Match report from IC Wales -- Pontypool RFC Message Board

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Subject: Match report from IC Wales

Author:
Glyn

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Date Posted: 15:22:05 09/23/02 Mon
Author Host/IP: cache-loh-ad07.proxy.aol.com/195.93.48.13

Pontypool keep winning while Wizards lose magic Sep 23 2002

The Western Mail

CHANGES might be in the offing at the top end of the game, but it was service as normal between these old Merit Table rivals, writes Tony Poole.

While Pontypool maintained a 100 per cent record, Aberavon not only surrendered theirs but also extended an unproductive run at the ground to 22 years.

In many ways what unfolded on the paddock acted as a sideshow to what has been building behind the scenes for weeks.

Both clubs are adamant that radical decisions have been made that will make it impossible for them to revisit past glories, and Pontypool coach Steve Jones highlighted the point.

He said: "Unless the WRU act soon they will witness the death of Welsh rugby as we know it.

"Whether we like it or not, provincial-type rugby, based around five teams, will be the way forward. And hopefully the WRU will allow a watered down system of challenge to thrive through a vibrant semi-professional second tier.

"The WRU have once more changed the goalposts in blocking promotion from the First Division, and this means the likes of Aberavon and Pontypool will be playing fun rugby."

With promotion ruled out, the Wizards seemed as if they were going through the motions. The defending champions competed strongly at the set pieces, but a lack of quality loose possession allied to second-rate ball retention held them back.

Pontypool, despite losing captain and No 8 Mark Jones to a sixth minute elbow injury, were too street-wise.

The Wizards threatened in the 35th minute, but tries either side of half-time from wing Joel Griffin and centre Jonathan Hawker kept them in their place.

Though fly-half Byron Hayward was only on target with four out of eight attempts at goal, Aberavon weren't good enough to make him pay.

Pontypool: Tries - J Devereux, J Griffin, J Hawker. Pens - B Hayward (2). Cons -Hayward (2).

Aberavon: Tries - J Hyatt, R Morris. Pen -J Davies.

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[> Subject: The Argus report was more positive. Can't understand what the coaches are on about. Ridiculously negative if you ask me.

Author:
Steve P
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Date Posted: 15:59:45 09/23/02 Mon
Author Host/IP: NoHost/213.40.131.65

>Pontypool keep winning while Wizards lose magic Sep 23
>2002
>
>The Western Mail
>
>CHANGES might be in the offing at the top end of the
>game, but it was service as normal between these old
>Merit Table rivals, writes Tony Poole.
>
>While Pontypool maintained a 100 per cent record,
>Aberavon not only surrendered theirs but also extended
>an unproductive run at the ground to 22 years.
>
>In many ways what unfolded on the paddock acted as a
>sideshow to what has been building behind the scenes
>for weeks.
>
>Both clubs are adamant that radical decisions have
>been made that will make it impossible for them to
>revisit past glories, and Pontypool coach Steve Jones
>highlighted the point.
>
>He said: "Unless the WRU act soon they will witness
>the death of Welsh rugby as we know it.
>
>"Whether we like it or not, provincial-type rugby,
>based around five teams, will be the way forward. And
>hopefully the WRU will allow a watered down system of
>challenge to thrive through a vibrant
>semi-professional second tier.
>
>"The WRU have once more changed the goalposts in
>blocking promotion from the First Division, and this
>means the likes of Aberavon and Pontypool will be
>playing fun rugby."
>
>With promotion ruled out, the Wizards seemed as if
>they were going through the motions. The defending
>champions competed strongly at the set pieces, but a
>lack of quality loose possession allied to second-rate
>ball retention held them back.
>
>Pontypool, despite losing captain and No 8 Mark Jones
>to a sixth minute elbow injury, were too street-wise.
>
>The Wizards threatened in the 35th minute, but tries
>either side of half-time from wing Joel Griffin and
>centre Jonathan Hawker kept them in their place.
>
>Though fly-half Byron Hayward was only on target with
>four out of eight attempts at goal, Aberavon weren't
>good enough to make him pay.
>
>Pontypool: Tries - J Devereux, J Griffin, J Hawker.
>Pens - B Hayward (2). Cons -Hayward (2).
>
>Aberavon: Tries - J Hyatt, R Morris. Pen -J Davies.

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