Fixture

Old Penarthians v Hirwaun Match Report

 

Wednesday 27th April 2016

 

Last Wednesday Old Penarthians celebrated the winning of the WRU Division 3 East Central (C) league title in style with a 58 points to 0 victory over Hirwaun.  This was a particularly satisfying result for the coaches, Simon Hurley, Anthony Davies and Curtis Taylor as it reversed the team’s only league defeat earlier in the season.  It means that with one game to play the points difference over Cardiff Saracens is unassailable and the title and promotion for Old Penarthians is secured.

 

 

The result showed how much the team has improved both as individual decision makers and as a team unit. It was still not a perfect performance with the lineout still not functioning as it should but the loose forward play and the quality of the three-quarter play was outstanding.

 

 

The 58 home points were made up from nine tries scored by Simon Davies, Joel deClaire, Rhys Lakin, Lloyd Davey (2), Mark Sadler, Tim Naylor, Charles Gore and Danny Godfrey with one penalty and five conversions from Jonathan Crimp.

 

 

That Hirwaun were unable to score, and had only two kickable penalties that were missed, says much for the collective resolution of the whole side that has prevented opponents from scoring in seven other matches this season. In fact in league matches this season the team has conceded only 90 points, whilst at the same time scoring 572 points.  This does not include the 104 points scored in the two fixtures with CIACS in the league which were then expunged from the record by the WRU because CIACS were unfortunately unable to fulfil their league commitment.  Overall an impressive record for the Old Penarthians this season with 14 wins from the 15 matches played.

 

In addition the team played in the semi-final match of the East District Cup sponsored by Coors Brewery.  This pitted the club against WRU League Division 1 opponents Rhiwbina and put up a creditable performance although losing by 47 points to 17 points.  The Old Pens did not get off to the best of starts or finishes in either halves conceding converted tries on four occasions worth 28 points.  The other elements of the game were however competitive and whilst it was difficult to pick out individuals Geraint ‘Trev' Blake is worth a mention for an all-round performance in attack and defence.

 

The Hirwaun match also featured prominent displays from Rhys Lakin, Lloyd Davey, Tom Sidford, Jon Crimp and winger Simon Davies, who seems to get quicker the older he gets.

 

 

Whilst individuals may stand out they cannot perform without their team mates and much of the hard graft put in by the forwards such as Sam Hall, Lee Brennan, Reggie Blake, Matt Allen, Joel deClaire, Geraint Blake and the man still defying his age, Alun Haines.

All the threequarters scored in the match except Gareth Clancy but he controlled matters from the bases of scrums and rucks to ensure that the right options were chosen and a link was provided for the rest of the backs to work their moves.

After the match an official presentation was made to captain Lloyd Davey by Mr Gwyn Bowden, District B Director of the WRU, of the Divisional Trophy in front of a large crowd of supporters who had come to watch the match.  It was also appreciated that the Hirwaun team and their supporters stayed to celebrate the Old Penarthians victory in a spirit that says much for the game of rugby.

Despite the promotion that comes with the league title there is still one game to play away to Cathays before the season comes to a close and it is hoped this will finally be played on Wednesday 11th May with a 6.30pm kick off.