FORGET the 60-27 scoreline as Pontypool’s season really ended by escaping relegation in midweek while beating Newport.

In this one, Aberavon were fighting to gain a home tie in the play-offs and need to follow this win by defeating Bedwas tomorrow evening.

Pooler gave skipper Geraint Morris the chance that he desperately wanted – to lead the team out for the final time and play for 20 minutes.

But was it his last game before retiring?

Coach James Chapron said: “Maybe not. I will be speaking to Geraint and hoping he gets over injury and can be back for next season.

“It has been a long season for us of ups and downs but now we can look forward to a break.

“We played some nice stuff at times and it was very pleasing for 17-year-old Stefan Morgan.

“His try at the end was his first in the league in his second game as a replacement.

“I will be taking a look around at other games and as could be seen, we have some fine young players here.”

Both Shaun Connor and Leighton Jones confirmed that if they can get over injury they will both be out to play again, and there certainly is a light at the end of the tunnel for Pooler.

Secretary Colin Tuckwell also confirmed he is staying and the Pontypool supporters impressed Aberavon fans.

There is a lot of liking between the clubs, and Aberavon backs coach Nicky Lloyd confessed: “I have a soft spot for Pooler. I had three great years there as a player. The whole set-up from supporters to back room is splendid. I always look first for their result.”

Pontypool were down 24-0 when a splendid move saw centre Steve Taylor race clear under the posts with Tom Hancock converting.

Then, full back Gareth Williams ran 70 metres for a fine try and Hancock’s penalty ended the half at 31-15.

Replacement Calwyn Morgan scored a superb solo try, Hancock converted and in the last move replacement wing Stefan Morgan was over in the corner.

Geraint O’Driscoll was in Scotland to visit his parents, Cae Trayhern was rested and Morgan Allen played his last game before joining the Ospreys.

But nobody should write off this brave club – certainly nobody in Aberavon will.

Teams Aberavon: P Bamsey; L Hathaway (M Bennett 59), A Beck, B John, C Morgans; M Jarvis, D Pritchard (R Webb 55); L Howell (N White 62), C Richards (Brett Thomas 62), A Edwards (P Breeze 67), I Moore (capt), G Ronan (R Morris 54), Ben Thomas, A Bray, J Tipuric (S Williams 60).

Tries: C Morgans 3, M Bennett 2, C Richards, A Beck, N White; cons: M Jarvis 7; pens: M Jarvis 2.

Pontypool: G Williams; L Bellamore (S Morgan 60), S Taylor, P Price, J Evans; T Hancock, N Powell (C Morgan 53); L Davies (J Jeune 60), R Buckley (C Attwell 60), N Blake, M Williams (R Aylett 50), D Critchley, G Morris (capt) (S Pailor 20), M Allen, M Barber (J Sollis 53).

Tries: S Taylor, G Williams, C Morgan, S Morgan; cons: T Hancock 2; pen: T Hancock.

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Bridgend).

Pontypool Player of Match – Rhys Buckley.