Fixture

Another hard day at the office for Old Penarthians 1^st XV as they suffered a 50 points to 3 defeat away to Treherbert in their latest WRU National League Division 4 East Central league fixture. Following the cancelation of the fixture at home to Llantwit Major the previous week because of a frozen pitch it was a surprise to find the Treherbert ground in almost perfect condition.

Unfortunately the full compliment of players who were available for that home fixture were largely unavailable for the away trip and the team that travelled had to commence the game with unopposed scrummaging.  This meant that Old Penarthians could only play with fourteen players on the pitch at any one time (which must contain a full complement of forwards at the scrum) but were allowed two substitutes.

Everyone who participated can hold their heads high for an unstinting team effort from minute one until the final whistle, but taking on such a strong team as Treherbert meant several players sustained injuries during the match and only dogged determination ensured that 14 players were still on the field at the end of the game.

This despite Rhys Thomas having to depart after only 5 minutes through a hamstring injury allowing James Williams to forsake his team manager’s role to play backrow.  Other injuries to Joel deClaire (who returned after a spell on the touchline) and Rhys Morgan meant that Michael Rogers had more time playing than he might have expected.

The match started well for Old Penarthians with the visitors having the best of the first 15 minutes with enterprising back play from Jonathan Crimp, Rhys Lakin and Morgan from a solid (non-moving) scrum and a line out well managed by hooker James Reynolds.

The first score was however conceded on 24 minutes when Craig Jones crossed for a try converted by Max Hendy. Three minutes later Ian Bradley scored a try under the posts and Ben Williams converted. Almost directly after restart Tom Sidford was sent to the sidelines for excessive aggression at a maul but the Treherbert player who retaliated with a punch went unpunished.

The lack of numbers resulted in another home try to Williams who converted for a 21-3 scoreline.

Penarthians attacked through Lakin and Nathan Facey and from the ground gained Treherbert were penalised twice in quick succession and on the second occasion, on the stroke of half time, Facey kicked a penalty for a 21-3 interval score

The second half was attritional with Penarthians called on to defend for the majority of the time.  Josh Allcock’s tackling was outstanding supported by Josh Mellor, Matt Stingl and Reynolds in the forwards and Crimp, Lakin, Facey and Morgan in threequarters.

There were some highlights however with Lakin handing off three defenders and nearly scoring in the corner; Crimp playing the role of Dan Biggar with a high kick out of defence which he caught, went to ground and won a penalty: deClaire’s audaciously taken quick throw-in with a 25m pass into midfield which was caught by Max Chandler with James Williams in support, but the ball was retained; Alex Lewis finding a new lease of life as a scrum half and Facey given room to run powerfully at centre.

It meant that Treherbert did not have it all their own way and in fact were shown two yellow cards themselves for dangerous tackles.  The game was however played fairly and a good Treherbert team were gracious with their compliments at the way Penarthians had ‘stuck at it’ throughout the match.

After the match Chairman Stephen Clarke awarded a joint men-of-the-match award to Josh Allcock for his alround defensive performance and to Max Chandler, in his first year out of the Youth XV, for his endeavours and enthusiasm against much bigger opposition. Stephen went on to sat "Looking at the score, you will think that this was a very one-sided game. But for those who were watching the game, out team played with true spirit and committment from start to finish, despite only starting with 14 men, losing a player to a yellow card and a number of senior players with injuries.  Those who played today deserve nohing but prise"

For the record Treherbert scored five second half tries through Craig Jones (2), Jim Davies, Steffan Meredith and Arwel Jones.  Two of which were converted by James Evans for a final score of 50-3

With the Six Nations Tournament starting on Saturday there is now a break in the league programme (again) with Old Penarthians next game to be played at home on 18^th February.  This game against fellow strugglers Llandaff North will be the first home game since 8^th October last year, so all support would be welcome. Kick off will be at 2.30pm.