Scott Mackie to Captain Penarth RFC again

Early Kick off at the Rec
Penarth start their campaign in the 2015-16 Division two East Central season against Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club tomorrow. The match will kick off at 1.30, instead of 2.30, to allow the supporters to watch the RWC warm-up game between Wales and Italy, the last before the RWC tournament starts. Gwernyfed RFC celebrate this season 50 years since it was formed by two local teachers in the town of Talgarth in 1965. This is going to be the seventh match of a series which commenced in 2011.

Mackie club captain
The club is pleased to announce that back-rower Scott Mackie has been confirmed as the club captain for the second season running, with blockbusting centre Tom Luck as his Vice-Captain. Both Mackie and Luck have played for and captained Penarth Youth. “I am pleased Scott has accepted to captain the side again this season. He has made tremendous progress and has become increasingly influential as the season wore on,” Head Coach Paul Williams said.

Seconds fixtures
The addition to a Second XV programme will keep team manager Stephen Newman busy this season. The first match of Penarth Seconds will be played against Rumney Seconds on September 8th Kick off time 7.30. Former Neath Outside half Paul Williams, will carry as Head Coach with David Morgan and former captain Gary Power as assistant coaches.

Youth input
The link of the senior club with the Youth section has never been stronger, with several former Youth players including Mason Good, Matt Jones, Kieran Carpenter, Tom Smith, Tom Hillman and Alan Doyle making their senior debut during the past season. In addition this year’s Youth crop Matt Allen, Harry Roberts, Rob Rees and Nick Boudier have commenced training with the senior squad, and played during the summer warm-up matches. The Youth coached by former Wales B centre Colin Laity helped by Andre Pyman and Richard Smith, the chairman of Youth, finished top of the Blues League table, but were denied the winners medals by the WRU who controversially awarded Cowbridge Youth the League title. Unfortunately, a severe illness is preventing Pyman from coaching this season, but the youngsters have wished him speedy recovery and hope to have him back as soon as possible