HIGH-SCORING SEASIDERS CHARGE ONWARDS

PENARTH 39-34 Caerphilly (HT 24-12)

If last week’s fixture at Llanishen didn’t turn out to be quite the test they expected, the
Seasiders knew very well that Caerphilly would be the team to measure themselves against
and so it proved. The Cheesemen surged into an early lead as their fleet-footed full back
Thomas Candy scored after four minutes and repeated the trick five minutes later for a 12-0
lead.
Well, this came as no surprise, but the character of this Penarth team was clear as they
struck back immediately as if nothing had happened. A massive 50-22 touch-finder from Ben
Jones won them a five-metre line-out. This was well-rehearsed, as George Jones took it
cleanly at the tail and all that remained was for try-machine Tom Griffiths to dive over from
the maul.
Normal service was clearly resumed from the restart as the irrepressible Cam Sultana broke
the defensive line and made 40m up-field. Caerphilly were then penalised for a succession
of high tackles and lost their openside flanker to a yellow card as a result. The penalty went
to touch and Griffiths inevitably notched up his second.
With the scores now level at 12-12, the Seasiders had found their rhythm and made deep
inroads from a midfield penalty sent to touch. George Jones again took the ball at the tail
and Ryan Hall forced his way up to the 22. Sultana was at the heart of the maul which
reached the line before quick hands from the forwards to the opposite corner put Miles
Jones in for the third try.
There was surely no time left in the half for another, but a massive break from the restart by
Man-of-the-Match Sultana broke Caerphilly’s hearts and the hosts quickly worked through
the phases for Griffiths to complete his hat-trick.
The second didn’t run so smoothly for Penarth as the rejuvenated visitors reverted to type,
their game revolving around a solid line-out and Candy. A huge break by the full-back led to
a try from number 8 Sam Haley pulling the score back to 24-19.
But Penarth shrugged this off as Ben Jones went off on one, ghosting past most of the
defence before drawing the final tackle to put Rhys Beynon in at the corner. All too soon it
was Sam Sully running wild and free and Josh Hurley entering the line to canter home for
the sixth try.
The score stood at a comfortable 34-19 with twenty minutes remaining when the
Cheesemen finally got their act together and pressured the Seasiders into conceding a string
of penalties. Tries duly arrived from left wing Lewys Willacot and outside centre Conor
Kawulok, narrowing the margin to three points. As full-time approached, Penarth steadied
the ship by mauling to the line for a Ryan Hall score, but fully ten minutes of added time
yielded nothing further for Caerphilly than a last-kick penalty for a losing bonus point.
Llanharan are the visitors to the Athletic Field next Saturday for yet another top-of-the-table
clash.

PENARTH: Josh Hurley, George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Josh Powell, Ben
Jones, Tom Hillman, Harry Wood, Tom Griffiths (Bradman William), Ryan Jones (Sam
Sully), Cam Sultana, Dom Owen, Miles Jones, Ryan Hall, George Jones.
Scorers: Tom Griffiths (3 tries), Josh Hurley (try, 2 conversions), Ryan Hall (try), Rhys

Beynon (try), Miles Jones (try).

PROMOTED SEASDIERS FACE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Penarth RFC completed their fixtures in one of their best seasons ever back in May, only
missing out on the Division 3 East Central championship by two points, having led the table
for the previous seven months.
The team now return to Division 2 for the first time since their last promotion in 2010,
arguably in much better shape now to adapt to the rigours of the higher division. They
couldn’t have a better start for assessing their potential, as they face likely promotion
contenders in the first three games. This coming Saturday’s opener away at Llanishen is
followed by games against Caerphilly and Llanharan. Three teams will be promoted from
Division 2 East Central this season and two relegated.
Penarth’s pre-season was a mixed affair as only two fixtures went ahead. The President’s
Cup Final against Morriston was abandoned after 42 minutes with the score standing at 29-
10 to the Div 1 West Central side, due to a horrible leg fracture to one of their players. The
second match again featured Div 1 opposition in Rhiwbina. Fielding a large squad of 29
players, Penarth fared much better, with a final score of 14-14 in a good physical encounter.
Overall, pre-season has been very encouraging for an unchanged coaching team, with a
focus on adjusting to the new tackle laws.
The Seasiders enter the season with a strong squad. The players who won promotion are
joined by others returning to the club after being away, as well as even more ex-youth
players making the step up. Given the encouraging size of the group in training, there’s
optimism that an Athletic team can be fielded on a regular basis.
Team spirit and a subtle balance of skills across the squad won promotion last season and
there’s no obvious reason to doubt that they’re ready to make their mark in the higher league
in 2023-24.

