As February draws to a close, it comes with the realisation that we are rapidly approaching the business end of the season. We have seven league games left to play and a National Cup quarter-final to contest. These are the times of the season that make the freezing cold training sessions throughout winter seem worthwhile.
This month saw us play just one game - a 36-24 victory at home to Newcastle Emlyn - and I don't think it's a game many in the squad will look back on with much fondness. We fell short of what we expect from each other as a squad. Rustiness may have played a part in our performance, but we were left in no doubt by the coaching staff and senior players that the performance wasn't good enough for a Pontypool team.
Looking at the positives, it was a bonus point victory and we never take those for granted. We must also give credit to Newcastle Emlyn. They are currently fighting a relegation battle and performed extremely well in that second-half, pushing us all the way.
This weekend, we return to action with a tricky away game against Maesteg Harlequins. The promoted side have lost just twice at home this season and have won three of their last four games, so we will have to hit the ground running at South Parade.
I will hopefully be involved on Saturday. I'm extremely critical of my own performances and would say my form has been nothing more than OK so far this season. Over the last couple of months I have been spending more time in the gym and Leighton recognises that a rest, be it from matches or training, can help bring the best out of you as an older player. This will all hopefully mean I start to hit top form between now and the end of the season.
From the middle of March onwards, the games will come thick and fast and I know the boys in the squad can't wait to get stuck in. I have been here since the summer of 2017 and am desperate to help take this club back to the top table of club rugby in Wales. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but I know the squad will all be pulling in the same direction between now and May.
Like everyone else in Wales this weekend, I was glued to the TV watching Wales defeat England in the Six Nations. Moving forward, it would be great to see the success of the national side boost interest in club rugby across the country. The semi-professional and amateur game does have its differences to the professional game, but it's a brilliant product in its own right and would only thrive with more active support.
