Ponty score big win over strong Cardiff (From Free Press Series)

Ponty score big win over strong Cardiff

PONTYPOOL Coach Steve Jones hopes Saturday's victory over Cardiff will satisfy a section of supporters who have criticised the club recently and encourage them that better times are ahead next season as the current campaign draws to a close.

Pooler followed disappointment at Neath last week with a much improved performance, defeating a Cardiff side that stood four places and eight points ahead of them at the start of play and contained a number of regional players.

"It was definitely one of our best displays of the season," said Jones. of the 25-22 win. "Especially considering they had seven contracted with their region.

"Mathew Amos and the front row in particular played really well on Saturday.

"On occasions this season we've let ourselves down through poor decision-making and a lack of experience but that wasn't the case on Saturday.

"I was pleased to see we matched Cardiff in the physical side of the game which I was disappointed with against Neath."

And Jones had a special message for the club's loyal fans: "We're all more than thankful for the supporters and we realise without them the side wouldn't be here," he said.

"Without doubt we're the best supported team in the league and we've now got to make those supporters want to renew their season tickets and carry on supporting the club." Jones plans to do that by strengthening his side in the summer months with the addition of several new faces.

"Every one with the club has been offered the same positions for next year," he said. "We're still talking to a couple of people and we've been looking at a lot of youngsters in the Torfaen area. And there are some Newport boys I've been talking to.

"We've got to work with the finances we've got but I hope to add a bit of experience as well," Jones added.

The Pontypool chief has also sent out an open invitation to any boys playing youth rugby in the Torfaen area to attend pre-season training in June.

Exact details of Pooler's pre-season schedule have not yet been finalised but information will appear in the Free Press as soon as it is available.

Jones did however reveal he hopes to arrange a series of pre-season friendlies. "I believe in playing quite a few games before the start of the season," he said. "We're looking to arrange games against English clubs Bristol and Plymouth Albion and there will definitely be two pre-season games at the Park."

But before attention can completely shift to next year, Pooler still have the small matter of a trip to Caerphilly before they entertain Bridgend at the Park in the last league match of the season.

"I just hope every Pontypool season ticket holder turns up for the last game to finish off a good year for rebuilding," said Jones.