Match Report - 7th January 2012

Old Penarthians 2nd XV 12 v Barry 2nds 7(Friendly)

The second XV played host to a Barry team in a friendly match at Cwrt-y-vil and were the winners of a tightly fought contest by 12 points to 7.  This is the fourth time that the two clubs have played each other this season and the Barry team are so familiar with the surroundings that they are considering taking tables at the Old Pens club dinner in May.

Unfortunately the game itself was marred by the fact that Old Penarthians could not field three eligible front row players and therefore had to opt for uncontested scrummages from the start with newly returned world traveller, Andy Gill, packing down at hooker.  Despite a stay in Thailand this was an unfamiliar role for him and he found himself as much on the wing as in the forwards.  It however won’t be long before he re-finds his real self.

Someone you could bank on for knowing who he is, is Crevvie, but even he found himself in unfamiliar territory at outside half but achieved a life-long ambition of kicking expertly for the corner.  He now joins Gethin Jenkins, of Blues and Wales fame, exiled by fellow front row forwards for displaying excessive levels of skill.

Others showing skills during the game were well travelled veterans Stuart Gunnarrson and Paul Rapley, ably supported by Scott Hill who has also seen overseas duties in less friendly places.  Joe Taylor and Liam Wingren once again proved their adaptability by changing from footballers into rugby players for the day.

But the star of the day was full back Matthew Reid who scored the team’s two tries, one of which was converted by Steve Thomas.