LATE RALLY, BUT NO WIN FOR SEASIDERS
Tylorstown 31-24 Penarth (HT 15-9)
Penarth started this game without a handful of key players, but looked well set to win this one against old rivals Tylorstown as they eased into a comfortable 9-point lead in the first half-hour. The Tigers had barely set foot outside their own half as James Docherty converted steady pressure from the Seasiders into points with three penalties.
All that was missing was a try, but when the hosts gained good field position for the first time, it was their right wing who squeezed in at the corner. Penarth were straight back on the offensive, but everything went against them in the remainder of the half.
A long clearance by the Tigers as the Seasiders coughed up possession in the home 22 resulted in a kickable penalty and when Richie Bowen was summarily yellow-carded for something or other at the breakdown, the driven scrum was immediately rewarded with a penalty try and the hosts led 15-9 at half-time.
With lights now on along the downhill side of the ground and making precious little difference in the gathering mist, Tylorstown ventured into the Penarth 22 for the only the third time. Missed tackles ushered them through to the line for their third try. Things were beginning to look a bit grim for the visitors, who had arguably dominated proceedings, but simply failed to register enough scores.
A penalty from the restart, expertly converted from 45 metres by Docherty, certainly helped matters, but despite enjoying the bulk of the possession for the next 20 minutes it was the Tigers who were getting the benefit of the sheer quantity of decisions and they regained their 13-point lead with another penalty.
The Seasiders instead had to rely on sheer inspiration to make any progress, but after an inspired break, George Roberts was forced to retire after a chest-high tackle brought the move to a jarring halt. Penarth nevertheless pulled a score back as a short siege pulled the home defence out of position and Josh Spragg crossed in the corner.
Penarth failed to deal adequately with the restart and conceded a penalty in their own 22, allowing the Tigers to extend their lead, but the final session almost belonged to the visitors. Still trailing by 11 points, they drove straight through the Tylorstown scrum in the 22, but no advantage was allowed and there were only six minutes remaining when the Seasiders finally secured their second try.
A dismissal was once again involved and this time it was Tiger’s right wing departing with a red card for dangerous play. With fingers crossed that they would be allowed to complete the move, Penarth opted for another scrum and as Mason Good scored in the corner and Docherty converted from touch, the lead had been reduced to 28-24.
While it looked as if the Seasiders might yet steal the win, they eventually conceded yet another penalty, which the hosts converted to secure their win. The only consolation for the visitors being a losing bonus point. No further league action for Penarth until 15th February due to the first two rounds of the Six Nations.
PENARTH:
Josh Hurley, George Roberts, Owain Lord, Andy Richards, Ben Hill, James Docherty, Rhys Morgan © (Owen Williams), Harry Wood (Geraint Williams), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Alan Doyle, Matt Allen, Alex Shore, Thaine Baker (Josh Spragg), Miles Jones, Richie Bowen
Scorers: Josh Hurley (try), Mason Good (try), James Docherty (4 penalties, 1 conversion).
