Under-10's hold on against bigger opposition (From Penarth Times)

Under-10's hold on against bigger opposition

Penarth U-10's v Old Illtydians

On a sunny morning but with conditions still wet underfoot, Penarth faced up to a large pack from Old Illtydians. Penarth set to the task well from the start of the game, fending off strong attacks with great defensive tackles from Josh Hurley, Stefan Jacob and Nathan Smith.

Defence turned to attack with some powerful forward work and determination from James Verdon supported by Craig Walsh and Josh Edwards. After a period of pressure, Penarth notched up the first try from a charge across the line by Liam Union. James Candy kicked the conversion despite a difficult cross wind.

From the restart Old Illt's utilised their big players and some despairing tackles were no match for the size and speed of the attacker. An equalising try was converted to make the half time score all square at 7 - 7.

The second half saw Pen's with the advantage of the slope. Increasingly the ball was made to do the work across the line resulting in forward dashes by James Candy and Mathew Goldsworthy, and a noteworthy run from the line by Josh Hurley.

Good Illtydians tackling broke down the attacks, but the Penarth forwards were able to recycle the ball with Jordan Winton and Jared Ursell amongst the support.

Lineout ball was won by Andrew Smart, and following an excellent break by Mike McKenzie, scrum half Gareth Mathias seized on the opportunity to pick up and drive over the line for Penarth's second try. James Candy again cool and successful with the conversion.

Penarth missed out on a number of opportunities to score through an unwillingness to use supporting players and real attacks fizzled out as a consequence.

With five minutes left, the forward force of Old Illt's came into it's own, and despite brave Penarth attempts to tackle they crossed for their second try.

With the conversion attempt sailing wide of the right hand post, Penarth retained the lead, and whilst play alternated from end to end in the final desperate minutes there were no further scores.

Final score: Penarth U-10s 14, Old Illtydians 10.