Fixture

Match Result:  Old Penarthians 21 Treherbert 24

The Old Penarthians 1^st XV players and supporters were left heartbroken last Saturday in their latest WRU National League Division 4 East Central fixture when Treherbert snatched victory with a try in the last minute of the match. The final score of 24-21 to the visitors reflected the closeness of the game and the level of excitement as the score see-sawed throughout the contest.

Treherbert started the scoring when live wire scrum half, Carl Lewis, crossed for a try under the posts in the fifth minute which was converted by Sam Howells.  It seemed that the much-changed Old Penarthians team, featuring only five of the starting line-up against Gwernyfed in the opening league fixture, were going to struggle to operate as a cohesive unit.

However, that assumption was to underestimate the strength of commitment to be shown throughout the match by the side put together coach Jake Thomas and led by replacement captain Jon Crimp.  Thanks must also be given to Penarth RFC who generously allowed experienced players, James Docherty and Rhys Morgan to represent their Lavernock Road rivals.  Both contributed to the defensive effort as well as Docherty scoring eleven of the team’s points with three penalties and a conversion.

Docherty’s kicking from hand also ensured that pressure was built on Treherbert at crucial times. In fact, it was from one such attacking kick that Rowan Allcock tackled the Treherbert fullback on his own tryline leading to confusion and from the ensuing scrum a penalty was awarded that was converted by Docherty.

On 15 minutes despite spirited defence by Rhys Thomas, Josh Allcock and Joel deClaire, Lewis scored another try that was converted by Howells for a 14-3 lead to the visitors.

Penarthians then launched a couple of attacks of their own through the threequarters with first Crimp being put through a gap by Docherty and then Rhys Goodfellow making a break but Morgan could not quite hold onto the pass.  Then came some concerted pressure after forward charges by Josh Mellor and Matt Stingl saw the ball released by Tomos Hillman down the blindside of a ruck to Andy Gill who released winger Alex Lewis to score in the corner.  Docherty converted and after further defence in their own half led by Thomas the interval arrived with a 14-10 scoreline in favour of Treherbert.

The second half started with the introduction of Youth team products James Reynolds and Ben Ewington entering the fray. Both showed commitment beyond their years and it was a strong turn over by Ewington on 10 minutes that saw Morgan break into space. He passed to Hillman and he found second row Gill on his outside who crossed in the corner for an unconverted try but with Old Pens leading by a point.

Ten minutes later another break by Crimp was supported by deClaire and from the ensuing recycled ball Allcock passed to Morgan with support on his outside but the centre turned inside to be tackled by the cover defence.  All was not lost however as Treherbert were penalised at the ruck and Docherty kicked three points and Old Pens led 18-14

Treherbert’s forwards then dominated the play and the pressure resulted in a try for Craig Jones which was unconverted.

Penarthians fought back and gained territory allowing Docherty to regain the lead with three minutes remaining. This was not to the last score however and Treherbert parked themselves in the Old Pens twenty-two.  Penarthians thought they may have won the game when Treherbert lost the ball forward in contact but the ball was kicked away without apparent advantage but the referee allowed paly to continue and eventually the Treherbert centre scored the decisive final try.

Next Saturday Old Penarthians 1^st XV travel to Llandaff North for their next Division 4 fixture and it is hoped that there can be some consistency in selection and commitment from the players to build on this narrow defeat. Kick-off is scheduled for 2.30pm.