Fixture

After the cancellation of the Old Penarthians 1^st XV league fixtures against Llandaff North due to a waterlogged pitch on 8^th January and the inability of Hirwaun to raise a team last weekend the team were pleased that Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd 2^nd XV were looking for a fixture and provided a competitive match environment that was only won by the Old Pens with the last kick of the match.

The details of the that match will follow but last weekend was something of a historic milestone for the Club when for the first time there were victories for the 1^st XV, the Youth XV and the Old Penarthians Mariners Ladies XV. 

The Youth XV playing at home against Pontyclun in their first league fixture of the season were the victors by 19 points to 7 with two tries for Cameron Williams and one for Liam Brookes.  Jac Jones kicked two conversions and he together with Jack Chandler were the players of the match.  Coach Jeff Norman felt that this was not perhaps the best performance by the side this season but definitely showed the development of the individual  players into a team with the way they held together to resist a spirited second half fightback by the visitors.

This is the first year of Youth Rugby in the Club since the late 1990s and the team is gaining in strength and confidence as the season progresses. It is hoped that the development will continue and other players will join Tyler Carter, Rhys Stout and Neo Sammut who have already worn 1^st XV colours

 Then the next day the Mariners Ladies XV played at home to Blaina in a WRU South Wales Plate East league fixture and ran out winners by the same score of 19-7.  At half time the scores were level at 7 all but a strong second half performance ensured their first victory in the four-team league after an initial defeat away to Dowlais by 10 points to 5 the week before.

The victory over Blaina saw two tries for Jodie Read and one for Aimee Smith with two conversions from Sarah Davies.  This was the first win for new coach Kim Jones and she was very pleased with the performances of all the team but especially Rachel Cosier and Claire Johnson who were jointly presented with the players-of-the-match awards

Returning to the 1^st XV, it is to the credit of Clwb Rygbi that they were able to raise two teams on Saturday with their 1^st XV winning against Penygraig as well as fulfilling the match against Old Penarthians with a full squad.  Unfortunately, they had insufficient front row forwards to allow the game to have contested scrummaging and whilst this distracted in some of the physical aspects of the match both sides showed plenty of willingness to run the ball at all times.

The match started well for Old Pens and after 15 minutes Nathan Facey scored a try  following strong runs in midfield by Josh Mellor and Tom Sidford.  More attacking play from both teams was cancelled out by good defences until a break from Matt Stingl allowed Rhys Goodfellow to release Chris Poole who broke two tackles to run in a try under the posts converted by Steffan Crimp for a half time lead of 12-0

Clwb Rygbi started the second half strongly and after five minutes scored a try in the corner through Chris Jones which was converted off the crossbar by Gwion Emlyn.  Only a try-saving cover tackle by Alex Lewis, assisted by a turnover by Joel deClaire prevented Clwb scoring four minutes later.  However, the Cardiff team were not to be denied and soon afterwards Hywel Thomas scored a try converted by Emlyn and Clwb led 14-12.

Fortunately, captain Poole was able to restore the lead with his second try converted by Crimp but back came Clwb Rygbi with a try and conversion by outside half Emlyn.  With minutes remaining and Clwb leading 21-19 Crimp tried a penalty kick from 40m but was unsuccessful.  Old Pens continued to apply the pressure and were awarded another penalty which Crimp kicked and then the final whistle was blown for a 22-21 victory

It was a good run out for the team but coach Jake Thomas, despite the commitment to attacking rugby, is sure to be concerned about the lack of line out success for the forthcoming cup and league fixtures

On Saturday Old Penarthians 1^st XV is away to CIACS in an East District Cup competition with a scheduled kick off at 2.30pm