Scott Matthews lamented a frustrating display from Pontypool but was pleased with the character shown to dig in and grind out a victory over Ystrad Rhondda RFC.
The skipper was instrumental as he scored two tries – a week after saying he was looking forward to contributing more following his return from injury – to help Pooler came from behind to snatch a last-gasp victory at a picturesque Pontypool Park.
The hosts trailed by 11 points with seven minutes left on the clock when Matthews popped up with the second of his two tries to spark his side into action and the pressure finally told with referee Steff Edwards awarding a late penalty try to secure victory for Pooler.
Ieuan Jones had earlier put Pooler in the lead on his 50th game but Cole Morgan hit a double and McCauley Rowley also touched down as Ystrad threatened to spoil his milestone appearance.
Ten kicked points from Rhys Truelove had looked enough to claim victory until the late drama swung the game in Pontypool’s favour.
“Ultimately it was very frustrating,” admitted captain Matthews.
“We just spoke as a squad [at the end of the game] that we have to react to things, things aren’t just going to happen for us.
“Fair play to Ystrad, they are tough boys and they play for each other, they worked their socks off.
“We’ve got to work harder in certain areas, particular the kick-chase part of our game.
“We are a good team when we play fast and wide and sometimes we need to stick to those strengths.
“The pleasing thing is we could have given up but the boys fought back well and it was pleasing that we ground out a win but that’s the only credit you can give us.
“Teams are never going to die, we are a team that everybody wants to beat and we’ve got to be ready for that.
“But to finish on a positive we did really well to turn that around a grind out a win.
“It was a disappointing day but it’s another win and we go on to the next one.”
Having been a catalyst in helping the turn the result around with two tries, Matthews instead chose to focus on the team performance and urged for improvements.
Today is not about me, it’s about the team putting in a better performance,” he stated.
“I’m always happy to get over the line, every time we get into the opposition 22, I try to get excited and get hands on the ball.
“I was lucky enough to get over but it could have been a number of people but with the second one I scored, we should have scored in the phase or two before that.
“So I’m pleased to get over the line and contribute but as a squad we need to be better.
“It's good to be tested, take nothing away from Ystrad, they worked really hard, were really energetic and I’m sure this will kick-start their season.
“If they put 80 per cent of what they put in today they will beat most teams.”
