Pooler boss 'at fault' (From Free Press Series)

Pooler boss 'at fault'

Pontypool coach Steve Jones has accepted responsibility for Pontypool's latest defeat at the hands of already-relegated Caerphilly but defended his decision to rest some of his more regular players.

Pooler were well beaten, 36-22, by the doomed cheesemen who had managed just one win in 30 prior to Saturday's encounter.

"We had four back row forwards out. Nick Blake got a rest and I would have picked six players that didn't play," said Jones.

"I was very disappointed with the result but I'm not making excuses I'll hold my hands up and take responsibility.

"They scored 17 or 18 points in the first 20 minutes so we were always going to be struggling to get back into it.

"It was a horrible day, we tried to chuck the ball everywhere and there was no purpose to it. Every one of their tries came from our mistakes.

"We worked hard for our points but I'm disappointed in the way we played the game. We could have won but the players that came in didn't perform. "All Caerphilly did was kick to our 22 and we were the daft ones who tried to play from our 22. It showed a lack of experience but I'll take the blame," he added.

Despite experimenting with some fringe players last week Jones has vowed to select his strongest possible squad for the visit of third-placed Bridgend on Saturday - the last league game of the season.

"If they're fit they'll be playing, said Jones. "We want all Pontypool supporters to turn out for the last match and hopefully we'll give them something to cheer about.

"The club is going in the right direction. I've met with Pontypool United youth, I'm going to meet with Panteg youth and I'm going to meet with most of the other youth sides soon.

"And we'll be inviting a lot of other players in Torfaen to train with us at the end of the month," he added.

Jones also invited all supporters to have a drink with the players after Saturday's match.