second period, United were on the attack inside the visitors’ 22 and a lovely grubber kick through was gathered by centre Tom Evans and he scored an unconverted try, 15 metres in from the left corner (12-19). Soon after Pooler replied with a try by replacement wing Rhys Cole when he touched down 10 metres in from the left corner. This score was converted by Ethan Paterson (12-26). Both sides were playing expansive rugby and on 55 minutes, Pooler were again on the offensive and Rhys Cole was clear and ran in unopposed to score a try to the left of the posts. The conversion attempt failed (12-31).

In the 64^th minute, Pooler on the attack and centre Morgan Carter scored his side’s sixth try of the game, 5 metres in from the right corner. Again, the conversion attempt went wide (12-36). Back came United and three minutes later play was inside Pooler’s 22 with the home side threatening the Pooler goal line. Aneurin Paterson was sin-binned for what looked like a deliberate knock on and United were awarded a penalty try (19-36). With less than two minutes to go United were rewarded for a fine display with their fourth try of the game when replacement Celyn Dawkins crossed from close range, but the conversion was unsuccessful. Final score – Pontypool United 24 Pontypool 36.

International referee Craig Evans was the man with the whistle and did his usual excellent job, officiating at Pontypool United for the first time. Congratulations to Pontypool United on their performance and on their 80^th anniversary and best wishes to them for the season ahead. United travel to Caldicot on Saturday for their opening game in Admiral National League Division 2 East, kick off will be at 2.30pm. For Pontypool, this was a good workout for the younger members of the squad ahead of Pooler’s first game in Super Rygbi Cymru which will be on Saturday when they welcome current champions Llandovery to Pontypool Park in a mouth-watering opener with a later-than-usual kick-off of 5.15pm, as the game will be televised live on S4C.

Pontypool United starting XV: Jack McDonagh, Tom Bowen, Tom Evans, Charlie Gregory, Danny Hutchinson, Declan Dawkins (vice-captain), Ollie Mayo, Matt Keenan, Cae Jones, Richard Nash, Adam Stratton, Ralph Evans, Iestyn Davies (co-captain), Jake Smith and Jake Davies (co-captain). Also played: Ieuan Merchant, James Davies, Dewi Rosser, Will Jones, Celyn Dawkins, Reuben Malson, Charlie Fowler, Jensen Jeune, Jamie Jeune, Joe Blackmore, Harry Danvers, Jake Powell, Luca Grocott-Mason and Cameron Wilcox.

Pontypool starting XV: Ellis Davies, Ioan Duggan, Lewis Appleby, Morgan Carter, Aneurin Paterson, Ethan Paterson, Carter Pritchard, Joel Paterson, Ben Williams, Scott Crewe, Buster Bodkin, Dan Bassett, Luke Daniel (captain), Mike Herbert and Jake Sheppard. Also played: Elgan Williams, Dylan Pennell, Iwan Dark, Rhys Cole and Cai Wardman.