Match Report
It may not have produced the result that they had hoped for but Old Penarthians can take comfort from the spirited and enthusiastic performance that earned the senior side a losing bonus point in last Saturday’s opening fixture at home to Cilfynydd.
The RCT based visitors were 37 points to 14 victors when they visited Cwrt-y-vil just a few months ago for the final home game of the 2008/9 season and, having achieved status as runners-up to Pontyclun in that campaign, are amongst the early favourites to make the running for honours this term. The hosts, however, were without the steadying influence of Skipper Scott McCarthy whilst top try scorer Tim Naylor and the lively Simon Davies were amongst a number of individuals either unavailable or not quite ready for this outing.
Penarthians had first use of the stiff breeze blowing towards the Clubhouse end of the ground and made the most of early territorial advantage when centre Craig Gore opened the scoring with a 25 metre penalty goal after just 11 minutes play. The Old Boys were, however, caught napping soon after when the visitors failed to take advantage of an infringement, Referee Hugh Copping recalling play for a penalty just inside the 25. Home heads were clearly not focussed on the task in hand for outside half Mark Burton had taken the tap kick and raced over wide out before a hand could be laid upon him. His conversion attempt failed in the face of the breeze.
On the offensive immediately, the Old Boys were given a chance to regain the lead with another penalty close to the 25. Despite the wind advantage, Richard Moir declined the seemingly simple points on offer for the kick at goal. Instead, he chose to go for the potentially try scoring opportunity of a lineout at the corner, only to fail to find touch and allowing the opposition to clear. This did, however, preface an excellent drive that featured back row forwards Adrian Penny and David Mason that ended with a scrum close to the line. Again Penarthians secured possession and it took excellent Cilfynydd defence to prevent centre Steve Mohring from barging over on the right.
Still the hosts continued to dominate territorially but they came up against determined tackling from a well organised Cilfynydd line-up. Nevertheless another chance did go begging in the 33 rd minute when Craig Gore was well wide with a penalty attempt, again from close to the 25. Finally, the half came to a close with successive linesout won by Stuart Gunnarsson before Taz Rosoman charged for the corner only to be repelled yet again by the resolute cover.
Half time saw the Old Boys forced to replace Tony Kemp who was clearly in difficulty with the effects of a knee injury, James Evans taking over in the front row. Nevertheless, the visitors were the first to score in only the third minute. Penarthians were penalised close to half way but back-chat immediately cost the side a further 10 metres, just enough distance to enable outside half Burton scrape his successful kick over the crossbar and extend the lead of his side to 5 points.
The Penarthians response came in the form of an excellent break by the lively Gareth D. Jones at scrum half although, sadly, the final pass to wing Dave Owen was not of the best quality. Richard Moir was then wide of the target with a difficult kick into the stiff breeze before Craig Gore left for a spell of touchline baby sitting duties, Danny Godfrey taking over in the centre.
The newcomer was soon in productive action as part of a fine move that saw an exchange of passes with Steve Mohring before the defence prevailed but Penarthians were not to be long denied. The 14 th minute scrum was close to the 25 and on the right flank. Adrian Penny made the initial yards before feeding Gareth D. Jones who surprised even himself by handing on to Gareth E. Jones in sight of the line, the winger making no mistake as he slid over for his first try for the Club. The kick from wide out was short of the target.
With the scores now level, fresh legs were introduced with Matthew Sutton coming on for David Mason whilst Dean Pratt’s place in the front row was taken by Lee Brennan. Unfortunately, whilst the changes were not responsible, the home defence was found to be at sixes and sevens soon after as the visitors made a rare incursion into Old Boys territory. Once again a penalty ensued and, once again, indiscipline cost the side a further ten yards, Burton making no mistake with the simple kick that put his side ahead yet again.
Despite still playing into the wind, Penarthians took play to the opposition with great spirit and must surely have secured the points needed to secure the honours had they adopted steadiness in their approach whilst also showing greater awareness in the way that they needed to support one another. As it was, the final stages were played out in the visiting half where, it must be said, Cilfynydd appeared to cope comfortably with all that was thrown at them before breaking away in injury time for Burton to add to his afternoon’s tally by kicking the injury time penalty that extended the winning margin to 14 points to 8.
For acting Skipper Stuart Gunnarsson, there was the disappointment of knowing that this was a game that, in territorial terms, could well have been won. Nevertheless, he can feel pleased that his own contribution, allied to that from the fellow members of a busy pack, ensured that the visitors were well aware that they had been in a game. Back row forwards Dave Mason – still performing in a manner that belies his age - Rhys Jenkins, and the outstanding Adrian Penny were a constant thorn in the Cilfynydd side whilst Ben Russon looks well on the road to fitness following a season on the sidelines. Dean Pratt continues to progress as an abrasive prop and Taz Rosoman’s contribution was measured in being named as the side’s top tackler.
It is to be hoped that Tony Kemp’s injury is not as serious as it might have been although the side is fortunate to have both James Evans and Lee Brennan available as cover and competition for those crucial front row berths. There was also a late but promising flank forward debut from young Matthew Sutton that augurs well for the future.
Lively scrum half Gareth D. Jones produced an all action display although his colleagues will need to similarly get up to speed if his inventiveness is to reap due reward. Trainer of the Month Richard Moir, however, suffered a nervous spell at outside half although Steve Mohring was always dangerous with limited possession and Craig Gore gave good support. Wingers Gareth E. Jones and David Owen did their best to capitalise on the few chances that came their way whilst Mike Rabaiotti played neatly at full back with Danny Godfrey making his presence felt when he came on as substitute.
Away to Rumney, the Seconds had the misfortune to come up against opponents strengthened by the cancellation of a game for that Club’s more senior side and were completely outplayed up front in a match that gave the hosts league points by virtue of a 66-0 score line. It was, however, a tribute to the spirit of James Williams and his men that, despite the almost total absence of possession from either set piece phase, they stuck to their task throughout with flanker Sean Leach especially outstanding up front.
Behind the scrum, it was good to see Tom Draper display his versatility after his long injury absence and he was well supported by Mark Sadler, Chris Poole, and Jonathan Crimp as the backs showed glimpses as to what might have been had they not been starved of ball.