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.