Relegation is already fear for Penarthians (From Penarth Times)

Relegation is already fear for Penarthians

THE AIR of optimism that accompanied the pre-season preparations was dissipated in the space of 80 devastating minutes last Saturday when Old Penarthians put in an abject performance as they succumbed by 48 points to 3 in the National League game away to Caldicot.

The game itself was one that had been targeted for maximum points when the Club's management team first saw the fixture list for the winter's campaign.

The Old Boys had been narrowly beaten at the same ground when the sides last met in May and hopes were high that the form displayed in the opening outings would be more than enough to dismiss any challenge that the Monmouthshire men might have to offer.

Excuses were on hand in the fact that Skipper Gareth Shaw was still absent on holiday whilst the last minute withdrawal of Coach John Colderley was a major blow.

But hopes remained high when outside half Gavin Davies, making use of the breeze at his back, kicked the side into the lead with a magnificent penalty from close to half way after just 12 minutes.

As it was, that slender advantage was surrendered from the restart when the sloppy penalty conceded enabled home full back Nolan Evans to level the scores with a simple kick from the 25. Then centre John Williams neatly jinked over for a touchdown that was converted by Evans.

Poor scrummaging from Old Boys allowed Caldicot to wheel the ensuing set piece and number 8 Paul French crossed for a simple score to extend the lead to a 17 points to 3 margin.

The visitors did reply with some good running by Chris Dacey, Peter Goodfellow and Simon Hodgkinson whilst Ben House did wonderfully well to find a 60-yard touch that put his side on the offensive. Unfortunately, the forwards were lacking in both spirit and cohesion and favourable positions were lost as easily as possession was conceded. Indeed, the Penarthian contribution was, perhaps, summed up when Gavin Davies fired wide from a comparatively simple position to end the half.

A back row replacement saw Matthew Turner take over from David Mason at the break. Efforts to run out of defence rebounded badly when Peter Goodfellow's pass went straight into the hands of Nolan Evans, the full back being so surprised at his good fortune that, having touched down close to the posts, he promptly missed the easy conversion. Mark Bow's subsequent introduction as replacement for Gavin Davies was equally sensational, the pass, on this occasion, leaving centre John Williams little choice other than to canter behind the posts for Evans to add the extra points. Worse was to follow soon after when, following a scrum close to half way, outside half Scott Millichip executed a brilliant blindside burst that left the cover trailing in his wake before he crossed at the corner and touched down close to the posts to afford Evans another simple conversion.

A brief visiting foray saw Ben House, Chris Dacey, Peter Goodfellow, and Matt Turner all combine before Simon Hennessey's chip to the corner ran out of play.

The signs were now clear that Penarthians had no heart for the game and Williams completed a memorable hat-trick as he touched down after a 70 yard sprint, evading Peter Goodfellow in his dive for the corner.

The final nail in the coffin came close to time when hooker Chris Griffiths rounded off a bout of passing, Nolan Evans completing a personal tally of 18 with his 5th conversion.

Whilst congratulations are due to John Colderley and Sian on the arrival of their new daughter, the absent Coach will surely be appalled at the fact that his players appeared to have forgotten his teachings the very moment that his back was turned.

Certainly, there is a need for harsh words and dedicated application in the weeks ahead if the Old Boys are not to be faced with another winter of discontent and, on this form, a very real chance of being in contention for relegation at the end of the season.

FIXTURES Saturday sees the Firsts at home to Kidwelly in the first round proper of the Principality Cup, aware that the Division 4 based West Walians will provide much stiffer opposition than was the case when Furnace were the visitors in the last round.

But with the return of Skipper Gareth Shaw, they will be anxious to show that last week's form was a one off disaster.

The Seconds also face a difficult task at home to Rumney whilst the Thirds travel to Cardiff H.S.O.B.. All matches kick off at 2.30.