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SEASIDERS GAVE IT THEIR BEST SHOT
Division 2 Cup, Semi-Final:
PENARTH 9 – 23 LLANHARAN (HT 9-13)
Of course it was disappointing, of course the Seasiders gave their all and left nothing out
there. Of course it was just like most games against Llanharan, but this time it was on
neutral territory at the Bridge Field, Bedwas in the semi-final of the Division 2 Cup.
As usual, the sides were both at full strength, but when the Seasiders were reduced to 13
men early in the second half due to two yellow cards, it left them with a mountain to climb in
such a closely-contested match.
The Dairymen established an early lead after Penarth had missed two earlier penalty
attempts and led 0-6 after 23 minutes. Then Josh Hurley found his range and hit back with
three consecutive penalties (the second being a monster effort from 53 metres) to put the
Seasiders into the lead 9-6 after 38 minutes.
Not a bad position to be in as half-time approached, but Llanharan were able to establish
rare field position in the Penarth 22 and made the most of it. Successive drives and penalty
advantage brought them to the line, where Joe Buckle claimed the first try of the game and a
9-13 lead after 40 minutes.
The second half began badly as Ryan Hall stepped in to halt a counter-attack by the
Dairymen, but instead found himself on the wrong end of a yellow card. Sensing an obvious
advantage, the Dairymen stormed into the attack minutes later. They mauled a line-out to
the line, only for the referee to penalise a pulled-down maul and send Alex Thau off as well.
For a few wonderful minutes, 13-man Penarth fought back wonderfully and took the game to
Llanharan. The depleted pack was still going well with Ryan Jones putting in a huge shift,
but they eventually conceded a turnover at a ruck and the Dairymen’s number eight
slalomed through the defence. He was tackled short of the line, but numbers told as Jack
Walker followed up to score.
With the score now standing at 9-20 with 24 minutes remaining, the Seasiders had all the
work to do, but all the pressure was on them as well. With their numbers restored they set off
in search of a try, which alone could put them back in contention. Almost immediately
Robinson was tapping a penalty and sending Rhys Beynon through, but the move ended in
a knock-on.
The only score in the remaining minutes fell to Llanharan, as outside-half Scott Jones
brought his personal tally up to 13. The remaining minutes of the tie were played out in a
chaotic welter of handling errors and penalties for both sides, but the only genuine chance
came as Osian Coates broke the line, but was felled by a classic ankle-tap.
By then it was far too late to alter the outcome and the Dairymen rightly go forward to the
Principality Stadium next month to face Porthcawl.
PENARTH: Josh Hurley, George Roberts, Andy Richards (Osian Coates), Rhys Beynon,
Harry Williams, Ben Jones, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams (Harry Wood), Tom
Griffiths, Ryan Jones (Sam Sully), Cam Sultana, Dom Owen (Dan Cahalane), Miles Jones
©, Ryan Hall, Alex Thau
Scorers: Josh Hurley (3 penalties)
SEASIDERS’ FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE
PENARTH 58-12 Llantwit Fardre (HT 41-7)
Games against Llantwit Fardre are always close-fought encounters and this was no
exception, except .. how do you explain a 10 tries to 2 scoreline? Well, simply put, the
Seasiders again showed that they’re really good at scoring tries, but also, critically, that they
can also defend. With an average of 6.2 tries scored per game the best in the division, they
have conceded an average of 2.6 per game, bettered only by leaders Llanharan.
Penarth lost no time in opening the scoring, as quick scrum ball was rapidly shipped wide for
George Roberts to speed in at the corner. The second try arrived as early as the 6 th minute
as Josh Hurley broke from his own 22 and Alex Thau took it over half-way. Spencer
Robinson jinked into the Llantwit 22 and Miles Jones followed up to score.
The visitors enjoyed a period of pressure, but an energetic Seasiders’ defence forced a
turnover and Robinson broke out decisively and Hurley darted in at an angle to claim the
third try. The tries just kept on coming, despite the Rhinos’ best efforts. A goal-line drop-out
was pouched by Thau and the flanker simply ran it back for the bonus-point score on 25
minutes.
The visitors enjoyed a good deal of possession, but Penarth steadily defended until they
turned it over, then moved rapidly up-field. Robinson got his hands on the ball on the
Llantwit 10-metre line and went off on a trademark arcing excursion before scorching home.
