The fight goes on (From Free Press Series)

The fight goes on

SPEAKING before last night's must-win game at Pontypool Park against Swansea, Pooler coach David Gray remained focused on what his own side could do to stay up - rather then get involved in the WRU relegation debacle.

The authorities are yet to make a decision on the fate of sides in the Welsh Premiership, leaving teams like troubled Pontypool unsure of what they need in terms of points to stay up. But Gray insists the best thing is to stay focused on the rugby and try to win their way out of danger rather than relying on favours from the League.

He said: "Obviously clubs want to know where they stand but it's part of the politics of the game, which I don't want to get involved in." On Saturday, in the first of three crucial home ties, Pontypool went down 35-24 to bitter rivals Newport. Gray still insists the scoreline flattered the visitors, but also noted the 19 point "headstart" his side gave Newport was their own undoing.

Tries from Gavin Donaldson, Scott Williams and a Sam Mills penalty saw Pooler claw their way back into the game, but Gray commented afterwards: "Fair do to the players, they scrapped and got the score back to 22-17 and we had a purple patch for ten minutes before half time."

Sargent injured his ankle in the incident, to be replaced by Lloyd Burns on 55 minutes; while Andrew Quick did add a third for Gray's side try late on.