Late score gains derby win for Penarth RFC (From Penarth Times)

Late score gains derby win for Penarth RFC

ON A DRY sunny but chilly afternoon and with ground conditions almost perfect at the Athletic Field, Penarth entertained local rivals Old Illtydians.

In the build-up to next Saturday's 5th Round Principality Cup match against 2nd Division Beddau, it was expected that the Old Boys would provide the home side with stiff opposition, Penarth not having beaten the visitors in their two previous encounters in the league.

The referee Mr Jeffrey Lake from North Cornelly signalled the start and Old Illts kicked off. The ball was collected by captain Mike Clare who brought his forwards into play driving into the visitors half. Some good defence from the visitors saw them intercept a promising Penarth passing move but they knocked on.

Penarth quickly heeled the ball for outside half Chris Cummings to put in a probing kick towards the visitors 22 metre line for the Old Boys full-back to gather and find touch well inside the Penarth half. The throw in was adjudged not straight. At the scrum Penarth were penalised for offside which was duly converted by outside half David Hughes taking the visitors into the lead by three points.

From the re-start Old Illts regained possession and were soon back on the Penarth 22 metre line but the ball spun into touch. Penarth, taking play forward, Mark Glover in the vanguard gaining a scrummage and Chris Cummings found touch on the visitors 10 metre line.

A driving maul from possession gained from the lineout by the Penarth forwards brought play inside the visitors 22 metre area and good rucking by the home side saw the ball worked out to centre Dai Carter who changed direction, sweeping round the blindside and outpacing would be tacklers to score in the corner to go ahead by 5 points to 3. However, the lead was short-lived as they were penalised at a line-out and outside half David Hughes gave the visitors the lead again at 5-6.

Good play in defence and attack by both sides resulted in no clear advantage being taken until a penalty was awarded to the visitors, Penarth were penalised for holding after the tackle. The attempted conversion failed and from the drop out Penarth gained a scrum on the half-way line followed by a penalty. Touch was found on the 22 metre line. Some good mauling and rucking was spoilt by some loose play and non support of the ball carrier until Dai Carter gained possession and going blind once again, outpaced the defence to score his second try to take Penarth into the lead again at 16-6.

The first half ended with the visitors driving well into the Penarth half but were penalised for killing the ball at the ruck.

From the kick off the visitors were determined to attack, running the ball back into the Penarth half the kick ahead being caught by Danny Brookman who was brought to ground with an unidentified visitors killing the ball to avoid quick release. However, the referee penalised Penarth and for the third time outside half David Hughes kicked the penalty to bring the scores closer at Penarth 10, Old Illtydians 9.

Further pain was inflicted on Penarth when the visitors gained a foothold well in the home side's 22, the ball being worked out into the centre where full-back Joe Bray came into the line at pace and cut through the Penarth defence to score under the posts, David Hughes kicking the conversion to take the visitors into the lead once again 10-16.

Gradually, Penarth worked their way well into the visitors half and were awarded a penalty for killing the ball at the ruck, Chris Cummings converting via the upright th narrow the deficit to 13-16.

With time ticking away and with numerous attempts to breach the defence, the ball was worked out to the left wing where Leon Patnett made a dash for the line only to lose possession as he dived over the line. Penarth forwards exerted tremendous pressure on the visitors' line and were awarded a penalty. The kick for goal failed. From the drop out Penarth gained possession and Leon Patnett gained the touch down, converted by Cummings to give Penarth the win 20-16.