SPECIAL SEASON ENDS WITH CUP SUCCESS

Penarth 34-12 Llanharan (HT 15-7)

Monday night saw Penarth turn out for their final fixture of this record breaking season as they won the final of the Malcolm Thomas Cup against old foes Llanharan. It was a fitting result against fitting opposition and there is no little pride in capturing a trophy named in honour of one of Penarth, and the East Districts, finest servants.

Whilst there were a number of faces missing on both sides from April’s titantic effort at the Athletic Field, what unfolded was a fine game of fast flowing rugby on a glorious summers evening. In truth it appeared from the outset that Penarth’s XV was superior to the Dairymen’s outfit, a tribute to the Seasiders strength in depth, and as the game went on Penarth’s dominance became more and more apparent.

The first try came following a period of Penarth pressure which resulted in a lineout in the left corner of the Llanharan 22. A clean catch and efficient drive saw Sam Sully take the opening score. The second try was indicative of the way Penarth have played all season, with some neat handling amongst the forwards making space down the left flank before Rhys Morgan, in at fly half, fired a long pass to Jimmy Crothers, captaining the side on his 404^th appearance for the club, who drew the man and set George Roberts off to the try line for his 18^th try of the season.

Just before half time Llanharan finally managed to get some territory and worked their way into the Penarth 22 from where a series of short range attacks finally saw them bundle over for their opening score. Penarth managed to find time for a response as they reclaimed the kick off and set off down the left hand side once again. This time Morgan opted for a longer pass to full back Joe Roberts who made light work of the covering defence to score a fine try and give Penarth a 15-7 half time lead.

The fitness of the Penarth forwards in particular constantly kept Llanharan on the back foot with the back 5 of Cam Sultana, Matt Allen, Mike Lang, Sam Davies and James Coslett to the fore at the breakdown whilst the dancing props Harry Wood and Sam Sully were doing their usual un-proppy things in the wide channels.

The start of the second half saw the best score of the day as another great piece of work from the forwards saw Penarth take possession inside their own half and move it wide, Morgan found Osian Coates who wriggled free to offload to Crothers who set Leon Appiah loose on the wing. Appiah needed no second invitation and with fully 50 metres to go beat three defenders on the way to an outstanding try worthy of any final.

Llanharan to their credit did not give up and managed another score of their own to make it 20-12 after 50 minutes but that was as close as they got. The game then entered a bit of stodgy period as both sides rang the changes and lost some of their continuity.

But when the new faces settled, including the returning James Candy making his seasonal debut after a frustrating period sidelined by injury, Penarth found an extra gear in the final 10 minutes. First Matt Allen powered over from short range before he then showed his handling skills as he burst through a tackle on the 22 and produced a beautiful off-load to Mike Lang who opened his legs to score the final try of this game and this season. Owen Rees added the extras on both occasions as Penarth ran out 34-12 winners.

Penarth: Harry Wood (Rhys Newman), Mason Good (Tom Griffiths), Sam Sully (Ryan Jones), Cam Sultana, Matt Allen, Mike Lang, Sam Davies (Owen Evans), James Coslett, Owen Rees, Rhys Morgan, Leon Appiah, Osian Coates, James Crothers, George Roberts (Harry Williams), Joe Roberts (James Candy)

Scorers: S. Sully (try), G. Roberts (try), J. Roberts (try), L. Appiah (try), M. Allen (try), M. Lang (try), O. Rees (2 con, pen)

TITLE CHARGE CONTINUES

Tylorstown 12-39 Penarth (HT 7-29)

After the previous weeks nervy nail-biting affair away to Canton last Saturday saw a real return to form for Penarth as they put 7 tries past Tylorstown to record a convincing victory in the sunshine at Penrhys Park.

