Injury worries still haunting Villagers (From Penarth Times)

Injury worries still haunting Villagers

NEWPORT HSOB 22 PTS DINAS POWYS 39 PTS

THE VILLAGERS travelled to Yew Tree Lane, Caerleon, last Saturday, for a Division Four East fixture with the Old Boys of Newport.

Despite a poor first half display, trailing 6-17 at half-time, the Villagers once again showed character to come back and eventually run out convincing 39-22 winners with another five-try haul, keeping them top of the table.

The Villagers, currently even more injury ravaged than Glamorgan Wanderers, still have ten first team squad members on the injured list.

Dinas took the lead with only the bare three fit front-row players, with last week's hero Matthew Hadley having to step in to fill the breach at number eight until half-time.

The pitch was heavy, despite recent dry weather, and with the home side fielding a large pack, the Villagers eight had a tough job on their hands.

The home side had their initial break after just five minutes when centre Mathew Clements found a hole in the Dinas defence to sprint through and score under the posts. Scrum-half Andrew Screen added the simple conversion for a 7-0 lead.

David Evans, returning to the side after missing the Brecon game, reduced the deficit with a penalty after 15 minutes, when Newport HSOB infringed at the lineout. "Squeaky" added a second penalty nine minutes later to reduce the deficit to just one point.

The home side hit back after half an hour when Matthew Clements again found a gap in the Villagers defence for his second try. Andrew Screen landed the straightforward conversion. The scrum half dropped a goal shortly after, but David Evans was narrowly wide with a third penalty kick to leave the home side with a 17-6 half-time lead.

Chris Thomas came on at half-time for Matthew Hadley at number eight and immediately made a big impact on the game, taking the ball and making big runs to bombard the Newport HSOB defence.

Glen Webbe came close early in the second half, but from only half a yard out he was looking for support when he might have been better going on his own.

It was Chris Thomas who instigated the first Villagers try. Picking the ball up at the base of the scrum, he drew the defence before passing to James Madden, who found David Evans inside him to show his class in beating the defence to score under the posts. David added the conversion to reduce the deficit to just four points and the Villagers were right back in the game.

Following a big tackle by "Buzz" Fulthorpe, Chris Thomas was able to waltz through the home side's defence for his sixth try of the season. "Squeaky" landed the conversion for a 20-17 lead.

The Old Boys hit back and their pack did well to score a push-over try with second row Simon Walker getting the credit, to edge ahead 22-20 with just over 15 minutes to go.

Andy Fulthorpe, having moved from centre to wing, made a good run to set up a maul on the left touchline. From this the Villagers ran the ball along the threequarters where Chris O'Brien, now at full-back due to the injury to John Jenkins, was on hand to go over for a superb score. "Obey" scored a second try shortly after, which was converted by David Evans for a ten point advantage to the visitors.

Newport kept trying to their credit but the Villagers were now running the show and replacement centre Mark Cox, still struggling with his shoulder injury, added another try shortly afterwards, David Evans adding the conversion for a final convincing scoreline of 39-22.

This was another fine performance by Dinas Powys to come from behind with an exciting second half recovery to grab victory.

Captain Stuart Pyman played a big part, dominating the lineout, whilst second row colleague Gareth Phillips again showed what an important part he has had to play this season. James Madden came on as a second half replacement at scrum half and produced his best performance of the season. The Villagers once again showed great spirit to maintain top spot in the division.

DINAS VETS 24 PTS OLD PENS VETS 28 PTS

Last Saturday, on the Common, Dinas Powys played their first ever Veterans game against old rivals Old Penarthians. In a fine game played in the correct spirit and refereed by "Ninja" Parsons, who is too young to qualify to play, it was the visitors who eventually won.

Many old faces were present on the Common for the game, and star performers included Doggie Carter, Eamon Holland and Bob MacPherson. The starting front row was Steve Windsor, Howard Potter and Colin Hughes who had to leave at half-time as his father Dave had a pint waiting for him on the bar!

Greg Tuck played the first half when he only intended a ten minute spell, but Tim Reynolds virtually had to drag him off at half-time. Greg returned though within ten minutes when he was required as a replacement.

Other notables for the Villagers were Roy Davies, Tim Reynolds, Andy Veasey and veteran of all veterans, prop Mike Hartrey. Trevor Saunders and "Bomber" Smith also made notable contributions whilst Ian Terrah made a big impact when he came on for the last ten minutes.

The Veterans next game is on December 1. Could those interested in joining this band of old warriors please contact Tim Reynolds at the club.

FIXTURES This week the Villagers entertain Llantrisant in the fourth round of the Principality Cup on the Common. They last played Llantrisant in the cup on the way to a last 16 defeat against Cardiff, when they beat the Division 2 outfit away. The side would welcome as much support as they can get for this game with bigger names beckoning.

The Seconds are at home at Bryn-y-Don, whilst the Thirds are away. All matches kick off at 2.30pm.