Match Report - 21st January 2012

St Albans RFC 2nd XV 26 v Old Penarthians RFC 2nd XV 24 (CADRU League)

The seconds played away at Tremorfa Park against St Albans in a CADRU 2nd XV League fixture and in their game lost with the last kick of the game by 26 points to 24.  It was the first time in the match that the home team led and it took the gloss of what had otherwise been an enjoyable game of rugby.

In fact with ten minutes to play the Old Pens thought the game was won and possibly relaxed which allowed the Buns to score two unanswered tries.  The last of which came from within the shadows of their own post and it was the St Albans backs, reinforced by a couple of first XV players, who did not have a league fixture of their own, who made the difference when it mattered at the end of the game.  Until then however it had been the Penarthians pack who had won their fair share of ball at first and second phases of play which had allowed the side to build a lead.

For the result to be snatched away at the end was demoralising but overall it was an excellent team display and quite a few of the side could stake claims to a call-up to the senior team if they commit themselves to training.  If however a less intense, but still enjoyable, match day is the requirement, then the seconds will ensure that game time is competitive.

The Old Penarthians points were accounted for by tries from Stuart Gunnarsson (playing with a broken hand), Jim Morris (playing for the first time in a year) and two from Paul Langley (playing his first competitive game since returning from a broken bone in his hand).  Steve Thomas (playing under a pseudonym) kicked two conversions.

There was a notable club debut from Vet (yes, a proper animal doctor not an old man) Andy Jeffers at prop and he was supported by Dominic Hedges making his first appearance as a tight head prop in a mobile pack that leant on the experienced guidance of Langley who coached his way through the game.  Charles Gore ran strongly on the wing and fullback Matthew Reid again excelled.