Old Boys slip again (From Penarth Times)

Old Boys slip again

ON A DAY when all but one other of the games in Division 3 (East) fell victim to the atrocious weather conditions, Old Penarthians were faced with a somewhat tortuous journey to the heights of the Monmouthshire Valleys for their game against divisional newcomers Brynithel.

Conditions were surprisingly good and both sides attempted to move the ball although skill levels fell short of the highest standards and there were many mistakes.

This was one of the games Penarthians had targeted in their quest for league security, but the hosts, defending an unbeaten record on their own patch, took maximum points with a 19-8 win.

Outside-half Gavin Davies hit the post with an early 35 yard penalty, and the home side took the lead with a freakish score in the 13th minute.

Possession was won at a lineout on the left and the ball was moved across the line. The defence remained ordered and winger Eammon Glastonbury was left with no option other than to kick ahead. It seemed that the ball was destined for touch but, as the cover hesitated, flank forward Simon Pitt seized his opportunity and gathered in full flight to plunge over at the corner.

Old Boys were undeterred and were rewarded with a score of their own. Brynithel tried to drive forward through their burly forwards only to come up against the brick wall of the Andy Hopkins inspired midfield defence. The ball fell loose and was hacked on by Sean Lewis.

The flanker raced on to kick the loose ball towards the corner, enabling Simon Hennessey to win the 30-yard chase for a touchdown wide out. Gavin Davies could not convert but he was to put the side ahead just four minutes later when he succeeded with the 25 yard penalty that resulted from Brynithel's indiscretion in front of the posts.

Just when it seemed the visitors would build up a lead to safeguard against the second half elements, they were let down by poor defence and winger Sean Pitt crossed wide out. Almost at once Sean Lewis was adjudged by referee Eric Jones to be offside and outside half Julian Caple landed an easy goal to extend the lead to 13-8 at the break.

The hosts had second half territorial advantage aided by the strong wind, but became prone to errors of judgement, while Old, Boys failed to produce the initial tackles that might have nipped numerous rolling mauls in the bud. To his credit Tony Kemp surprised even himself with two big hits in succession whilst Andy Hopkins was never slow to make his presence felt.

Mark Horrocks continues to impress with the pace and determination of his running and it is a pity that the side has yet to devise the methods that can create greater space for his efforts. Martin Hodgkinson contributed some useful touches but the absent Chris Dacey was sorely missed.

The front row trio of Mark Curtis, Gareth Shaw and Malcolm Penberthy did well in the set pieces but both Graham Griffiths and Tony Kemp found themselves well matched at the linesout. Skipper Mark Lloyd had a quieter game than of late and possibly missed the tactical encouragement from Mark Bow, the scrum half suffering the after effects of a stomach upset.

The side's enthusiasm ensured the hosts were unable to cross the line during the second session, but Caple added two simple penalties to take them 11 points clear.

It is now up to the players to respond to the lessons learned on the day. While the leading sides in the division are likely to prove too strong, the Old Boys have the ability to match the others and if they play with a belief and determination they can return to winning ways.

The cancellation of the Seconds league match at Dinas Powys meant that a plethora of players were available for the Thirds game at home to Pilning. Not that skipper Phil Brock was inclined to give any form of preference to those from the more senior side, insisting that the game began with his normal troops in the front line.

As events transpired, the visitors were no match for the rampant Old Penarthians and the massive interval lead persuaded the skipper to make wholesale changes for the second session, no fewer than 13 replacements coming on in that period. This did have the effect of putting the brakes on the scoring riot, the half-time lead in the region of 40 points petering out to a final scoreline of 62 points to 15 in favour of the hosts.

A hat-trick of tries for Gwyn Jones meant he was one to dodge in the clubhouse afterwards, although Mike Scully had every right to extol the marvellous effort that saw him run fully 80 yards for his touchdown.

Other scores fell to poacher Steve Goodfellow, Mark Holder, Jon Howell, Paul Aubrey and Ieuan Moorcraft but the name of the person claiming the 10th try has mysteriously disappeared from the skipper's record. We can confirm that six conversions were shared by John Howell (2) and Phil Marks (4).

This was another fine performance from the side boasting the best record in the club and Phil Brock was again at pains to stress that each and every one of the players contributed to victory.

Mike Scully again revealed form that suggests he simply should not be performing at this level whilst Mark Holder defies the advancing years with the quality of his display.

The experience of David Pilcher was there for all to see whilst Keith Jackson revealed a formidable combination of pace and bulk. It was good to see youngsters Ieuan Moorcraft and Nick Vegas make their marks as they enter the senior ranks, whilst Phil Harry was solid.

Saturday sees the Firsts return to Cwrt-y-Vil where Blaina will provide a testing time for Mark Lloyd and his men in the further quest for league points. The Seconds face a must win clash at home to fellow strugglers Canton, whilst the Thirds have a local derby match at Dinas Powys, and the Fourths travel to Newport to meet St Julians HSOB, all kick-offs 2.30pm.