Last year’s double champions, Llandovery RFC began a new era of Welsh rugby with a dramatic win over Pontypool RFC despite late drama at Pontypool Park.
With the clock nearly in the red Pooler had a decision to make, either take the three points to draw the match or kick to the corner for once last push. With the momentum seemingly in their hands Kieran Meek kicked into the corner and after a number of phases the ball was spilled at the ruck and the ball was kicked dead.
It didn’t take long for the Drovers to break the deadlock, with the ball being spread quickly out wide for winger Ilan Phillips to cross to score the first ever Super Rygbi Cymru try. Jack Maynard was unable to add the extras which meant Llandovery went into an early 5-0 lead after two minutes.
With possession being evenly shared between both sides, on the 15-minute mark and on his 100th appearance for Pooler, outside-half Kieran Meek added three points after the visitors were penalised for not releasing. (3-5)
Moments later, Pooler were reduced to 14-men after Sam Scarfe was shown a yellow card from referee Adam Jones after an off the ball infringement. From the resulting penalty into the corner, a catch and drive followed and Taylor Davies crossed over for the visitors second of the evening. This time around Jack Maynard was able to add the extras. (3-12)
Coming to the end of the first-half, there was a long break in the game as Llandovery’s Stuart Worrall was receiving some medical treatment after a collision. He was then stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Nathan Hart.
As the half went on Pooler were holding more of the possession but some heroic defence from the visitors proved the difference as the Drovers went in at half-time with a nine point lead.
HT: Pontypool 3-12 Llandovery
It didn’t take Pooler long to capitalise on missed opportunities in the first half, as after a kick in behind from Joel Mahoney it allowed Mike Powell to cross the whitewash as Pooler finally converted one of their chances. Kieran Meek added the extras and therefore reduced the deficit to just two points. (10-12)
Minutes later, Joel Mahoney broke through the visitors defence and put Pooler up into the 22. After the ball was spread wide, Mike Powell crossed over for his second. This time around Kieran Meek could not add the extras. (15-12)
On the 50-minute mark Pooler were penalised for being off their feet and fullback Jack Maynard added the three to bring proceedings back level. Kieran Meek was involved again as after Pooler could not find a way through the visitors defence, the centurion opted for a drop goal to put his side three points ahead. (18-15)
That lead didn’t last long as Jack Maynard added another penalty conversion to bring the game back level going into the final 15-minutes at Pontypool Park. (18-18)
Replacement, Joseph Scrivens was shown the hosts second yellow card of the match after breaking the momentum of the Drovers attack. From the resulting penalty, Jack Maynard put the visitors back into the lead for the first time since the 45th minute. (18-21)
Right at the end of the game, Pooler was left with an option to either kick at goal to secure a draw or gamble and go to the corner. They opted for the corner and after successfully gathering at the lineup, a few phases followed but the ball was spilled as Llandovery survived a late onslaught from Pooler.
Words By Harry Tovey
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