Price eager to get 2019 underway as Pooler prepare to head west

The club will finally play its first game of 2019 this weekend and as a squad, we are raring to go. Due to a game cancellation and postponement, the club has not played for a month but we couldn't have asked for a better fixture for our first one back.

Narberth have been one of our toughest opponents since the start of ring-fencing in 2016. A trip west to the Lewis Lloyd Ground is always a game we look forward to and we eagerly await what is sure to be another fiercely competitive 80 minutes.

Given the amount of time since our last game against Newbridge, we have had to work hard at maintaining our fitness, but I think the balance has been just right. We have been worked hard in training and some of the boys have enjoyed game time for local clubs Pontypool United, Blaenavon, Croesyceiliog and Talywain.

The fact the club was able to send members of its squad out to so many different clubs goes to show the great links that have been forged in the local area. I arrived at the club from Croesyceiliog RFC and it was great to return there last week as we took part in some structured games in training against the Cockerels. I’m sure that it won't be the last time we visit the club, as these sorts of links can be mutually beneficial and great for the community.

From a personal point of view, I was really pleased with how the first half of the season went. You can never underestimate the benefits of a good pre-season and after a challenging set of pre-season friendlies, I felt I started the season in really good form. Hopefully I can carry that into the second half of the season and continue to contribute to what is undoubtedly the club's biggest season since the 2015-2016 campaign.

It was great to make my move to the club permanent in September last year and I feel like I've improved as a player since initially joining the club on permit from Croesyceiliog in 2017. I'm really fortunate to be working alongside a player like Ollie Drake on a weekly basis. Competition for places always helps push you on as a player and this situation is no different. Ollie is a top bloke and we get on really well. We are both still some way off our peak years and I have no doubt that we will continue to learn and develop as players within the excellent environment that has been created at the club.

Craig Price was speaking to Andrew Deering.