His second try arrived in a similar fashion minutes later from the base of a scrum and as
half-time approached, the scrum-half tapped a penalty in the away 22, but was caught. Thau
was in close attendance and followed up to score for a 41-0 lead.
Having conceded seven tries in a one-sided first half, the Rhinos decided to beef up a pack
that had competed on equal terms in the first half and this made all the difference. Along with
an apparent decline in Penarth’s discipline with resulting penalties, they were able to gain a
deal of field position. The Seasiders’ scrum began to go backwards and finding the defence
out of balance, the visitors kicked ahead, followed up and scored.
However, this made little difference to Penarth’s scoring rate, as Hurley received a pass on
Llantwit’s 10m line and almost seemed to stroll through their defence for his second try. A
brief spell of laying siege, helped by a string of penalties gave Llantwit their second
consolation try of the afternoon, but with the score now standing at 46-12, this brought little
comfort to the visitors.
The final quarter began to drag a little as the Seasiders were mostly (and successfully) on
the defensive, but again the flow of tries continued unabated. With seven minutes to go a
Llantwit attack was spectacularly halted in the Penarth 22 as Andy Richards plucked a pass
out of the air and ran fully 80metres to score under the posts. The Seasiders brought the
curtain down five minutes later, when they won a penalty in the visitors’ 22 and elected to
scrummage. Several drives to the line were repelled before Ben Jones decided to cut things
short by throwing a massive pass over to the far touchline, where Ben Wellington neatly
marked up the tenth try.
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Just one more re-arranged fixture before the Div 2 Cup semi-final against Llanharan, as
Penarth travel to Taffs Well this coming Friday evening.
Penarth: Josh Hurley, George Roberts (Ben Wellington), Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon (Luc
Keane-Adams), Osian Coates, Ben Jones, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams (Harry
Wood), Mason Good, Sam Sully (Ryan Jones), Matt Allen, Dominic Owen, Cam Sultana,
Miles Jones © (Thane Baker), Alex Thau
Scorers: Josh Hurley (2 tries, 4 conversions), Miles Jones (try), Spencer Robinson (2
tries), Alex Thau (2 tries), George Roberts (try), Andy Richards (try), Ben
Wellington (try).
SEASIDERS SHINE UNDER THE LIGHTS
PENARTH 62-36 PENTYRCH (HT 31-8)
Playing this Penarth team anywhere at the moment is a hard task for any side but Pentyrch’s job was made even more difficult by this match being moved from the Athletic Pond to firm running track provided by Bro Morgannwg’s 4G pitch in Barry. With solid ground beneath their feet Penarth simply ran riot, collecting the 4 try bonus point within 25 minutes of kick off and scoring 10 tries in total to all but end the Tyrchs slim promotion chances.
It started early with something at the moment that is third only to death and taxes in terms of certainty, a Tom Griffiths try scored from a dominant rolling maul. Pentyrch got on the board shortly after with a penalty kick but from there on it was one way traffic until half time as the returning Alex Thau blasted through some weak tackles to cross next before Osian Coates and Harry Williams both dotted down out wide on the left wing. Pentyrch scambled over for reply but Rhys Beynon went over to give Penarth an unassailable 31-8 lead at half time, with Ben Jones adding the extras.
The second half saw Penarth lift their collective feet off the gas and Pentyrch, no doubt fired up by some harsh truths from the coaching team at half-time, came out with real intent and scored two quick fire tries to bring themselves right back into the match at 31-22 with half an hour still to play.
The Seasiders soon snapped themselves out their collective stupor and, as seems to be their way this season, simply turned up the dial and rattled off 4 tries in 10 minutes to put the match beyond any doubt. The first of these was scored by Joe Williams, before the insatiable try scoring machine that is Tom Griffiths completed his hat-trick with a quick fire double. Williams was at it again shortly after with the try of the night from his own 22 as he broke from the base of a rcuk exchange passes with Sam Sully and beat the cover defece to the score in the corner. At 55-22 it was all over with 20 minutes still to play.
The visitors, despite being comprehensively outgunned, kept coming and managed to get their fourth try of the night with just over 10 minutes to go to take something from the match. But it wasn’t over their as Andy Richards scored his first try of the season to take Penarth past the 60 point mark. Pentyrch did manage to get the last score to make it 62-36 but with a resurgent Caerphilly and unbeaten Llanharan to play in the next few weeks it would appear that their promotion push is probably over.