With a bus full of supporters in tow Penarth put on an exhibition of running rugby and would surely have scored more points had the referee not elected to put the home side out of their misery with nearly 10 minutes left on the clock. As it was Penarth maintained their four point lead over Llanharan at the top of the table as their title chase nears its conclusion.

The opening exchanges of the match were competitive enough and Tylorstown got the first advantage as veteran Penarth winger James Crothers was shown a harsh yellow card for a high tackle. Instead of the homes side making the most of the extra man it was Penarth who turned on the style. The first try came from captain Spencer Robinson who reacted quickly to the grant of a penalty inside the Tylorstown 22 and was too quick and strong for the home defence.

Cam Sultana had a try ruled out after he was adjudged to have put his foot in touch after a rampaging break from the returning Alex Thau. However, justice was soon done as from the resulting lineout Harry Williams fielded a long kick and spread the ball wide to George Roberts who beat two men before feeding Andy Richards who popped the ball back to Roberts to complete a fine score.

Robinson collected his second shortly after as a well worked lineout move saw Bradman Williams break the line before off loading to Robinsons for an easy score. And then only after this did Penarth go back to 15 men! And Robinson completed a 9 minute hattrick with the next play as Roberts intercepted a loose pass and made it deep into the home 22 before Robinson sniped round the fringe to scamper under the posts which James Docherty finally converted for a 22-0 lead. Tylorstown must be sick of the sight of the Penarth skipper this season as that was his 7^th try against them in 3 games!

With the bonus point secured and the game only heading in one direction there was a feeling that the home side may have started getting the rub of the green, but it didn’t help them much as Penarth scored the try of the game just after the half hour mark. Another great lineout got the backs moving and Docherty fed Crothers who threw a gorgeous miss pass to Roberts who broke the line again. With the final defender approaching Roberts had the presence of mind to put through a perfectly weighted grubber kick which Harry Williams followed up to score under the posts.

There then followed Tylorstown’s best 5 minutes of the game, which coincided with Penarth receiving two yellow cards and being reduced to 13 men, one for Alex Thau for a ruck infringement and one for Cam Sultana following a string of Penarth penalties in their own 22, which also resulted in the home side scoring their first points of the day as they bundled it over from close range.

The home side started the second half with the same two man advantage and managed to capitalise after 5 minutes as a loose Harry Williams kick gave Tylorstown the opportunity to counter and when they sent a long kick over the top it was a foot race between Docherty and the home centre. Looking every one of his 40 years Docherty conceded a 15 yard headstart as he was caught on the line and the ref adjudged that the home player got the touchdown.

But as Penarth returned to a full compliment normal service was resumed and it was Thau who collected two tries to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt. Penarth rang the changes with 20 minutes to go as the bench emptied, even seeing an appearance from Chairman Sean O’Sullivan at prop. Whilst Penarth remained comfortably on top another score was not to come as the game got increasingly scrappy and frustrating, none more so than when the referee brought a halt to proceedings 10 minutes from time.

Penarth’s final league game, in what has been a record breaking season to date, is away at third placed Pentyrch next weekend. Whilst the title is out of their hands, with Llanharan having a game in hand in which they could sneak past Penarth, a 20^th win of the season would be a fitting reward for what has been a truly outstanding effort by all involved at the club. For those wishing to come and watch the final game please note that it is a 1.30pm kick off at Pentyrch.

