PROMOTED SEASDIERS LOVE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Llanishen 11-43 PENARTH  (HT 6-24)
Penarth RFC began their campaign in Division 2 East Central at a brisk trot, completely
outpacing and outclassing a shocked Llanishen side on the 3G pitch. The Seasiders were
expected to cope after their exploits in 2022-23, but a large travelling support were treated to
a master-class.
Playing a high-energy game both in attack and defence, Penarth were simply too much for a
fancied Llanishen outfit who finished in 5 th place last season. The opening quarter was a
tentative affair, as the sides exchanged penalties, but it was already clear that the Seasiders
were entirely comfortable at this level. The squad included four debutants, all of whom made
valuable contributions: Ryan Hall, George Jones, Matthew Frost and Tom Hillman.
So much so that the Seasiders were to score three tries before half time and went in at the
break cruising. The line-out was to be a key weapon all afternoon, with Harry Roberts
claiming steady possession at the tail. The first came via this route as Harry Wood drove
through to the line, with Tom Griffiths on hand to complete the score.
Penarth were now comfortably in charge, looking as lively as Llanishen were looking
flustered. The half-backs launched waves of high-speed attack moves and the hosts were
back-pedalling, while the midfield defence with Andy Richards celebrating his 51 st
appearance smothered the hosts attempts to break through. Another line-out was mauled to
the line and Man-of-the Match Griffiths came off the back for his second try.
The half ended as Ben Jones made a line-break from the 22 and Harry Roberts jinked his
way past three defenders to score outside the far post.
The Seasiders forwards had already begun their work of destroying the Llanishen scrum and
this continued throughout the second half, but gaining scant reward from a cautious referee.
The scores had dried up, but no alarm bells were ringing and the boys extended their lead
on the hour as Matt Frost took a pass from Spencer Robinson on the 22 and cut inside for
the line. Tackled just short, there was plentiful support and No.8 Ryan Hall was on hand to
complete the score and claim the bonus point.
The hosts managed their one consolation try minutes later, but Penarth had by no means
finished with them. Wheeling the scrum only brought them temporary respite and captain
Robinson was soon wise to all this, digging the ball out early and arcing around the defence
to score.
The sixth try was sheer exuberance, as Hall received the ball from the restart and crunched
his way remorselessly up-field. Quick hands along the back line and Robinson, now lining up
at full-back, left them all standing as he made it to the home 22 before flicking an inside pass
to Ben Jones for the sixth and final try.
The Seasiders sit in third place in the table behind Llanharan and Caerphilly and it’s the
Rhymney valley side who arrive at the Athletic Field this coming Saturday. Having finished in
fourth place last season behind the promoted clubs, the Cheesemen continued this form last
week with a 49-10 crushing of Taff’s Well.

PENARTH: Harry Williams (Tom Hillman), Osian Coates (George Roberts), Andy Richards,
Rhys Beynon, Matthew Frost, Ben Jones, Spencer Robnson, Harry Woood (Geraint
Williams),Tom Griffiths, Bradman Williams (Ryan Jones), Cam Sultana, Matt Allen (Dom
Owen), George Jones, Ryan Hall, Harry Roberts.
Scorers: Tom Griffiths (2 tries), Harry Roberts (try), Ryan Hall (try),
Spencer Robinson (try), Ben Jones (try, penalty, 5 conversions).