Colossus Matthews proving a force to be reckoned with

Pooler’s captain has been an integral member of the pack for Leighton Jones’ side this campaign and it is no surprise he figures prominently in the latest round of Indigo Prem statistics.

The 17st 6lb, 5ft 11in forward has made 75 appearances for Pooler since joining in the season of 2018-19. In that time, he has crossed the whitewash for 41 tries as Pooler dominated the scene in the Welsh Championship

He may have only scored two tries in this season, but that doesn’t mean his influence has diminished at the highest level of the club game in Wales.

Matthews proved a top performer for Cross Keys prior to his move to Pontypool Park and he is proving just as crucial for Leighton Jones’ side.

His no nonsense approach has catapulted him to the top of four categories and for good measure, he is in second place in another.

Pontypool consolidated their top four position with a hard-earned win against Ebbw Vale last Thursday evening where Matthews again led from the front for the home side.

Matthews, who made six appearances for the Dragons between 2013-15, has consistently put the Gwent side on the front foot this season. With 86 carries next to his name, he is two ahead of nearest challenge, Pontypridd’s Joseph Miles.

He is at the head of the queue for turnovers won, having snaffled 17 to date, Cardiff’s Craig Hudd is his nearest challenge in this category with 14.

As well as proving a major menace offensively, he is strong defensively too. He has made more counter ruck attempts (18) than other player while there is clear daylight in the final section he leads, In the ‘post tackle’ category he has made 67 ‘actions’ which is 18 more than his nearest challenger, Llandovery’s Stuart Worrall.

Worrall does however lead the jackal attempts with 41, although Matthews is breathing down his neck in second place in that category, with 39.

Indigo Premiership statistics 2023/24