Peter Lloyd insists everyone connected to the club played their part in the WRU Championship Cup final victory over Ystrad Rhondda at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.
Pooler had to come from behind to seal a hard-fought victory in the capital after Callum Phillips crashed over to give Ystrad the lead, with Rhys Truelove converting.
Deon Smith got Pontypool back on track and Matthew Jarvis landed the conversion to level the score.
Winger Mathew Powell then edged Pontypool ahead as he showed great agility and strength to hold off strong challenges and get over the line.
Ill-discipline started to creep in the game and Truelove took full advantage as he booted three penalties to edge Ystrad back into the lead, but Jarvis kept them in sight thanks to a penalty of his own.
On the hour mark Lloyd spotted a route to the try line from a driving lineout and managed to force his way over the whitewash to re-establish Pooler’s lead with Jarvis converting.
Jarvis then held his nerve from the tee with a further two penalties – one from the halfway line – to spark joyful scenes on the field and in the stands.
Lloyd, who has won all five games he has played at the Principality Stadium, praised Ystrad for their approach in what proved to be one of the toughest games of the season.
However, he felt Pooler gifted them opportunities to keep the scoreboard ticking over with needless penalties.
“They came out firing,” he said.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be a walkover, we knew it was going to be physical.
“We gave away a couple of stupid penalties and that is what kept them in the game.
“If we cut the penalties out and keep the ball through the phases, teams can’t live with it.
“First half wasn’t pretty but we worked hard.
“We got a couple of yellows unfortunately but the boys dug in for each other. We knew what was at stake.
“We’ve had a hard run up to this cup, we haven’t had it easy, and we wasn’t going to let it slip in the final.
“I haven’t really got the words.
“It’s a great feeling and without everyone, from the backroom staff to the supporters to the coaches and boys, this wouldn’t have happened, we would not be holding the cup.”
