Free Press Sport

Pooler turn the heat up on local rivals

9:59am Thursday 11th March 2010

AS pressure mounts in what will be a relegation dog-fight, Pontypool’s managing director has tipped local rivals Ebbw Vale as favourites to avoid the Welsh Premiership drop.

In a move which could be seen as turning the heat up on the Steelmen and taking the pressure off his own players, Frank Stanton made the comments despite Pooler recording an upset victory over table-toppers Swansea.

“Ebbw Vale have probably the most successful coach in the history of the Welsh Premiership. I would think that they are the favourites to stay up,” said Stanton.

“That doesn’t mean we aren’t staying positive about our chances of survival. Like I’ve said before, we’ve been in this situation before – we understand the pressures.

“All we keep telling the players is to take it one game at a time.”

However, if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, hopes will certainly be raised that Pooler can achieve another miracle and stave off relegation.

Pontypool led 21-10 at half time after scoring three tries through flanker Cae Trayhern, Dan Connolly and winger Gareth Williams inside the first half hour at Pontypool Park.

The visitors tried to stage a fightback in the second half but Pontypool’s defence stood firm to ensure a 27-24 victory. “Everyone pulled together. Our attitude was to stick to the game plan and the boys delivered,” said Stanton. “It wasn’t a shock that we won but when the final whistle sounded it was surreal – we were both relieved and at same time in celebratory mood.”

In light of the victory and an Ebbw Vale defeat to Carmarthen Quins, the gap between the bottom two teams is now just five points.

“It was an important four points. Hopefully this will kick start our campaign of home games. We certainly now have some winable games ahead of us,” added Stanton.

Pooler will now welcome 12th-placed Bedwas to Pontypool Park ahead of two crucial derbies against Newport and Cross Keys on consecutive Friday evenings.

Ahead of these crucial fixtures it appears that there is more good news for head coach James Chapron and the club as the management could have the opportunity to call on several key players as many members of the squad are expected to return to fitness in the coming weeks.

Stanton told the Free Press: “We’ve got no fresh injury concerns for the Bedwas fixture. Chris Macey took a knock but James took him off as a precaution and I would think he will be fit to play on Friday.

“Our fly-half (Geraint O’Driscoll) is also close to full fitness and Shaun (O’Connor) isn’t far away either. I would say we are a week away from being at full strength.”

• Email this page