Old Boys beat Dinas in local derby (From Penarth Times)

Old Boys beat Dinas in local derby

OLD PENARTHIANS defeated local rivals Dinas Powys by 26 points to 7 in last Saturday's Cwrt-y-vil clash of Fourth team titans that featured a tactical triumph for home Skipper Robert Crimp.

Displaying the deviousness that has hallmarked a lifetime of cricketing activity, the younger of the Crimp brothers first of all conspired to "inadvertently" advise Howard Davies that the match was taking place at the Common, thus ensuring that that worthy was removed from any participation in the selectorial equation that was to follow.

Even shrewder was the ploy that saw Crimp sportingly allow Dinas Powys to make up their numbers by including two members of the Penarthians' first team in their ranks. The move ensured that Mark Bow and Gavin Davies, both accustomed to the regular defeats that have been suffered by their normal side, would lower any confidence that might have been present in the minds of the visitors.

Finally, when it was discovered that the Villagers had arrived minus their kit, the obliging Skipper arranged for them to borrow the tightest jerseys in the Penarthian locker, thus further ensuring that the odds would be stacked against them.

Fortunately, the plans were not entirely without fault. The absence of Howard Davies meant that leading try scorer Chris Dacey could be included in the home side. Robert Crimp had not, however, appreciated that the former First team Skipper had just completed a night shift on behalf of his Consignia employees and was seen to contribute even less than is the case on a normal Saturday!

In addition, there was no prior notice of the fact that Referee Jon Lewis was to carry out a personal vendetta on Chairman Mel Jones, the result of which was that the scrum half found himself penalised almost every time that he touched the ball.

For all of that, this was a game played in a light hearted and sporting manner.

Penarthians went ahead when a fine handling move sent young Ieuan Moorcraft sprinting over on the left following a 30-yard burst for a try that was nonchalantly converted by Mike Goldsworthy.

Alarm was to follow when Gavin Davies, having earlier fallen over delightfully when in sight of the line, took his responsibilities far too seriously and split the defence completely with a solo run that brought an excellent score that he himself converted.

The visitors, in fact, were to enjoy much of the territorial advantage for the remainder of the half but the interval came without addition to the score.

The break enabled Crimp to produce his final masterstroke.

Almost half of his side was replaced and the new legs quickly made their presence felt. Jon Howell made an early break and Skipper Crimp sped for the line.

Many were mindful of his Devon Loch impersonation on Boxing Day and, with the Grand National scheduled for later in the day, it was expected that his legs might, once more, be splayed short of the line.

The wing was, however, in no mood for such histrionics on this occasion and he flopped down close to the posts to make Mike Goldsworthy's conversion a mere formality.

Andy Hopkins made the running for the third try scored by Mark Holder with Goldsworthy again adding the extra points.

Although 14 points adrift, Dinas pressed with enthusiasm and the support work of the ageless Mike Hartrey was ever in evidence although lacking some of the speed of yester-year.

Nick Parsons, too, was to the fore but memory suggests that his broken play running was more effective in the days when he operated in the second row rather than in this outing at centre.

Time was now fast ebbing when Mel Jones decided to call it a day and was replaced at scrum half by James Doherty.

His delivery from the very first scrum, however, caught Mike Goldsworthy by surprise and the outside half was left with little alternative other than to hoof the ball anywhere.

He will, no doubt, claim that there was a tactical element in the ploy but the fact was that the capricious breeze ensured difficulties for a hesitant defence and Jack, the younger of the Doherty boys did well to follow up, hack on the loose ball and win the race for the touchdown after a length of the field sprint.

It was too much to expect Mike Goldsworthy to walk to the far end for the conversion so that it was left to Jack Doherty to add the final touch, an action in which he epitomised the spirit of the afternoon by blasting the ball wide from in front of the posts.

An enjoyable outing, then, with Gareth Peake displaying that he had lost little of his mobility as he ambled through the whole game.

Nicky Wall added his customary industry and was clearly pained when taken off at the break.

Ben House, however, couldn't get off quick enough, succumbing to a mystery illness after only five minutes. David Martin, David Smith, and Richard Smith all performed with skill and enthusiasm whilst Bobby Pilcher, too, was in lively first half form.

It is back to more serious action this weekend as the Firsts undertake the final part of their league programme with a game home to newcomers Brynithel The Monmouthshire men, promoted to Division 5 at the end of last term, have proven to be unbeatable at their headquarters above Abertillery but their away form leaves much to be desired and Penarthians will be anxious to secure the points that could take them to a higher point in the league.

Mark Lloyd's men are in action again next Wednesday when they travel to New Tredegar in a game re-arranged after December's postponement.

The Seconds travel to Old Illtydians for their fixture whilst the Thirds resume their league campaign with a game at home to Cardiff Saracens in which victory is vital if title aspirations are to be maintained. All matches kick off at 2.30pm.