News

In the defeat to title chasing Tonyrefail last Saturday Joel deClaire was an unexpected second half substitute following an injury to his ankle that was supposed to keep him out of action until the end of November. 

True to his commitment to the team however he made himself available as a replacement and duly entered the field of play in the 12^th minute of the second half when he replaced Matt Stingl as a tight head prop. 

This may seem like a surprise to many who have always associated him to be a backrow player like his father Michael, but this is not a late change of career to follow in the footsteps of Nick Chandler and Allen Evans.  It was more of a need for a body to play in that position in a non-contested scrummage.

As ever Joel gave 100%  and he even ended with a cut eye for his troubles following a clash of heads that may have seen a TMO intervention in a televised match, but at this level was met by relative pragmatism by the officiating referee who just called the trainers onto the field to deal with the injuries to both players.

The appearance did however see Joel reach a landmark achievement as it was his 200^th game for Old Penarthians 1^st XV.  He joins eighteen other players to have also played between 200 and 299 games for the 1^st XV in the 100 years since the Club’s foundation in 1923.  This achievement will be formally recognised by the Club with a presentation after the next home match against Ynysowen on 25^th November.

Congratulations Joel.