Maximum points are a must for Old Penarthians (From Penarth Times)

Maximum points are a must for Old Penarthians

Following another weekend of inactivity that was brought about by the international programme, Old Penarthians must quickly attune to the bread and butter activities that constitute their involvement in the WRU National league when they host Cardiff rivals St. Josephs RFC in Saturday's fixture at Cwrt-y-Vil.

With both teams desperate to escape from the turmoil currently in force at the foot of the table, this is a game that the Old Boys need to win if they are to achieve any credability following the disastrous defeat suffered away to Old Iltydians just two weeks ago.

Mark Lloyd's men had shown a steady improvement in form since early December and had been boosted by victories over similarly placed opponents in Caldicot and Rhiwbina.

Equally encouraging had been the displays that had seen last minute defeats at the hands of table toppers Pill Harriers, Llanishen, and Blaina whilst it was late scores also that had denied the side a season's double over newly promoted Pentyrch.

All of that, however, counted for nought in the lack-lustre display that had featured at Rumney Recreation Ground. Illtydians had proven to be much more enthusiastic and mobile on the day and were full value for the five tries to nil that featured in an emphatic 39 points to 3 score line.

Penarthians, it is true, were missing several leading players on that day and it may well be that the result reflected a lack of depth in the squad of players currently in contention for senior selection.

Nevertheless, Skipper Lloyd, himself missing from that line-up, and Coaches Mike Goldsworthy and Kenny Rattenbury will be demanding much greater commitment from their charges and are certain to settle for nothing less than maximum points from this latest Cwrt-y-Vil encounter.

When the sides met at Blackweir in November, the Old Boys made an appalling start and were ten points adrift in as many minutes as the hosts dominated those early exchanges.

To their credit, Penarthians fought back in fine style and had scored the two converted tries that were to ensure an interval lead before St Josephs suffered the indignity of having a man sent off and were reduced to just 14 men.

It seemed that this situation lulled the side into a false sense of security with the players believing that they simply had to go through the motions to ensure victory.

The hosts, however, had other ideas and the handicap served to galvanise their reduced numbers to such an extent that they simply swept Penarthians aside, securing a further 20 points without reply.

It is rumoured that Mark Lloyd was forced to seriously consider his position as Captain following that debacle.

To his credit, however, he decided to stick to his guns and he has been partially rewarded for his own commitment with a noticeable increase in effort on the part of his colleagues.

Nevertheless, near misses count for nothing in the quest for league points that will determine the final positions and there is no doubt that Lloyd would prefer to end his season with the side clear of the bottom two positions in Division 5 (East).

Victory on Saturday would, in fact, hoist the Old Boys above their opponents in the table and, although they then face difficult away games to both Pill Harriers and championship favourites Newport Saracens in the succeeding weeks, such a success would undoubtedly be a major boost for the confidence of the side.

Whilst the Firsts kick off their Cwrt-y-Vil action at 2.30pm, both Seconds and Thirds are engaged in friendly fixtures away from home.

Ben House's men take a trip across the Severn Bridge for their game at Avonmouth whilst Phil Brock and his men journey up the Monmouthshire valley to be hosted by Old Tylerians.

Provided that Newport HSOB are able to raise a side, Rob Crimp's Fourths are also scheduled for action, their game at Cwrt-y-Vil again due to kick off at