PONTYPOOL 40 RHIWBINA 5

PONTYPOOL welcomed Division One East side Rhiwbina to a chilly Pontypool Park in a friendly on Thursday (27 November) for what was the home team’s first game in nearly a month, writes Ray Ruddick. The two clubs met at Caedelyn Park back in August in a pre-season friendly when Pooler came away with a hard-fought 41-22 victory.

Pontypool kicked off playing down the slope. Home outside half Sam Mills opened the scoring with a try to the left of the posts which was converted by full back Clayton Gullis (7-0). Shortly after, Pooler went back on the attack and with a patient build-up, Mills cross-kicked, inside the visitors’ 22, and left wing Chris Laing touched down for a try. The fine conversion wide out was landed by Gullis (14-0).

Loose head prop Jamie Jeune was next on the score sheet, crossing for Pontypool’s third try of the evening. This time, however, Gullis was just wide with the conversion attempt (19-0). After a lovely break by right wing Nathan Brooks down his opposite wing, Laing scored his second try of the game under the posts and Gullis added the easy extras (26-0). After the ball went loose in the Squirrels 22, Pooler gathered and centre Marc Thorley scored another try, converted by Gullis. Pooler’s tight head prop Jamie Edwards was shown the yellow card for a trip. The half-time whistle sounded soon after with the score Pontypool 33 Rhiwbina 0.

The second half was a much closer affair with both sides bringing on replacements to give everyone a run-out. It was around 30 minutes into the second period when Rhiwbina crossed the home line for an unconverted try. This score was richly deserved as the Squirrels were enjoying the greater share of possession and territory (33-5).

However, Pooler had the last say when, after pressurising Rhiwbina’s line, young second row Elliott Ferriman burrowed his way over for a try right on the stroke of full time. Sam Mills converted to make the final score Pontypool 40 Rhiwbina 5.

It proved a good work-out for a Pontypool side which has played no competitive rugby since the 16-13 away success over Bridgend Athletic on 1 November. Pooler’s next game is the league encounter with near neighbours and traditional rivals Newbridge at Pontypool Park on Saturday. Kick-off 2.30pm.

Pontypool: Clayton Gullis, Nathan Brooks, Marc Thorley, Joe Blackmore, Chris Laing, Sam Mills, Aaron Quick, Jamie Jeune, Ben Parry (captain), Jamie Edwards, Elliott Ferriman, Josh Porter, Richard Bromley, Elliott Goodman, Matthew Thomas.

Also played: Keegan Bale, Matthew Prosser, Luke Sims, James Hall, Rhodri Usher, Ben Snell, Naom Devey, Steffan Olsanski, Jamie Tibbs

Pontypool scorers: Tries by Chris Laing (2), Sam Mills, Jamie Jeune, Marc Thorley and Elliott Ferriman. Conversions by Clayton Guillis (4) and Sam Mills.

Rhiwbina scored 1 try.

Referee: Mr Sean Brickell (Abertillery)

Richard Bromley