SEASIDERS FINISH 6TH
Following Penygraig’s final fixture ending in a 21-8 bonus point-less victory against winless Cefn Coed on Wednesday night it has been confirmed that Penarth RFC will finish in 6th place in Divsion 3A East Central for the 2108-19 season.
A top half finish is just reward some outstanding rugby over the last few months which has seen the free flowing Seasiders pick up 6 bonus point wins on the bounce scoring an average of 38 points a match in doing so. Such a conclusion to the seasoon would have appeared fanciful or far-fetched as recently as 2nd March as the Seasiders lost heavily to Fairwater following on from disappointing losses to Penygraig and Treharris which themselves came after consecutive defeats to Old Illts, Cowbridge and the humiliation of a 73-0 drubbing at the hands of Pontyclun. At that time Penarth sat in 10th place just 5 points above the relegation zone, having played more games than almost everyone else and on a 6 game losing streak.
Whilst it was not quite a turnaround or Liverpool or Spurs proportions, given that the signs of progress had been there throughout the season, the way in which Penarth blossomed over spring time was a joy to behold. Of particular note was the emergence of a batch of young players who had clearly found their feet at this level and finally understood what they were capable of. The performances of top-try scorer Spencer Robinson, centres Rhys Beynon and Owain Lord, utility back George Roberts and wing Harry Williams really caught the eye in the closing weeks of the season but the continued development props Harry Wood and Alan Doyle, hookers Mason Good and Iwan Baker, Second Row Matt Allen and back rows Miles Jones and Richie Bowen showed the vast potential of this group. None of this batch of players has yet breached 25 with most in the 19-22 age bracket, if they stay put the sky really is the limit.
Allied to the young whipper snappers were a selection of wizened old heads who were rejuvenated by the verve and enthusiasm of their sprightly team mates all pulled together by the coaching team of Matt Bolton and Tristan Davies and the leadership of captain Rhys Morgan.
The next few months will see some well earned rest and recuperation, including a no doubt enjoyable trip to Plymouth and the club dinner, before the squad reassembles for preseason and what has the potential to be a hugely successful 2019-20.
