UNBEATEN SEASIDERS EXTEND RUN

PENARTH 27 PONTYCLUN 11 – Saturday 19 September 2015
With the unfamiliar luxury of an undefeated start to the season under their belts, Penarth were probably expecting stiffer opposition from Pontyclun, but a bonus-point win leaves them comfortably placed behind leaders Porth.Harlequins

Despite an impressive early break from Nathan Smith, the Seasiders were unable to assert themselves during the opening quarter and Pontyclun’s Luc Rose was able to ease his side in front with a penalty after 17 minutes. He was to add a second 11 minutes later, but meanwhile James Docherty had charged down a clearance and Nathan Smith won the race to touch down.

All the time in the background there was a lot of niggle, often breaking out into minor scuffles and the referee had finally had enough as half-time approached and the visitors’ blindside flanker received a straight red as Penarth attacked and the resulting penalty gave a half-time score of 10-6.

The Seasiders came straight out of the traps at the kick-off and Harry Roberts forced a penalty. The ensuing line-out was expertly driven for a Scot Mackie try. The third quarter saw a procession of Penarth attacks, with 14-man Pontyclun hard-pressed to keep them out. After 54 minutes, Alex Thau picked up from a scrum taken against the head, but was held up over the line. From the five-metre scrum, it was openside Roberts who secured the third try for a 20-6 lead.

Despite being mostly in charge, the Seasiders were unable to really impose themselves in a scrappy final quarter, but as another attack broke down near half way, a hack ahead and a swift follow-up left James Crothers with two defenders to beat in-goal. Two lucky bounces later his alertness rewarded him with a bonus-point try as he grounded the ball near the posts.

The final minutes saw Nathan Smith denied an interception try for offside and finally a consolation try for Pontyclun as their openside flanker went over from short range.

Penarth now enjoy a three-point lead over third-placed Dinas Powys and now make the short trip to The Common for the second Vale derby of the season. The Villagers are also undefeated, but include two draws in their opening three games.

PENARTH Rhys Morgan, Ben Donovan, Adam Lewis (Tom Luck), Nathan Smith, James Crothers, James Docherty, Chris Mortimer, Owen James (Richard Merrett), Mason Good (Joe Page), Sean O’Sullivan (Alan Doyle), Richard Howells, Matt Allen, Scott Mackie [c] (Elliott Smith), Alex Thau, Harry Roberts

Scorers: Mackie, N.Smith, Roberts, Crothers (tries), Docherty 2C, 1P

Meanwhile in another corner of the Athletic Field, a fine demonstration of the strength in depth of the Penarth club was in progress as the second team tackled a visiting Old Penarthians XV with a fascinating blend of youth and frankly huge experience. The 72-0 scoreline amply justified the experiment and this should benefit the first team squad as well as the players involved.

SWALEC League Division 2 East Central
Saturday 26th September 2015
Dinas Powys v PENARTH
The Common, Dinas Powys
Kick-off 2.30pm