SEASIDERS CLAIM THE INAUGURAL RICHARD THOMAS SHIELD

PENARTH 20 OLD PENARTHIANS 3 – Saturday 26 December 2015

A new tradition began on Boxing Day as near neighbours Penarth and Old Penathians continued their annual contest (which has been going since the dawn of time, of course), only this time competing for the Richard Thomas Shield. This trophy has been presented by a group of former Penarth & Old Pens. players to commemorate Richard Thomas, a former No 8 for both clubs.

While the two clubs have not opposed each other in the same division for some years now, recent years have seen an increasing interest in presenting a real spectacle in what has traditionally been a closely-fought game and this year something approaching first-choice XVs were fielded.

Penarth started with the strong breeze from the Lavernock Road end. It was soon evident that their pack were going to be the deciding factor, as they took early control of both scrum and lineout. The first score duly arrived within the first ten minutes from a forward drive that saw hooker Mason Good touching down and James Docherty converting. With this score, the outside-half broke Craig Miller’s all-time Penarth club points record of 1171, setting a new mark of 1181 by the end of the game.

Although the territorial advantage lay firmly with the home side the Old Pens defended well and were able to stop numerous assaults which really ought to have resulted in further scores. The only additional points scored were 2 penalties from the boot of James Docherty which opened up a half- time lead of 13-0 for the hosts.

As the teams changed ends, there was naturally speculation as to whether the wind advantage to the visitors would be worth more or less than 13 points. Within the first 5 minutes, Old Pens had secured a penalty and John Crimp reduced the arrears to 13-3.

Fortunately for the hosts, the Penarth forwards continued to dominated proceedings, forcing the Old Pens back into their own half. The occasional handling errors with the slippery ball by both sides resulted in promising moves falling short.

Rhys Lakin teamed up with Lloyd Davey in the Old Pens’ back division and made several attempts to breach the Penarth defence, but without success. The stalemate continued right up to the final move of the game, as Penarth moved the ball smoothly through the forwards to the three-quarters and Alex Thau touched down under the posts, with James Docherty adding the extras.

Next Saturday brings a return to league action for Penarth as they visit 11th-placed Pontyclun. The hosts have not enjoyed the best of campaigns, having won only two games and lost the earlier corresponding fixture at the Athletic Field 27-11.

Division 2 East Central

Saturday 2nd January 2016

Pontyclun v PENARTH

Windsor Field, Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun

Kick-off 2.30pm