Seasiders' quality edge clinches tight derby (From Penarth Times)

Seasiders' quality edge clinches tight derby

Old Penarthians 5pts, Penarth 22

A murky Cwrt-y-Vil didn't much look as if it was about to host a feast of running rugby last Saturday afternoon and so it inevitably proved in a typically close town derby.

There were few signs of a rare Seasiders win in the first half as the Old Boys stuck grimly to plan 'A' throughout. Every mistake by Penarth was enthusiastically seized upon by a Penarthians pack inspirationally led by captain Mark Lloyd and the senior club found themselves under all sorts of pressure for long periods.

Strangely, it was just as Penarth had lifted the siege and were beginning to show some attacking intent that Penarthians took the lead. As an attack broke down on the home 10-metre line, possession was turned over and the ball was swiftly shipped to the right wing where a substantial overlap had been secured. Full back Simon Hodgkinson burst through the gap in fine style and, although caught at the line, got the ball down at the second attempt.

All of a sudden it was beginning to look depressingly like a lot of previous games at Cwrt-y-Vil as the Seasiders struggled to find any consistency. Tom Gent and Carwyn Lewis replaced Mark Glover and Andrew Edwards, but Penarthians held on to their advantage until half-time without too much trouble.

Matters even deteriorated early in the second half as the hosts maintained the pressure and Darrol Howden became the first recipient of one of Cardiff referee Robert Mota's best yellow cards for lying on. The first real opportunity to get the Penarth scoreboard moving fell to Chris Cummings as a penalty was awarded on half-way. The outside half failed to get the kick on target, but the hosts obligingly knocked on and yielded put-in to a scrum under the posts. Realising that the match was in danger of getting away from them, the Seasiders launched a furious assault on the Penarthians pack. The home defence managed to stand firm, but captain Mike Clare declined the second drive in favour of spinning it wide for right wing Leon Patnett to score his sixth try of the season.

This proved to be the turning point as Penarth proceeded to work up a fine head of steam. Two drives from Dai Carter set up a further penalty chance for Cummings which was duly converted and then Carwyn Lewis was isolated near touch on his own 22. Dan Brookman was on hand to tidy up, but instead of looking for safety in touch, the full back attacked towards the opposite flank. Chris Cummings worked it wide where left wing David Jones set up a thrilling kick and chase to within 5m of the Penarthians line.

The hosts cleared their lines on this occasion, but the Seasiders were soon back with some superb committed rucking for Mike Clare to set Dai Carter clear for a trademark charge to the line. After only 65 minutes Penarth had finally turned up, only to come under renewed pressure from a home side who had clearly seen the writing on the wall. With a string of decisions in their favour, it was one-way traffic all the way to the visitors' line, but the referee finally relented and the Seasiders responded with another David Jones sprint up the wing.

Deep in injury time, Carwyn Lewis made a decisive breakthrough in midfield, well supported by his centres. The ball was rapidly cycled through several pairs of hands to the left wing where Dan Brookman went over in the corner. The match could be summed up as 'four quality tries and little else to write home about', but Penarth can be well satisfied with another solid defensive performance.

Elsewhere, wins by leaders Llanishen and chasing pack Pill Harriers and Newport Saracens had the effect of consolidating Penarth's fourth place in Division 5 (East). The Seasiders have now happily redressed their balance of form by claiming their third away win.

However, the real test of their promotion credentials will come when the other leading clubs have to visit the Athletic Field in the second half of the season. First in line on Saturday afternoon are third-placed Newport Saracens, who have won their last four games, but all against teams in the lower reaches of the table. With a 12-try advantage over their Gwent rivals, any Penarth win will see the teams change places.