Pontypool 24 Trebanos 7

PONTYPOOL welcomed WRU National Championship newcomers Trebanos for their first-ever visit to Pontypool Park on a very cold afternoon, writes Ray Ruddick.

Pooler managed to hold on for a narrow 27-24 win when the teams met at Trebanos Park back in September and with Trebanos in fourth position in the league table, it was always going to be a difficult game for the league leaders, and so it proved.

Pontypool kicked off attacking the bandstand end of the ground.

Both teams seem to cancel each other out in the early stages with little to choose between them.

However, the stalemate was broken in the 13th minute when Pooler were pressing near the Trebanos goal line and, following a powerful scrum, referee Ben Breakspear, of Abercynon, awarded a penalty try, now a straight seven points with no conversion attempt required, and yellow-carded visiting loosehead Tyla Murvai, (7-0).

During this sin-binning there were passive scrums as Trebanos could not cover the loosehead position off the bench.

Three minutes later Pontypool were caught offside 5 metres inside their half, 15 metres in on Trebanos’ left, but the attempt at goal fell short.

In the 28th minute Pooler took a quick tap penalty on the visitors’ 22. There was a good pick up off his toes by full back Josh Hurley who managed to get his pass to centre Kieran Meek.

In turn, Meek spun a long ball to left wing Jordan Thomas who cut back inside and, as he was tackled, he popped the ball to Clayton Gullis and the centre crossed for a try 5 metres in from the left corner. The difficult conversion attempt failed. Half time score – Pontypool 12 Trebanos 0.

In the third minute of the second period Pooler were on the attack deep inside Trebanos’ 22.

The home forwards tried to drive over but the stubborn Trebanos defence held them out.

Eventually the ball reached Matthew Jones and the outside half put in a grubber kick over the visitors’ goal line and Clayton Gullis won the race to the touchdown near the posts for his second try of the afternoon. Matthew Jones added the extras (19-0).

Five minutes later Trebanos centre Tom Dew was sin-binned for repeated infringing.

Just before the hour mark Pooler scrum half Aaron Quick was dealt with in similar fashion after pulling back an opponent.

Shortly after, Josh Hurley pulled up injured and was replaced by Dan Robinson.

On 62 minutes Trebanos were on the attack and put up a high ball which landed near the Pontypool line.

The home defenders failed to deal with it, the ball went loose and right wing Sam Davies scored a try wide out with full back Matthew Edwards kicking a fine conversion (19-7).

Then Pooler made some changes in personnel with second row Richard East making way for Craig Attwell, Jamie Jeune replacing hooker Alex Watkins and Martin Luckwell going on for Aaron Quick, who didn’t return from his spell in the bin.

With around 10 minutes left on the clock, Pontypool were awarded a penalty from a powerful scrum in midfield. Matthew Jones kicked for the right corner and, from the driving lineout, flanker and captain Rob Nash scored Pooler’s bonus-point try. The difficult conversion failed (24-7).

Near the end of the game Pooler tighthead prop Ollie Drake, a consistent performer throughout the season, made way for Russell Beale, who made his league debut for the club. Final score – Pontypool 24 Trebanos 7.

It was another bonus-point victory for Pooler making it eleven wins out of eleven to continue their impressive run, even though they were below their best.

The game, played on a heavy pitch, seemed to be disjointed at times with the long lay off for the autumn internationals not helping either side.

Pontypool will be on the road on Saturday when they travel to Abernant Park to take on Glynneath.

Their next home game is on Saturday, 30 December, when they entertain traditional rivals Newbridge in what promises to be a keenly contested local derby.

Both matches kick-off at 2.30pm.

Pontypool: Josh Hurley (replaced by Dan Robinson), Marc Thorley, Clayton Gullis, Kieran Meek, Jordan Thomas, Matthew Jones, Aaron Quick (replaced by Martin Luckwell), Aaron Coundley, Alex Watkins (replaced by Jamie Jeune), Ollie Drake (replaced by Russell Beale), Curtis Gregory, Richard East (replaced by Craig Attwell), Mike Herbert, Rob Nash (captain), Brendan Lampitt.

Pontypool scorers: Tries by Clayton Gullis (2), Rob Nash and a penalty try. Conversion by Matthew Jones.

Trebanos scorers: Try by Sam Davies. Conversion by Matthew Edwards.

Referee: Ben Breakspear (Abercynon)