Penarth: Geraint Williams (Sean O’Sullivan), Bradman Williams, Sam Sully, Cam Sultana, Matt Allen (Dan Calahane), Tom Griffiths (Tom Marsh), Alex Thau, Spencer Robinson (Osian Phillips), James Docherty (Rhys Morgan), James Crothers, Osian Coates, Andy Richards, George Roberts, Harry Williams

Scorers: S Robinson (3 tries), A Thau (2 tries), G Roberts (try), H Williams (try) J Docherty (2 con)

SEASIDERS SCRAPE THROUGH

Canton 29-30 Penarth (HT 10-15)

After every great night there tends to follow a painful day to forget, and that was certainly true of Penarth’s trip to Canton on Saturday. The physical and mental hangover from Wednesday nights epic win against Llanharan was clear to see as Penarth laboured to a fortunate win over a dogged and relentless Canton side that was reduced to 14 men for the last 25 minutes.

It all started well Penarth as James Crothers scored an early try after the forwards had conducted a demolition job on Canton’s scrum. The opening 15 minutes looked like being a case of when not if Penarth would chalk up their tries to record a handsome victory but simple errors and dogged defending meant that they were not able to extend their lead.

After an initial warning of two missed penalties from the Canton centre were not heeded Penarth first found themselves level and very soon after behind as Canton capitalised on lackadaisical defending to twice crash over from close range through their big forwards.

A Josh Hurley penalty settled the Penarth nerves and it was Hurley who sparked Penarth back into the lead as he collected a loose ball and beat three defenders before sending Spencer Robinson clear up the left touchline where he drew last man and fed Josh Powell who beat the last man and went in under the posts.

So at half time Penarth were ahead and it appeared that Canton’s moment had passed. But that was far from the truth. The game lacked any flow due to both sides completely failing to work to the referees instructions, despite the several long explanations from the man in the middle. As a result both sides saw two men spend time in the sin-bin which if nothing else opened the game up a little bit.

It was Canton who struck the opening blows in the second scoring from deep inside their 22 after an ambitious counter attack and then followed up straight from the kick off as their rangy second row strolled straight through the Penarth defence before a neat off-load saw fly half Dafydd Manley cross for his sides fourth try, both tries he also converted.

Now Penarth had a problem, 24-15 down and looking out on their feet against a side brimming with confidence. The answer to Penarth’s prayers was to arrive from the bench in the form of tighthead Sam Sully. After making one scintillating break from in his own half the fleet footed front row forward was at it again as he found himself in space on the right wing deep in his own 22, whist most props would shake at the thought he simply sidestepped the first man and burst down the wing. When he was finally caught on the Canton 10m line he had the presence of mind to loop an offload to the on charging Cam Sultana who opened his legs and showed his class as he romped in under the posts.

With their tails up Penarth were soon back for more and Hurley kicked another penalty to give them the lead. Canton would not give up though and were happy to attack from anywhere, which lead to their ultimate downfall. A speculative chip and chase from the home fly-half was too long and Hurley collected it comfortably before beating his man and giving Powell a chance to burst down the left wing and over the line to extend the Seasiders lead to 6pts and provide the much needed bonus point.

With 5 minutes left and Canton down to 14 men, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that the match was won. But alas no! Canton came roaring back and managed to crash over out wide to make it a 1pt game. Fortunately for Penarth Manley’s kicking boots had not been packed and the conversion slid wide. There was still time for Canton to have one more crack, but as the ball moved wide it was fumbled and Andy Richards swooped into collect and the game was done.

Whilst it did nothing for the heart-rate, combined with Fairwater’s losses to Clwb Rygbi in midweek and St Albans on Saturday, it did mean that Penarth place in the top three is now confirmed and with it promotion to Division 2 East Central for next season.

Next weekend sees a trip to Tylorstown for what should surely be a more comfortable victory against a side that have somewhat lost their way this term before what promises to be a potential title decider against Pentyrch on 6^th May.

Penarth: Geraint Williams, Bradman Williams, Ryan Jones (Sam Sully), Cam Sultana, Andy Lang, Tom Griffiths, Tom Marsh (Rhys Morgan), Owen Lloyd (Mason Good), Spencer Robinson, James Docherty, Josh Powell, Osian Coates, Andy Richards, James Crothers, Josh Hurley

Scorers: J Powell (2 tries), J Crothers (try), C Sultana (try) J Hurley (2 con, 2 pen)