Match Report

Old Penarthians made it through to the second round of the SWALEC Bowl competition when they defeated Cardiff Saracens by 17 points to nil at Cwrt-y-vil on Saturday last. They were, however, made to work hard for the success by opponents who battled all the way and were far from disgraced as they refused to give an inch against opponents who nevertheless dominated territorially for much of the game.

After the wind and rain of the previous weekend, sunshine returned and once again provided conditions that were ideal for the running rugby that was promised by both sides. The visitors, currently operating under the Cardiff and District banner but within the W.R.U. administered Division 6 of the SWALEC league, have been struggling to cope with the increased competition of their new status but they still showed commendable intent as they took the play to their hosts from the very first kick off.

The Old Boys survived that early pressure and, indeed, should well have taken the lead after only five minutes. The opportunity came from a breakout from within the 25 and play moved quickly into the opposing half where the defensive cover was stretched to the extreme. Tim Naylor had the eager support of both Danny Godfrey and Richard Moir on his left and apparently with a clear run to the line. The centre, however, opted for the dummy, only to be rewarded with the thumping tackle that put an end to the move.

Skipper Scott McCarthy was only narrowly wide of the target with 30 yard penalty attempt but the Old Boys were now generating a full head of steam that threatened to put the Saracens under real pressure. Excellent lineout ball was being provided by both Alun Haines and Stuart Gunnarsson thanks to the accurate throwing of James Evans but there was an unnecessary tendency to rely on miss-man moves that not only failed to make best use of the midfield players but also served to cut down the space for those operating on the outsides. There was, however, a close call on the half hour when, following a James Evans take against the head at a scrum, a Tony Kemp drive prefaced release of the ball to the right where Gareth E Jones only narrowly failed to get in at the corner. Sadly, the effort resulted in the winger suffering a shoulder injury that forced his retirement, Mark Sadler coming on at full back with Danny Godfrey switching to the wing.

With the interval reached without either side scoring, there was an urgent need for Penarthians to make a mark if nerves were to be settled. That opportunity came within 30 seconds of the restart when an excellent break by Simon Davies took play into the 25 with three handling as the ball was then fed to the right. Danny Godfrey had only to latch on to the final pass for a score to be inevitable. Instead, he was clearly intent on celebrating the recent birth of his son and lost concentration, losing possession in the very act of touching down. Fortunately, the miss was not costly for possession was gained at a scrum soon after and centre Steve Mohring used his strength to force his way over half way out. Scott McCarthy was wide with the conversion attempt.

Penarthians now threatened to take complete control but the territorial domination was not rewarded with the scores that might have settled the nerves. Instead, forward drives foundered in the face of resolute defence from the gutsy visitors whilst attempts to open up behind failed through a series of wrong options allied to inaccurate handing.

The closest call came in the 9 th minute when Alun Haines’s excellent lineout ball gave James Evans to chance to dart for the line, the hooker being held up just short of the line after an attempted sidestep failed to fool the defence.

With the occasional but dangerous thrusts from wingers Matt Vaughan and Rhys Lewis giving hint of the dangers of a Saracens counter attack, the Penarthian effort became even more frantic and chances went begging to both left and right. Changes saw Lee Brennan replace Dean Pratt and Rhys Jenkins take over from Scott Hill with Jenkins soon in the action as he joined Adrian Penny in the concerted drive that, once again, fell foul of the defence just short of the try line.

Ten minutes from time, however, the deadlock was finally broken. David Mason had just come on for Adrian Penny when a lineout was won on the right. Again the forwards drove on before releasing James Evans who stretched for the corner only to be held up inches from the line. Referee Bill Hunt, however, was of the opinion that the tackle had been high and had prevented a score and he was unhesitating in his decision to award the somewhat harsh penalty try that was comfortably converted by Scott McCarthy. Further salt was rubbed into the Saracens wounds shortly after when Penarthians did manage a fine passing move going left. Tim Naylor then did well to find Richard Moir as the winger cut through on a sharp angle and at top speed, scything through the cover to score the excellent try that sealed the score at a 17 point margin.

That the side achieved its second win in the space of two weekends will surely be a boost to Penarthian confidence but there is a real need for greater emphasis to be placed on a steadiness in approach that will enable more to be made of the chances being created. Half backs Simon Davies and Scott McCarthy worked well together but questions have to be asked as to whether better use could be made of the potential of centres Tim Naylor and Steve Mohring. Meanwhile, wingers Richard Moir and Gareth E. Jones were always looking for chances whilst Danny Godfrey and Mark Sadler were again in lively form.

Up front, Man of the Match Alun Haines was in imperious lineout form together with Stuart Gunnarsson whilst Paul Langley continues to add power to the second row. James Evans was lively in the loose and accurate with his lineout throwing whilst combining with Dean Pratt and Tony Kemp in a sound front row. Scott Hill and Stuart Gunnarsson were ready allies for the hard working Adrian Penny with Rhys Jenkins, David Mason, and Lee Brennan all effective as second half replacements.

On Cwrt-y-vil’s top pitch, the Seconds produced one of their best performances for many a day in gaining league points through the 41 points to 13 victory achieved over visitors Pontyclun. Especially notable was the fact that the side trailed by 13 points to 10 at the interval before running riot in the second session and romping home by a 6 tries to 2 margin.

Dan Vale was an outstanding lock in a dominant pack that also featured fine performances Stuart Clarke, Paul Rapley and Matt Sutton although a rare early departure by Mark Curtis seemed to suggest that Claire could well be making her mark on the veteran prop! Given the plenteous possession provided by those upfront, half backs Gareth D. Jones and Mark Bow were in their element, imperiously pulling the strings that brought the very best out of centres David Owen and James Williams, both of whom impressed with their determined running.

Penarthians points came from tries through Gareth D Jones (2), Huw Williams, James Williams, Simon Barry, and Mark Bow who also kicked 4 conversions and a penalty. Simon Barry, however, left Skipper Andi Morris no option other than to detail him for post match raffle ticket duties after the abortive drop goal attempt that must surely rank as one of the worst seen at Cwrt-y-vil!