For Penarth a trip to Treharris awaits next before games against Llantwit Fardre and Taffs Well which will serve as a fitting test before the biggest game of the season so far as Penarth face old foes Llanharan in the Division 2 Cup Semi-Final at Bedwas on 23rd March.
Penarth: Harry Wood (Geraint Williams), Tom Griffiths, Ryan Jones (Sam Sully), Max Woodman, Dom Owen (Dan Calahane), Cam Sultana, Alex Thau (Rory Taylor), Miles Jones (c), Spencer Robinson, Ben Jones, Osian Coates, Rhys Beynon (Joe Williams), Andy Richards, George Roberts, Harry Williams
Scorers: T Griffiths (3 tries), J Williams (2 tries), H Williams (try), A Richards (try), O Coates (try), A Thau (try) R Beynon (try) B Jones (6 con)
SEASIDERS BACK IN ACTION
PENARTH 45-12 Llantrisant (HT – 33-12)
It’s important to remember that a) the match got played at all and b) a comfortable bonus-
point win was the result. The game itself was not a great advertisement for Div 2 rugby, save
a few moments of brilliance, as is customary for Penarth these days.
Bottom club Llantrisant arrived at the Athletic Field with the unenyiable record of played 13,
lost 13, but with a heavy pitch and the promise of rain, this was no easy job for the Seasiders
in only their second league game of the year. The visitors were clearly not at anything like
full strength, but never gave up harrying and spoiling. Penarth didn’t handle this level of
commitment at all well and looked decidedly rusty at times.
The Seasiders got off to a good start, though, driving a maul into the Llantrisant 22. Penalty
to touch, first drive halted, but ball recycled and passed along the back line for Josh Hurley
to open the scoring.
The visitors struck back quickly with a kick ahead that their left wing gathered to score. It
was obvious that Cam Sultana, though playing on the blindside flank, was going to be the
main source of line-out ball, but when a Llantrisant line-out throw went astray, he merely had
to catch it. Two drives to the line were repelled before Ben Jones took the ball round behind
the posts.
All the momentum was now with the Penarth, but a further score eluded them until the 23 rd
minute, when Harry Williams took a pass out on the right wing and simply blasted past the
defence for the third try. The bonus point try arrived almost immediately, as Spencer
Robinson closely following the referee as he marched the visitors ‘back 10’, tapped and
crossed.
At this point Llantrisant demonstrated how they well they could exploit a string of penalties in
their favour by getting their blindside flanker over the line for their second try, but the half
ended with a wave of frantic attacks from Penarth, which resulted in a Dan Cahalane try.
The second half opened well, as Harry Williams made another break down the wing before
kicking ahead and being tackled without the ball. Minutes later, the entire move was
repeated, only this time, the referee took exception, awarding a penalty and sending off the
offending visitor with a yellow card. Another powerful scrum from the Seasiders was
rewarded with a penalty try.
The least said about the remaining 35 minutes, the better. The threatened rain finally arrived
on the hour and the only further score was another Harry Williams special. The Seasiders
have now consolidated their position in the promotion places and have games in hand over
their nearest challengers.
Next up at the Athletic Field is the visit of old rivals Pentyrch under floodlights this coming
Friday. The ‘Tyrchs promotion challenge has fallen away a little in recent weeks, having lost
their last three games. Penarth won the most recent game between the teams 64-14.
Penarth: Josh Hurley, George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Harry Williams, Ben
Jones (James Candy), Spencer Robinson (Tom Hillman), Geraint Williams (Harry Wood),
Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Sam Sully, Max Woodman (Dominic Owen), Dan Cahalane,
Cam Sultana, Ryan Hall, Miles Jones
Scorers: Josh Hurley (try, 4 conversions), Ben Jones (try), Harry Williams (2 tries),
Spencer Robinson (try), Dan Cahalane (try), Penalty try.
