Penarth out of cup (From Penarth Times)

Penarth out of cup

PENARTH 17PTS BUILTH WELLS 42PTS

A YOUNG Penarth side made a determined, but ultimately unsuccessful start to the new season last Saturday at Cwrt-y-Vil against Div 3 Builth Wells.

In ideal conditions for running rugby, a side containing many of last year's youth squad made a storming start.

From the kick-off the Seasiders were put under pressure from a new-look Builth side who looked rather slimmer and fitter than in previous years.

When Penarth gained possession inside their own half, the ball was worked to the midfield, but a kick ahead was charged down and the visitors gained a penalty for offside. Outside half Jamie Brown converted for a 0-3 lead after 8 minutes.

The Seasiders came back immediately from the restart. A Builth attack fizzled out as they were penalised in a line-out and Penarth claimed good ball on the Builth 22 which was worked inside quickly to set up a classic Dai Carter try.

Coming into the line at an angle with pace, the flanker burst between the two covering centres and left the fullback clutching at thin air. Outside half Jeremy Griffith added the conversion for a 7-3 home lead.

Penarth continued to dictate terms from the restart and put the visitors under tremendous pressure in a purple patch. A beautifully flighted cross-field kick from Jeremy Griffith towards Jamie Woodland had the visitors' cover in all sorts of trouble and the ball was hacked on to the try-line. The fullback was unable to gather safely and captain Mike Clare snapped up the chance and scored under the posts. Jeremy Griffith again converted for a 14-3 lead after 20 minutes.

A further period of pressure failed to yield any points before the game took a decisive turn Builth's way. This was not unconnected with the visitors' decision to adopt a more physical approach and referee Richard Morgan of Wrexham had to call on both captains to cool things down.