Sully come to Thirds rescue (From Penarth Times)

Sully come to Thirds rescue

WITH AN unresolved disagreement as to kick off time resulting in the postponement of last Saturday's 1st XV game at home to Pill Harriers, Old Penarthians were faced with the prospect of a weekend devoid of action until neighbours Sully came to the rescue at the very last moment with the offer of a fixture for the club's Third string.

Such is the spirit currently engendered in the ranks of Phil Brock's side that the skipper had no difficulty in raising a team despite the late notice.

Phil, however, is known to jealously guard the reputation of his own particular squad and there was no way that he was prepared to weaken the line-up by including players normally operating within the more senior sides! There was, after all, a point to prove. Sully are one of only two sides to have defeated the Thirds this term and the determined Brock was anxious to set the record straight.

His confidence was well placed, for the Old Boys dominated from the outset and, with the pack in almost total control, a strong base was set for the conclusive victory that was to follow.

Not that Sully were content to be mere cannon fodder for their opponents. Indeed the Villagers played with commendable enthusiasm to contribute greatly to a thoroughly entertaining outing that was contested in an excellent spirit.

It has to be said, however, that Penarthians possessed the greater experience and were full value for the 5 tries to 2 reflected in the final 31-12 scoreline.

Stuart Underhill, Gary Carpenter and Mike Sullivan were a formidable front row trio, forming a solid base in the set scrums. Bob Denning and Chris Davies continued their excellent partnership in the boiler room of the second row, ensuring a fine supply of lineout possession that was marvellously augmented by the endeavours of back row forwards Mark Holder, John Galsworthy and Neil Warren.

At scrum half, skipper Brock slotted in as though to the manner born and insists that his service had much to do with the control that Peter Goodfellow was able to exercise outside him.

The brothers Pilcher were in their element in the centre and played with such gay abandon that they were able to lay claim to one of the opposing scores, this following a complete mix-up in family understanding that laid the try on a plate for Sully.

It was good to see Gwyn Jones in lively wing action whilst Paul Aubrey also ran with conviction whilst Jon Howell was so carried away by the power of his kicking that one siege gun effort ran dead at the opposite end, the recall giving Sully the platform for their remaining score.

Penarthians points constituted a nap hand of tries, secured variously by Chris Davies, Mark Holder, Jon Howell, John Galsworthy and Paul Aubrey, and several of which were little gems in their own right. Peter Goodfellow added three conversions to complete the tally.

The second half allowed Brock the luxury of introducing various substitutes and, although Rory McAffer, Steve Morse, Andy Petersen, Phil Marks and Danny Godfrey all made their marks, it was noticeable that Matthew Turner was in subdued mood, probably overawed by the quality of the play that he had earlier witnessed.

The postponement of the Senior game came about after Fixture Secretary Mel Jones failed in his attempts to offer an acceptable solution to Pill Harriers. The Newport side argued that they were unable to fulfil the scheduled afternoon spot as many of their players had committed themselves to the Cardiff international. For similar reasons they considered a morning kick off equally unacceptable.

Pill's offer of a Friday evening game under their floodlights was clearly not an option for a Penarthian outfit unused to such conditions and against opponents who are in such outstanding form at present.

The protracted negotiations did, however, reach a satisfactory conclusion with both sides agreeing that the match should take place at Penarth on December 22.

In some ways, the unexpected respite did afford Penarthians a welcome break, coming as it did on the back of the demoralising defeat at the hands of St Josephs just a week ago.

Whether or not the break is sufficient to restore confidence in a side that is currently lacking in self-belief remains to be seen, especially as the Old Boys are scheduled for a visit to Newport Saracens this weekend, another of the leading sides in Division 5.

Matters have not been helped by the news that Mark Glover, skipper for the past two seasons, has decided to try his luck once again with neighbours Penarth.

Current incumbent Mark Lloyd has been playing his heart out in recent weeks as he endeavours to get the side back on an even keel.

Neither he nor coaches Mike Goldsworthy and Kenny Rattenbury can achieve that aim on their own. They need the whole-hearted support of a group of players who are equally committed to the cause. Those not of a similar minds have no place in the fight for survival.

Saturday's fixture is scheduled for a 2.30pm kick off and, with international commitments again in evidence at Cardiff, no other games have been scheduled.