Match Report

Old Penarthians ended their league campaign on Saturday last with the 4 try blast that enabled them to complete a season’s double over rivals Cowbridge whilst earning the bonus points that hoisted them above Cilfynydd and into 7 th place in Division 5 South East of the SWALEC National Leagues.

Ironically, the start of the cricket season was cursed with weather more suited to early March but that did not prevent the gentler sport from taking precedence at Cowbridge’s Broadshoard ground, consigning the 15-a-side men to the less attractive surroundings of the nearby school pitch. A sloping and uneven surface was not made any easier by a distinct lack of markings and it was to the credit of both sides that they endeavoured to play open football throughout the afternoon.

For Penarthians, the occasion provided a rare opportunity for the selectors to pick from strength with Steve Mohring, Richie Moir, and Simon Davies all returning after injury in a back division further strengthened by the availability of influential centre Tim Naylor. Perhaps even more significant was the return of Tom Draper at full back, the player having been missing from first team action since the game at Dinas Powys at the beginning of December.

There was an interesting change at scrum half where Mark Sadler slotted in unexpectedly, initially forming an entirely new partnership with James Evans, Skipper Scott McCarthy biding his time on the bench during the opening half. Up front, newcomer Steve Webber retained the prop position, allowing Tony Kemp to revert to lock in place of the unavailable Stuart Gunnarsson.

Hosts Cowbridge had first use of the slope and put their opponents under some pressure in the initial stages. However, the Old Boys did not take long to settle and some good work from the4 forwards enabled the side to set up camp in the home 25 where the defence was kept at full stretch. Nevertheless, the visitors were not to be denied and opened their account in only the 8 th minute with a fine try. The ball was moved right and left before James Evans was put in possession and he fed the supporting Tom Draper who chanced his arm in going it alone but fully justified that action as he breached the cover and stretched for the line to earn a touchdown that he wasted little time in then converting.

Penarthians then suffered a blow when, in only the 18 th minute, Joel De Claire suffered a recurrence of the leg injury sustained a week ago and was forced to retire, Simon Barry taking his place on the flank. Better fortune, however, was to follow soon after when a penalty award gave an opportunity for the formidable kicking ability of Cowbridge’s Ed Lakin. Unlike in previous encounters with the Old Boys, the full back fired wide of the target.

The home side maintained the offensive at this time until James Evans produced a huge tackle just outside the 25. The ball spilled to the right and Tim Naylor snapped up possession before outflanking the cover in a superb run that took him over half way out. Draper coolly added the extra points. During the breakaway, however, Simon Davies and Ed Lakin engaged in a hand bags style game of obstruction that ended with the Penarthians player being awarded a penalty from the restart with his Cowbridge counterpart consigned to a ten minute spell in the bin!

Tom Draper extended his remarkable run of form with a 40 yard penalty after 31 minutes and was then on hand to support a fine James Evans break before crossing for his second try as the half came to an end, albeit blotting his copybook by missing the subsequent conversion.

Half time saw the lively Evans replaced by Skipper Scott McCarthy but the situation was very much as before with the Old Boys taking up the initiative from the restart. McCarthy essayed a delightful chip that bounced kindly for Mark Sadler but the scrum half took full advantage in whipping the ball out left for wing Richie Moir to make it to the corner for the try that earned the Old Boys their bonus point. Tom Draper added the extra points with an excellent kick.

This score seemed to rouse the Cowbridge forwards to produce effort far in excess of their previous contribution and it was now the turn of the Old Boys to defend. In one brief breakout, however, Tim Naylor seemed clear and on course for a second score only for the Referee to decree that the move had involved a forward pass. Play soon reverted to Penarthian territory and, when the ball was moved left from a scrummage, wing Ian Overton, by far the most penetrative home runner, showed a clean pair of heels to the opposition, crossing for a fine try that was converted by Lakin.

Disappointingly, the visitors now fell off the standard set in the opening session and, apart from one moment when Simon Davies attempted a spectacular flying interception that must surely have produced a score had he gathered the ball, there was little sign that the 29 point tally would be increased. The hosts, however, grew in confidence and, aided at times by some interesting refereeing decisions, maintained pressure inside the Old Boys half notwithstanding the fact that they were playing against the considerable slope.

Lee Brennan having stepped down to make way for Dean Pratt, the Penarthians front row was further disrupted when Craig Mohring was mysteriously yellow carded, Mark Curtis taking his place. This prefaced a further period of pressure and it was of little surprise that a second Cowbridge score was to follow. Again the initial pressure came from up front but it was veteran scrum half Lawrence Brown who burst over the line, Lakin adding the extra points for a second time.

With the end fast approaching, the Old Boys did achieve a temporary foothold in the home half but were caught napping when a flank forward broke clear on the left. A frantic touchline chase ensued before a marvellous cover tackle from Tom Draper put and end to the danger although Penarthians players were astonished that the resultant touch throw was awarded to the hosts. Further disappointment occurred at the end when Steve Webber became the second recipient of the yellow card, having been adjudged guilty of a deliberate knock on. Fortunately, the incident came too late to be of significance and Penarthians were delighted to have achieved victory in a largely convincing manner.

Both players and supporters will be delighted that the season has come to an end with a winning performance even though there was an element of the curate’s egg about it. Certainly, the first half display reflected the free running approach that has always been within the potential of the side although the second half falling away was a reminder to close to the events of early season disappointments.

Nevertheless, there was encouragement from the solidity of a front row that featured useful work from Lee Brennan, Craig Mohring, and Steve Webber whilst the aerial expertise of Alun Haines will be missed should that worthy carry out his threat to step down to Vets rugby. Tony Kemp worked hard in both lineout and loose whilst the back row pairing of Paul Langley and Mark Smart largely controlled their opposite numbers. It was a pity that the injury to Joel De Claire came so early but it did give a chance for the multi coloured hair of Simon Barry to catch the eye, albeit that not always in the right places!

Mark Sadler was a lively performer at the base of the scrum where his partnership with James Evans brought the best out of the backs in a manner probably more adventurous than when Skipper Scott McCarthy took over at outside half. Centre Steve Mohring made an aggressive contribution in both attack and defence whilst Tim Naylor’s excellent running and high work rate was in direct contrast to his abilities as a drop kick specialist.

Wingers Simon Davies and Richard Moir were also in lively form with the sheer pace of Davies always a threat. Nevertheless, it was the superb contribution of full back Tom Draper that really marked the difference between the sides and there is no doubt that his absence from the side in recent times has been a major loss.