Congratulations Pooler! (From Free Press Series)

Congratulations Pooler!

10:59am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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SINCE Saturday it seems everyone in Pontypool has been on cloud nine.

Having led Pooler to promotion, captain Leighton Jones said: "Everywhere we go at the moment people are congratulating us. It's massive for the town, not just the supporters."

Pooler's triumph had brought a "real feel good factor" to the town, said club trustee Arthur Crane.

He contacted the Free Press' to say: "Frank and Merril have done a tremendous job, and we should thank Torfaen County Borough Council for improving the floodlights. Now we're repaying the council, the supporters and the people of Pontypool."

Simon Binnie, manager of the Scrum Half pub, said: "We were very busy with incredibly happy supporters both before and after Saturday's game.

"It's great to see a local team doing so well. Their promotion will hopefully bring more people into the town on match days."

Ardent fan Mark Gregory said: "I'm absolutely chuffed to bits. It came as a complete surprise to me.

"The atmosphere in the town was amazing. Everyone was over the moon. "

Fellow enthusiasts Colin Onions and Harry Vaux, both 69, were equally jubilant.

Mr Onions said: "The team deserves to be promoted. They are the best in the league."

And Mr Vaux said: "It's good to see them back up where they ought to be."

Clerk to Pontypool Community Council, Ruth Tucker, said: "I'm absolutely delighted. The community council has supported Pontypool Rugby Club through its ups and downs.

"I hope the team will go from strength to strength."

And Council chairwoman Denise Nicholls added: "I would love to see Pontypool prosper. Their promotion will do a lot of good for the town."

Another fan, 44-year-old Paula Skyrme said: "We're absolutely thrilled. The boys worked very hard all year and it's paid off. Now we can't wait for next season to start."

And Free Press editor Andy Downie added: "This is wonderful news for Pooler, and a testament to the hard work put in behind the scenes by Frank, Merril and the whole team up at Pontypool Park.

"Here's to more success in the Welsh Premiership."

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