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The chill breeze threatened to blow an ill wind for Pontypridd this morning as the boys took the pitch for their first game in 3 weeks due to the horrendous weather of the past two weekends. At roughly the same time in the season last year the weather had forced a similar break and the boys then proceeded to lose their first match back…was this a case of a ‘little bit of history repeating itself?
Pontyclun arrived and looked sharp and menacing in their warm-up, both teams were focused on the forthcoming encounter, both sets of supporters shivering through a mix of the cold and the trepidation. Captain Carl Blacker led out the team to receive the kick off, and like so many previous times this season the players quickly answered any questions their supporters could ask. The break had seemingly done no harm at all and in fact the first half saw possibly their best form of the season so far. Rhodri Smith opened the score after 3 minutes following a fine flowing move along the back line, and Jay ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jones added a further two tries after 5 and 7 minutes showing exemplary pace and power. Ponty were looking to move the ball through the hands at every opportunity with pace, precision and fluidity. Their angles of running were inspiring and Pontyclun were unfortunate to find a Ponty side at the very top of their form. The ferocious tackling drove back Pontyclun time and time again, their rucking was precise and efficient and when they took possession of the ball they threatened to break through the Pontyclun line almost at will. The cold wind was now forgotten this Ponty team were on fire and an exemplary period of possession saw Ponty display their handling skills in full to put Griff ‘Greased Lightning’ Lloyd over for Ponty’s 4th try after 8 minutes. Two minutes later on the stroke of half time Rhodri Smith scored his second to give Ponty a comfortable lead going into the interval. The second half yet again saw a Ponty team almost completely different to the first half in terms of personnel, and Pontyclun came out strongly trying to respond positively to the shock they endured in the first half. The second period was not as free flowing with Ponty forced to defend for long periods of play, but again showing their defence is as powerful as their attack is creative. Pontyclun tried hard but their attacks were repulsed and thwarted at every attempt, and as the half progressed both Jay ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jones and Callum ‘Chieftain Tank’ Tucker drove Ponty forward at with a series of penetrating, powerful runs putting Ponty on the offensive and finally breaking the Pontyclun resolve on 15 minutes through Jay Jones. The ‘Pocket Battleship’ then capped off a fine display by scoring his fourth try moments before the end of the match. The coach had stressed at half time that Ponty is not a collection of individual players, or even a team of players, but a squad of players, each as important and valued as the other. Without exception each week all the players produce fine, inspiring performances, which collectively produce a fine team performance. It is not possible to name each of the players individually in the match report, but as 2007 comes to an end it is both possible and pertinent to state that the success of the U9’s this year has been based on the determination and courage of each and every member of the squad. The teamwork of the side has been exemplary this year and has probably been the main difference between them and their opponents thus far. The players now enjoy a further break for the Christmas period, and on the strength of today’s performance we can look forward to continued success and enjoyment in 2008, and thus it just remains to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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