Even the die-hard Pooler fans thought that was that as a hush went around Pontypool Park. That hush was then replaced by an almighty din when Scott Matthews rolled over for a magnificent seventh try of a crazy afternoon to earn his side a 45-39 victory.
“It was a topsy-turvy game in which it seemed as though every time we scored, they scored,” said Hancock.
“There was no real pattern to the game, and it was more like a game of table tennis. We mauled very well, but three of our tries were very good efforts from our backs.
“It was an important win for us as we push to finish in the top four to try to get a home draw in the play-offs. We’re currently fifth and are setting our sights on bridging the 11-point gap to Newport in fourth.
“We have a game in hand, still have to play them at the end of the month and are still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the top four.”
No 8 Morgan Allen powered over twice for Pooler in the first half, with Marcus Jones adding a third. Yet having led 19-12 deep into added time at the end of the first 40, Pooler saw the gap cut to two points as the Wizards conjured up another score to make it 19-17 at the break.
The lead then changed hands five times in a thrilling second half. In the end it was that 79th minute try from Matthews that clinched the win. Kelvyn Williams, former Wales U20 wing Walker Price and Dragons scrum half Morgan Lloyd got the other tries. Kieron Meek added five conversions.
Aberavon centre Frankie Jones crossed twice, while scrum half Elis Horgan, centre Joe Gage, wing Corey Lewis-Jenkins and flanker James Clegg got the other tries for the visitors.
Four times Wizards head coach Jason Hyatt saw his team hit the front before Matthews came up with the match winner at the death. It was that sort of day!
Hancock’s side now has to prepare or a big SRC Cup tie against Newport on Friday night. They are five points behind Ebbw Vale in Pool B in the race for top spot and a place in the final but aren’t giving up hope.
“We’ll be picking our strongest side for what is a huge fixture against Newport. It is a big Gwent derby and it deserves full strength teams,” he added.
“Realistically, we need to pick up six points and hope Ebbw Vale don’t get anything out of their game at Swansea. We’ll certainly be giving it a go.”
