SEASIDERS EYE DOUBLE AT PENYGRAIG
In the days before the Merit Table, there were still clubs, like Penarth, apart from the big boys, that nevertheless managed to produce Wales internationals. Penygraig were one of the first clubs to break this pattern.
So now, a century on from these early glory days, both Penygraig and Penarth find themselves languishing in the lower reaches of the fifth level of Welsh club rugby. The Rhondda club are in eighth position on 25 points, while the Seasiders are one place below, on 21 points.
Since no-one yet knows where safety lies, due to the WRU’s cryptic observation that ‘up to three’ clubs could be relegated, both clubs are likely to find themselves in a four-way fight to stay in Division 3 East Central A, along with Clwb Rygbi and Gwernfyed.
All of which means that next Saturday’s fixture up at Graig Park just outside Tonypandy is kind of important. Recent form doesn’t favour Penarth, having lost five straight games since their last win, while Penygraig have registered two wins and a draw in the same period.
Indeed, although Penygraig are only four points ahead of Penarth, they have five wins under their belts, against three for Penarth. The anomaly can easily be explained by pointing to a 3-9 bonus points haul in Penarth’s favour.
So what is the club’s view of the prospects?
Coach Matt Bolton tells us “We are not in an ideal position, but if we can find some consistency in availability and performances we should be fine. Some of rugby we have played this year has been the best I’ve seen in my time here but we need to be able to perform for 80 minutes every week. Ultimately our fate is in our own hands and I am confident that we can get the results we need, starting this weekend. ”
Captain Rhys Morgan adds “Given the number of players we lost at the start of the season and the injuries we’ve picked up there are a huge amount of positives to take from the season so far. We have a lot of young local lads who’ve come into the squad this year who have really stood up to the rigours of senior league rugby. There is a good feeling in the squad and some really positive signs for the future. Whilst the focus is very much on survival in Division 3A at the moment we are also looking to put in place the building blocks for further improvement and progress next season.
Regardless of the statistics, the only one which has any bearing on Saturday’s match is the 31-24 score in Penarth’s favour on 10th November last. Tries from Jimmy Crothers, Rhys Beynon, Spencer Robinson and Ben Hill gave the Seasiders their second win of the season and the distinct impression that they were on the way back.
Just two games were played last weekend and Clwb Rygbi obligingly lost one of their games in hand, admittedly away at league leaders Fairwater. Every little helps.
