Pontypool 29 Newbridge 26

PONTYPOOL welcomed near neighbours and traditional rivals Newbridge to Pontypool Park in the SWALEC Championship for the first league game in five weeks on the weekend, writes Ray Ruddick. Despite the visitors languishing at the wrong end of the table, league positions count for nothing in a local derby and so it proved in this closely fought encounter.

Pooler kicked off playing down the slope. Newbridge gave away an early penalty for holding on near their 10-metre line slightly to the left of the posts and home full back Clayton Gullis slotted a good goal (3-0). From the restart, Pooler were guilty of side entry midway between their 22 and 10-metre line to the left of the sticks and centre Kieron Meek brought the scores level with a successful kick at goal (3-3).

Pooler went through several phases of play in a good build up leading to the first try of the game with scrum half Aaron Quick diving over. Gullis failed with his conversion attempt (8-3). The visitors were penalised almost in front of their posts about 25 metres out but the usually reliable Gullis missed a fairly easy shot at goal. Pooler were still on the attack when Sam Mills made a lovely break in ‘Bridge’s 22 after some good work by the forwards. The outside half then passed right to Gullis who crossed in the corner but failed in his conversion attempt (13-3).

Newbridge then put pressure on the home defence and, after several near misses, Pooler’s Quick was shown the yellow card. Newbridge’s numerical advantage told and left wing Andrew Evans crossed on the left for a try and Meek slotted the conversion (13-10). Pooler were then guilty of going off their feet, 25 metres from their line to the left of the uprights and Meek brought the scores level again with a successful kick at goal (13-13). The visitors were penalised on half way in midfield and was marched back 10 metres by referee Morgan Whitehead (Caerphilly). Gullis kicked the penalty and Pooler went into half time with a slender lead 16-13.

Early in the second period Newbridge were penalised in front of their posts and Gullis slotted the easy 3 points (19-13). Another good build up by the home side with Marc Thorley switching direction, resulted in Haile crossing in the left corner. Gullis added the extras with a great conversion (26-13).

Pontypool were penalised at a scrum 35 metres from their line on the 15 metre line and Meek slotted the kick at goal (26-16). Pooler again guilty of an offence to the left of the posts, 25 metres out and Meek kicked his fourth penalty (26-19). Soon after, the visitors were penalised at a ruck 35 metres from their line on the left and Gullis kicked the goal (29-19). Deep into injury time, with Newbridge camped near Pooler’s goal line, Pooler’s tight head prop Jamie Edwards was yellow carded at a scrum. Then, from the following scrum, Newbridge No 8 Dean Gibbs dived over for a try which was converted by Meek to give the visitors a well-earned losing bonus point. Final score – Pontypool 29 Newbridge 26.

Pontypool will be on their travels for the next two weeks. Next Saturday Pooler visit The Wern, for the first time in over 12 years, to take on thurd-placed Merthyr and the Saturday before Christmas the team play Blackwood at Glan-yr-Afon Park in another local derby – both matches kick off at 2.30pm.

Pontypool: Clayton Gullis, Chris Laing, Marc Thorley, Joe Blackmore (replaced by Dan Haile), Ashley Norton, Sam Mills, Aaron Quick, Jamie Jeune (replaced by Keegan Bale), Ben Parry (captain) (replaced by Matthew Prosser), Jamie Edwards, Elliott Ferriman, Josh Porter (replaced by Ryan Thomas), Jordan Williams, Elliott Goodman, Matthew Thomas.

Pontypool scorers: Tries by Aaron Quick, Clayton Gullis and Dan Haile. Conversion by Clayton Gullis. Penalties by Clayton Gullis (4).

Newbridge scorers: Tries by Andrew Evans and Dean Gibbs. Conversions by Kieron Meek (2). Penalties by Keiron Meek (4).

Referee: Mr Morgan Whitehead (Caerphilly)