Match Report

This weekend the Old Boys felt the full force of Senghenydd’s charge for promotion and were submerged in the avalanche of eight tries that ensured that the hosts were able to clock up yet another bonus point to supplement their match winning tally. Not that it was of significant help to the “Saints” for front runners Barry were achieving similar success at home to Blackwood to ensure that the promotion destiny remains entirely in their hands.

Penarthians players, however, will bear testimony to the fact that the Caerphilly based outfit is probably the best side that they have faced all term. Whilst not possessing the biggest pack, Senghenydd nevertheless play an expansive game that is based on total support under the guiding influence under an excellent pair of half backs in Alun Ford and Rhys Nicholas.

It was of little comfort to Scott McCarthy and his men to know that, had they played as well a week earlier, they would probably not have suffered the disappointing defeat at Cefn Coed. Senghenydd, however, were a different kettle of fish and were good value for the fine tries scored by number 8 Kieran Hughes, outside half Nicholas, prop Gareth Sewell, wing Darren Johns, and scrum half Ford who also added the 3 conversions that accounted for the 31 point interval tally. Second half touchdowns from Kieran Hughes, wing Jamie Brown, and hooker Sean Morgan were all converted by Ford to complete the Senghenydd total.

For the Old Boys, some consolation came at the end of the first half when Paul Langley’s lineout take was carried on by Lee Brennan before centre Tim Naylor launched himself at the heart of the defence and plunged through three would-be tacklers for a try at the post that was converted by Skipper Scott McCarthy.

Whilst the forwards acquitted themselves well at the set pieces and there was some fine defence from those behind, it has to be said that some crucial tackles were missed but there was still an encouraging desire to move the ball in a manner that might well have proved productive on another day. Unfortunately, this was not that day and the cause was not assisted by the in juries that saw James Evans, Simon Barry, and Scott Hill forced to retire with Simon Davies clearly struggling with a leg injury long before the end.

The disappointing numbers unavailable for the final match of the Seconds season meant that the line-up for the daunting task of facing the league’s unbeaten leaders was of a distinctly bits and bobs nature and the side was as well beaten as is suggested by the score line.

Nevertheless, it was a brave performance from the Old Boys who competed at every stage but were rewarded with just one Huw Morgan penalty goal as the reward for their efforts.

An outstanding performance from Dan Vale was the pick of the forward effort whilst Dave Owen shone in the centre and Tom Draper called the tune at full back to illustrate just how much his talents are missed by the senior side. Huw Morgan, too, impressed at outside half, displaying an extremely cultured left boot.