SEASIDERS STILL IN THE HUNT

Just when things began to look a bit shaky following the home defeat against Barry and a difficult game against Llanharan loomed up in the New Year, the Seasiders stormed back with a win and are still in touch with leaders St.Joseph’s.

Admittedly the two-point deficit could stretch either way over the remaining matches of the season and the Joe’s have yet to visit the Athletic Field (coming up next month). Then again, it’s chiefly up to Penarth to keep up the pressure, but it isn’t necessarily going to be easy.

Closing the gap on the leaders is one thing, but staying ahead of the other challengers quite another. Which brings us to the next opponents – Abercynon. We can consider Llanharan dealt with, as while they sit in third place behind the Seasiders, they’re also ‘played 11’ and trail by nine points.

The same doesn’t apply to Abercynon in fourth place, also nine points behind Penarth, but ‘played 8’. Since that’s a potential 15 points for the Cynon Valley club the advantages of an away win for the Seasiders next Saturday are quite clear.

The earlier fixture at the Athletic Field gives us some pointers. At the time, Abercynon were undefeated and leaders, Penarth had just lost twice against Llanharan! The match was a close one and featured a 5-4 try count in favour of the Seasiders.

It’s all to do with momentum and getting the fixtures completed so that there are points in the bag rather that games in hand. Seven matches to go, but only two at home. It isn’t necessarily going to be easy.