Youth clinch double (From Penarth Times)

Youth clinch double

Penarth Youth 12pts Glamorgan Wand 0pts

THIS WAS without doubt the most crucial, pivotal match in Penarth Youth's season, and hardened players and coaches even admitted afterwards to having sleepless nights over the thought of being ejected in one afternoon from both the National Youth League and the Cardiff and District Cup after Penarth had reached the final stages of both last season.

The Seasiders showed signs of nerves from the kick off and some simple errors and scrappy play meant that after full back Leon Andrews missed a penalty chance half time arrived with no score.

The intensive Youth training sessions did prove their worth in the second half when a classic move right across the back line fed the ball unerringly to Leon for a first Penarth try which he could not convert.

The tension rose and the large groups of supporters, well aware of what was at stake, urged their sides on. The game was an end to end affair with Penarth showing better defence when under attack and looking more dangerous when they had possession.

Man of the match Matthew Calford set an excellent example with tackling, getting possession and precision lineout work and he was instrumental in the second and decisive Penarth try when a lineout catch led to the ball reaching centre Tom Draper who drove over near the posts, Leon converting.

On the restart a ruck in the Penarth half was marred by a physical stamping and punching attack on Penarth's David James who was led from the field with nasty facial injuries while the referee who had seen the incident immediately expelled the perpetrator from the field of play.

Penarth lost momentum after this and the visitors made several spirited attacks near the Seasiders' line, but their defence never broke.

This well deserved win is a real feather in the Youth team's cap as the Wanderers are probably the strongest side in the Cardiff area and the remainder of Penarth's fixture prospects now look so much more attractive.

This also justifies the welcome sponsorship recently provided by Penarth business people. The game was sponsored by Mr Fred Lloyd, of Sully Terrace Post Office and Bernard Cody Garages.

A wonderful afternoon was rounded off by the presentation to Penarth Youth of a cheque for £1,240 made by Mr George Moore on behalf of Penarth Bears.

The successful Penarth squad was: Mark Smart (Capt), Ross Meadows, Richard Merrett, David Roberts, Matthew Calford, Lawrence Reidy, James Coslett, Scott Pearson, Gareth Jones, Geraint Blake, Stephen Cross, Tim Naylor, James Evans, Tom Draper, Leon Andrews, Gareth Welford, Mark Sadler, Kyle Blake, John Boland, Stephen Roberts, David James, James Williams.

This Saturday's scheduled league match at home to Llandaff is awaiting confirmation.