Tata Steel 41 Pontypool 17

PONTYPOOL RFC travelled along the M4 to Port Talbot take on Tata Steel in the SWALEC Championship, looking for the double over their opponents having won a close game 36-34 at Pontypool Park earlier in the season, writes Ray Ruddick.

Tata kicked off playing towards the cricket end of the ground and scored an early try though outside half Steve Lewis after a good build up. Lewis added the extras (7-0). Shortly after, The Saints went on the attack again and No 8 Robbie Morgan crossed in the left corner for a try which went unconverted (12-0).

Pooler were now under the cosh and conceded a penalty for side entry at a ruck just outside their 22 in front of the posts and up stepped Lewis who slotted the relatively easy kick at goal (15-0). Poor tackling by the visitors let Tata in for their third try near the posts, scored by second row Ben Davies. This score was converted by Lewis (22-0). Pooler then came back at Tata and, from a driving lineout in the home 22, second row Luke Simms crashed over for a try near the right corner. The conversion failed. Half time score Tata Steel 22 Pontypool 5.

Early in the second period the referee warned Tata Steel for persistent offending and at the next offence in the home 22, home second row Danny Hockin was shown the yellow card. Pooler were then turned over in Tata’s 22 and the home side broke – several passes later, full back Andrew Spowart crossed for a bonus-point try for The Saints, which was converted by Lewis (29-5).

Pooler then made some changes – Ashley Norton replaced Nathan Brooks on the left wing, Matthew Davies came on for Aaron Quick at scrum half and Jamie Jeune made way for Matthew Prosser at loose head prop. Tata Steel’s left wing Gareth John was sin-binned for not retreating 10 metres after the hosts conceded a penalty near the home 22. Pooler put pressure on the Tata defence and Prosser barged over for a try to the left of the posts. Outside half Sam Mills converted (29-12).

Another yellow card for Tata followed when replacement Brett Thomas was guilty of an illegal tackle. A good break by Pooler centre Joe Blackmore put replacement wing Ashley Norton over in the left corner for an unconverted try (29-17). The home side went on the offensive once more and poor Pooler tackling again let in blind side flanker David Griggs for another unconverted try (34-17). Keegan Bale replaced the injured Ryan Thomas in the Pooler pack. Bale went to loose head prop and Matthew Prosser into the back row.

Near the end of the game, Joe Blackmore was yellow-carded for not rolling away at a ruck. Pooler broke out of defence and reached the home 22 only to be turned over and Tata then broke and full back Spowart crossed for his second try of the afternoon which was converted by Lewis. Final score – Tata Steel 41 Pontypool 17.

There are Six Nations games for the next two Saturdays so it will give Pontypool time to right the wrongs from this game and prepare for the visit of Bridgend Athletic to Pontypool Park on Saturday 28 March (Kick off is 2.30pm).

Pontypool: Josh Hurley, Chris Laing, Marc Thorley, Joe Blackmore, Nathan Brooks (replaced by Ashley Norton), Sam Mills, Aaron Quick (replaced by Matthew Davies), Jamie Jeune (replaced by Matthew Prosser), Ben Parry (captain), Garin Harris, Luke Simms, Lee Williams, Richard Bromley, Elliott Goodman (replaced by Ryan Thomas, who was then replaced by Keegan Bale), Matthew Thomas.

Pontypool scorers: Tries by Luke Simms, Matthew Prosser and Ashley Norton. Conversion by Sam Mills.

Tata Steel scorers: Tries by Andrew Spowart (2), Steve Lewis, Robbie Morgan, Ben Davies and David Griggs. Conversions by Steve Lewis (4). Penalty by Steve Lewis.

Referee: Mr Morgan Whitehead (Caerphilly)