SEASIDERS SURGE INTO CUP SEMI-FINAL
Abertillery 17-52 PENARTH (HT 10-21)
Neither club really knew what to expect from this Division 2 Cup Quarter-Final, although
existing cup-holders Abertillery BG probably felt the tie was theirs to lose for all of ten
minutes. Ben Jones kicked Penarth in front with a 6 th -minute penalty, but his team were
already on top and the first try wasn’t long in coming. The Seasiders’ pressure forced The
Green and Whites to minor. Ben Jones then caught the drop-out, sending Harry Williams
haring off to the corner. The winger was tackled short of the line, but Spencer Robinson
was on hand to follow up for the try.
‘Tillery looked to force their way back into the game, but their approach was based on
physicality, which was to prove ineffective in the face of their well-drilled opponents’ tactics.
The second try came from a turnover to relieve pressure, but as Mike Lang looked to launch
an attack, he forced his way through a gap and outpaced the defence. Tom Griffiths was in
support and claimed the try for a 15-0 lead.
Against the run of play, the hosts came back powerfully as their inside centre came up with a
solo effort, blasting his way through three tackles to the line. A penalty conversion five
minutes later ended the Green and Whites’ sole period of dominance.
Penarth eased further ahead with penalties from Ben Jones and a 50-metre Josh Hurley
special and half-time was reached with the score standing at 10-21.
‘Tillery finally secured their second and final try seven minutes into the second half, but by
then the Seasiders had already stretched their lead from a Joe Williams tapped penalty and
a Rhys Beynon angled run to the line.
Penarth were now unstoppable and still full of ideas. From another turnover on half-way,
they worked the ball out to Hurley on the left-hand touchline. An exchange of passes with
Harry Wiliams left Ryan Hall with the responsibility of finishing the move and the number 8
forced his way over for the third try.
The hosts’ physicality was still in play as they dominated second-half proceedings in the
tight, but Penarth simply kept on scoring tries. A break-out from their own half was halted by
a high tackle on Harry Williams, only for the same thing to happen minutes later. The second
penalty yielded a line-out in the home 22 and the third drive to the line brought Robinson’s
second try.
With 15 minutes remaining and the score at 17-42 the game over as a contest, both sides
emptied their benches and stagnation set in. The Seasiders naturally continued to seek
further scores and Abertillery BG drove themselves to exhaustion trying to stem the flow.
A tip-tackle on Rhys Beynon reduced the hosts to 14 as the game entered the final ten
minutes and Hurley coolly slotted over the penalty from 48 metres. There was a lengthy
delay as an injured Cam Nation received attention and after the restart, the final attack from
the Green and Whites was snubbed out spectacularly as Cam Sultana intercepted and ran
the length of the field for the sixth try.
The Division 2 Cup semi-final will be at a neutral venue against old friends Llanharan on 23rd
March.
PENARTH: Josh Hurley, George Roberts (James Candy), Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon
(Osian Coates), Harry Williams (Joe Williams), Ben Jones, Spencer Robinson, Geraint
Williams (Harry Wood), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Ryan Jones (Sam Sully), Cam Sultana,
Dominic Owen (Cam Nation), Mike Lang (Max Woodman), Ryan Hall, Miles Jones ©
Scorers: Tom Griffiths (try), Spencer Robinson (2 tries), Rhys Beynon (try), Cam
Sultana (try), Ryan Hall (try), Ben Jones (conversion, penalty), Josh Hurley (2
penalties).
SEASIDERS BACK WITH A BONUS
Cilfynydd 12-36 PENARTH (HT – 7-24)
Mid-table Cilfynydd weren’t challenging for promotion, but they provided stiff opposition to a strong Penarth side looking to stretch their legs on a flat, wide pitch at the Welfare Ground. The result gives the impression of a one-sided affair, but it was hotly contested and the Seasiders’ tries were mostly the result of individual passages of brilliance rather than overall domination of phases of play. Which isn’t bad, really.
The first try arrived as early as the fifth minute. Harry Williams fielded a long clearance kick and ran cross-field looking for support. He found Cam Sultana, who took it to the line and the ball was cleared from the ruck to Tom Griffiths in front of the posts.
Williams was back in the action again ten minutes later as he came off his wing to enter the line on the right, exchange passes with George Roberts and score in the corner. 0-12.
From the restart, Cilfynydd moved into a strong position as Penarth began to concede penalties at the breakdown and gained a line-out in the away 22. This was well executed and driven, with lock Luke Riley claiming the score.
