'We let our fans down' (From Free Press Series)

'We let our fans down'

PONTYPOOL'S coach Steve Jones has revealed that Saturday's defeat against Bedwas was the worst in his coaching career.

Following Wednesday night's draw against Ponty-pridd, Pooler's players were left with egg on their faces yet again after being humbled 22-12 by their Gwent rivals up at the Park.

And after being subjected to another lacklustre display, fans must be wondering just what is the point in paying good money to see the club play anymore.

Speaking candidly to the Free Press, Jones spoke about his: l disappointment at the way his players let themselves, the club and fans down so badly against Bedwas; l his acceptance that Pooler's derby rivals no longer hold any fear about playing at the Park; l and that from now on, his men had to treat every game as if their life depended on it.

"It was extremely disappointing for everyone involved with Pontypool," said Jones after Saturday's debacle 22-12 defeat.

"There were a lot of people who have tried to help the club really upset after that game. I can assure you the players felt the same too.

"They let themselves down badly. It almost looked like we didn't train or have any game plan out there.

"That has to rank as my lowest ebb performance-wise as a coach. I am not going to start pushing the problem on the players. I am putting myself as coach on the line as well. I am bitterly upset. We couldn't even string two passes together.

"The people who have put money into this club, to save it, have been badly let down."

Jon Williams, in for the injured Sam Mills at fly half, scored all of Pooler's points with four penalty goals in a rain-swept game, dominated by meaningless kicks to touch.

Jones blamed player complacency for the club's sixth defeat in nine games.

"I think the players took to the field thinking it was just a case of them having to turn up. We were missing some experienced players like Cae Trayhern, Matthew Amos and Sam Mills, but that's no excuse. It was a dreadful performance and I feel we have let everyone down.

"The Gwent sides don't fear us anymore," he added. "We have always been able to win our local derbies, no matter how bad or low we have been. Now that has gone, and we are letting ourselves down.

"We need to regroup and not chuck the towel in. The hardest thing to do is to pick ourselves back up, but that's exactly what we have to do now. "We're going to Neath this Saturday wiping the slate clean and starting afresh.

"I still believe we are capable of beating anyone on our day.

"We just need to improve our mental attitude and play every game from now on as if our lives depended on it."

Saturday's match kicks off at The Gnoll at 2.30pm.