SEASIDERS LIFT THE CURSE

PENARTH (14) 19 LLANHARAN (7) 14

The Seasiders and the Dairymen have enjoyed, you might say, a close rivalry over the last four seasons, but the fact remains that of the last seven league or cup games between the two sides, Penarth had only won once. This was a 17-12 home game in 2022.

Most games were close, but Llanharan always found a way to win. After yet another tight game at the Dairy Field in September when the score was 20-17, the Seasiders were determined to find a way to win themselves. In an often scrappy encounter, they did just that, resulting in ecstatic celebrations at the final whistle.

At times, Penarth looked irresistible and an easy win seemed possible, but the Dairymen’s levels of commitment kept them in touch until the final whistle. The hosts went into the lead as early as the second minute with a driven line-out leading inevitably to another classic Tom Griffiths try.

Llanharan surged back in attack from the restart and only a last-ditch Ben Jones tackle prevented a score. They maintained the pressure for some time, but a scrambled home defence kept them out,

However, the Seasiders’ main advantage lay in the scrum, where they had the upper hand all game. A lengthy siege on the Llanharan line resulted in a string of scrum resets and penalties against the visitors and Spencer Robinson finally took matters into his own hands, tapping the latest penalty on going under the posts.

 Sitting pretty at 14-0 up Penarth might have relaxed a little, as the Dairymen camped out in the home 22. A penalty was kicked to touch and the driven line-out resulted in a penalty try and a half-time score of 14-7.

The second half was only two minutes old when the Seasiders conjured up the try of the game. A line-out on the stand side seemed to pose no threat, but the backs worked it slickly along the line towards the right-hand touchline, where Ben Jones feigned to pass to George Roberts outside him, but cut back in to score.

Now a clear two scores ahead, Penarth had over half an hour to go looking for the bonus point try, but, as often happens, they perhaps tried a little too hard and never quite managed to add to their total. Several opportunities to put the game firmly to bed were missed, but the lead remained.

Still, being defensively sound and scrummaging dominantly count for a lot, so Geraint Williams and Alan Doyle can take a great deal of credit for that, not to mention Rhys Beynon’s unstinting efforts in midfield.

In the end, it was the Dairymen who finally got over the line with four minutes remaining for their losing-bonus-point try. With put-in to a scrum in the home 22, they were again firmly driven back by the Seasiders’ pack, but somehow managed to dig the ball out for the left winger to dart in at the corner.

A great comeback, nevertheless Penarth and a win against Llanharan is always an encouraging sign, isn’t it?