Trouble at the breakdown continued to deprive the Seasiders of useful possession as Cilfynydd pressed, until Griffiths finally got over the ball at a ruck for a relieving penalty. Suitably encouraged, Penarth probed up-field against a well-organised defence until Griffiths broke the line and Sam Sully in support skipped around the first tackler and beat the cover to the corner. Typical.
The Seasiders were lucky to ride out the next waves of home attacks, but the hosts let themselves get frustrated and began to get on the wrong side of the referee. On the brink of half-time, the visitors found touch from a penalty and the ball was worked into midfield from the line-out to Evan Jones. The flanker drove at the defensive line and broke it, with Miles Jones speeding in on a scissors movement to score under the posts for a 24-7 lead and the bonus point.
It would be a mistake to claim that this had broken Cilfynydd’s will, as their spirit was unbroken. However, Penarth went further ahead in the third quarter. Mike Lang stole a home line-out in their own 22, feeding Griffiths who jinked through the defence to score his second. Then, on the hour, a Cilfynydd attack was catastrophically halted as George Roberts intercepted a pass on his own 22 and sprinted the length of the pitch to score a long-awaited try.
With twenty minutes remaining, there might have been further tries from the visitors, but this simply didn’t happen, as the game was slowed to a standstill with stoppages and interventions. The Seasiders lost a player to the bin for ten minutes and Cilfynydd persuaded themselves that this was their chance to secure a bonus point by scoring three more tries. They scored just the one, on 73 minutes and that was that.
Penarth now return to their Division 2 Cup run, where they travel up the Ebbw Fach to face Abertillery BG. Their opponents sit comfortably on top of Division Two East and beat Croesyceiliog 27-12 last Saturday, who were themselves beaten 38-15 by the Seasiders in the first Round. It promises to be an interesting quarter-final.
PENARTH: James Candy (Josh Hurley), George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Harry Williams, Ben Jones, Spencer Robinson (Joe Williams), Geraint Williams, Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Sam Sully (Harry Wood), Cam Sultana, Dominic Owen (Cam Nation), Mike Lang, Miles Jones ©, Evan Jones
Scorers: Tom Griffiths (2 tries), Harry Williams (try), Miles Jones (try), Sam Sully (try), George Roberts (try), Ben Jones (3 conversions).
SEASIDERS BACK TO WINNING WAYS
PENARTH 22-19 Cowbridge (HT 5-7)
When was the last time that Penarth had a game against weaker opposition, a stroll in the park? It was probably the visit of Treharris to St.Cyres School in the middle of November, but the fact remains that the Seasiders’ position in the Division 2 East Central table is not based on facing clubs in the lower half of the table.
Saturday’s home game against 6th-placed Cowbridge was a case in point. This was serious opposition, who made life very difficult and denied Penarth the space they normally thrive upon.
Cowbridge are probably frustrated at coming away with just a losing bonus point, having matched the Seasiders in tries, with three each. Never mind, the boys struggled, but still won, which says a lot for the character of the team.
On a chilly afternoon with low sun and not a breath of wind, Penarth made a bright start with Charlie Rainbird making his first start and cutting a dash. After nine minutes, Evan Jones charged up-field, but was met by a crunching tackle that brought cheers from the Cowbridge fans. However, Rainbird was on the spot and sniping round the fringe, exchanged passes along the touchline and scored in the corner.
So far, so good and better was to follow minutes later as Ben Jones chipped ahead along the opposite touchline and won the race to ground the ball. Except no try was awarded.Anyway, the hosts were in the ascendency and Cowbridge had yet to turn up in any numbers. Perhaps the Seasiders were trying too hard to turn possession into points, but no further scores ensued until the half-hour point, when the visitors finally secured field position in the home 22, going through eight phases before getting over the line
The score remained on 5-7 as the teams went into the break, but it was Penarth who came out fighting (if not literally) in the second half. Mike Lang made a clean catch from a 5m line-out and was then in position to take a pass on the touchline and drive through three tackles to score.
Now leading 12-7 and keen to increase this slender lead, the Seasiders dominated possession for the next twenty minutes, but Cowbridge’s first-up tackles rained in with force and accuracy and the scoreboard refused to budge. Until just past the hour. Penarth were well set in the visitors’ 22 and had almost scored on five occasions before a scoring pass was spilled. Luckily, Ebbw Vale referee Paul Jones had been playing advantage and awarded a penalty in front of the posts. The home pack had already gained the upper hand in the tight, with Man-of-the-Match Geraint Williams putting in a huge shift on the loose-head, so a scrum was called and captain Miles Jones completed the formalities.
With a 19-7 lead and less than 20 minutes remaining, the hosts set about looking for the customary bonus point, but this simply never arrived. Cowbridge were back within seven points minutes later with their second short-range try and when the Seasiders finally gained a penalty in the visitors’ 22, they unsurprisingly opted to go for the points to restore the two-score lead at 22-12.
This proved to be a sound investment, as they struggled to hold on and Cowbridge secured their third try minutes before the final whistle. Penarth travel to Cilfynydd next Saturday, where the Taff Vale side are recovering from a 74-28 thrashing from Llanishen.
PENARTH: James Candy, James Crothers (Rhys Morgan), Spencer Robinson, Rhys Beynon, Ben Wellington, Ben Jones, Charlie Rainbird, Geraint Williams Harry Wood, Mason Good (Tom Griffiths), Sam Sully, Cam Sultana, Dan Calahane (Dominic Owen), Mike Lang, Miles Jones ©, Evan Jones
Scorers: Charlie Rainbird (try), Mike Lang (try), Miles Jones (try), Ben Jones (2 conversions,1 penalty).
SEASIDERS’ LONG WINNING RUN ENDS
Llanharan 25-13 PENARTH (HT 12-8)
It was, perhaps, a little early for a championship decider, but hats off to Llanharan RFC for managing to stage a league game on a wet and windy 30th December. This clash was eagerly anticipated by both sides and their supporters, but in a lot of ways it was a bit of an anti-climax.
Having said that, it was closely fought and the result remained in doubt right up to the last ten minutes. It all looked quite promising for the Seasiders in a scoreless opening quarter. Josh Hurley was kicking them into good positions, they were looking strong in the tight and stealing line-outs; nevertheless, it was the Dairymen who took the lead against the run of play.
After Penarth had once again pushed them off their own put-in and the referee had awarded the hosts a penalty, there was a tap-and-go and good, swift hands to find lock Owain Howe on far touchline for an unconverted try in the corner.
No need to panic, as five minutes later, Llanharan were offside on their own 10m line and Hurley reduced the arrears by slotting over the penalty. It was a real disappointment in what seemed sure to be a low-scoring game that the hosts went further ahead with their next visit to the Penarth 22. The defence held up well against a severe battering from the home pack, only for the ball to be passed back to replacement scrum-half Morgan Parsons, who slalomed his way awkwardly past the advancing defence to score.
The Seasiders were far from finished as half-time approached as Harry Williams chipped ahead on half-way and was immediately body checked into touch. The referee declined to award a yellow card, but decided on a penalty where the ball had landed. The line-out was driven to the line, penalty Penarth. Spencer Robinson tapped and went, only to be upended in a tip tackle. This time the penalty was taken as a scrum and Miles Jones claimed the try.
The teams turnedround with Llanharan leading by only four points. Penarth took the initiative, but failed to make it stick and when the Dairymen were awarded a penalty in the away 22, they acknowledged the pressure they’d been under by calling for the tee and easing into a 15-8 lead.
For most of the second half, the Seasiders dominated possession, but simply couldn’t get over the line, despite engineering several scoring opportunities. This was largely due to some ferociously effective counter-rucking by Llanharan, but there was no real prospect of any further scores as we entered the last ten minutes with the score tantalisingly stuck on 15-8.
Then the Seasiders were caught offside near the half-way line following up a long clearance and the successful kick extended the home lead to a more manageable 18-8. Disaster struck again eight minutes later as confusion reigned near the Penarth line and the Dairymen pounced to claim the winning try and an unassailable 25-8 lead.
At this moment the heavens opened and the match continued into a lengthy stoppage time in monsoon conditions. Here was where the Seasiders suddenly clicked and reverted to type. A three-man breakaway surged unstoppably through the home cover and Robinson drew the last defender to put Harry Williams in for the final try of the game.
Penarth face another serious challenge this coming Saturday as 6th-placed Cowbridge are the visitors to the Athletic Field. They will be keen to put the record straight after they suffered a rather humiliating 37-14 home defeat against the Seasiders back at the end of September. Brad Williams, Spencer Robinson and Ryan Hall all scored tries, to which were added two penalty tries.
PENARTH: Harry Williams, Luc Keane-Adams, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Ben Wellington (Charlie Rainbird), Josh Hurley, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams, Mason Good (Harry Wood), Ryan Jones (Sam Sully), Matt Allen, Cam Sultana, Tom Griffiths, Miles Jones ©, Evan Jones.
Scorers: Harry Williams (try), Miles Jones (try), Josh Hurley (1 penalty).
SEASIDERS RETAIN RICHARD THOMAS CUP
Old Penarthians 14-27 PENARTH (HT 7-12)
A well-attended Cwrt-y-Vil on a still, cool, dry Boxing Day gave us an eminently playable surface after all the recent festive rain and a very entertaining clash between the town’s two senior teams.
This was, as usual more a contest between two ‘Boxing Day’ selections, than any sort of cup-tie between the team sitting at the top of Div 2 East Central and the other in the lower reaches of Div 4 East Central. And none the worse for that.
Old Pens declared their intention to play a high-tempo game and try to unsettle a far-from-settled group from across the road. Penarth, on the other hand, were more than happy to rely on flashes of inspiration from their more experienced members.
It didn’t start that way, as with less than 3 minutes played, George Kynaston ran a long clearance up the left-hand touchline, found James Candy as they crossed half-way. The centre drew the nearest defender and wing Will Hardy cruised in for the opening try.
Now Old Pens’ pressure game brought fruit as they gained field position in Penarth’s 22, but conceded a knock-on. However, the Seasiders struggled with their exit and the hosts forced a turnover, scoring in the corner. 7-5 after ten minutes.
The next 15 minutes settled into the usual post-Christmas arm-wrestle, with Penarth dominating possession, but lacking accuracy. Although the scrums were uncontested, they did manage to score a second try from first phase as number 8 Campbell Nation forced his way over.
The score remained at 7-12 until half-time as Old Pens enjoyed the majority of possession and Penarth showed occasional glimpses of quality. Both sides actually struggled to make an impression.
The second half gave us more of the same, but Old Pens drew first blood as an exhilarating line-break presented the ball-carrier with two supporting runners. He only needed the one, as the outside centre cut inside the one defender and straightened up to claim his side’s second try and a 14-12 lead.
After a couple of false starts, Penarth began to dominate possession and as they hacked a loose ball ahead from half-way, three defenders and a solitary Penarth player were in pursuit. This was none other than tight-head prop Sam Sully. Did he win the race to the touch-down? Of course he did. 14-17.
The upper hand had finally been gained and Penarth piled the pressure on. As the game entered the final quarter Mason Good crossed for a short-range try for the ‘bonus point’ and a 14-22 lead. Was there time for one more as Luc Keane-Adams executed a lengthy line-break from half-way? Yes, but not before he was caught in the 22 and the arriving support generated quick ball from the breakdown and Rob Rees scored the fifth and final try in the corner.
PENARTH: George Kynaston, James Crothers, James Candy, Osian Coates, Will Hardy, Rhys Morgan ©, Tom Hillman, Sven Camilleri, Mason Good, Sam Sully, Harrison Pugsley, Jack Peterson, Evan Jones, Campbell Nation, Hugh Leach.
Replacements: Luc Keane-Adams, Alan Doyle, Ben Jackson, Jamie Spender, Jason Ahmed, Henry George, Rob Rees, Alex Ahmed
Scorers: Will Hardy (try), Campbell Nation (try), Sam Sully (try), Mason Good (try), Rob Rees (try), James Candy (conversion)
League 1 East Central
Season: 2024-2025
Season: 2024-2025
Next Match
Penarth – Rhiwbina
9. Match Day
30/11/2024,
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | T | L | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | • | St Josephs | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 35 |
| 2 | • | Penarth | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 33 |
| 3 | ↑ | Rhydyfelin | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 30 |
| 4 | ↓ | Abercynon | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 29 |
| 5 | ↑ | Llanharan | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 23 |
| 6 | ↑ | Abercwmboi | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 20 |
| 7 | ↓ | Llanishen | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 20 |
| 8 | • | Barry | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 11 |
| 9 | • | Rhiwbina | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| 10 | • | Porth Harlequins | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
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