Battling display (From Penarth Times)

Battling display

For the first time this season, the rains came to Cwrt-y-Vil on Saturday last, producing horrendous conditions that made life a misery for both players and spectators alike.

Despite that, Old Penarthians and Old Illtydians still contrived to produce some open football that, despite inevitable handling errors, resulted in the half a dozen tries that produced some sunshine on an otherwise gloomy afternoon.

High flying Old Illtydians, beaten just once in their previous six outings, were firm favourites to win this, the latest battle between long standing rivals, and so it transpired as the Cardiff side took the honours in a 27 points to 10 score-line.

Nevertheless, Penarthians performed with much greater endeavour than of late and were still very much in the game until the final quarter.

The visitors took an early lead when a 4th minute penalty produced the lineout from which the pack drove forward to produce a try at the corner for Gavin Reardon.

That score might have been negated almost at once when John Colderley, Simon Davies, and Simon Hennessey all combined from a tap move that ended when the hosts themselves were penalised for not releasing the ball.

Even so, the pressure remained and it was a just reward when full back Peter Goodfellow converted a 25-yard penalty to reduce the arrears.

In the 21st minute, however, Illtydians broke away from their own 25 with some excellent support work and full back Dean Daley scattered the remaining cover in a storming 35-yard burst that brought him a fine try wide out.

Scrum half Steve Hubbard failed with the conversion and was wide of the mark soon after before John Colderley broke clean through the middle at the opposite end.

Unfortunately, the centre veered away from support on his left and, although he attempted to redeem the situation with a chip to the corner, Chris Dacey was just beaten in the race for the touchdown.

Another chance went begging when Peter Goodfellow fired wide with a penalty shot and the half ended with Illtydians consolidating their position from a tap move, number eight David Rees forcing his way over for Steve Hubbard to add the conversion points.

The 17-3 margin at the break could have been increased had Steve Hubbard not been wayward with a penalty shot soon after the resumption but, as it was, Penarthians bounced back into the game with a super try.

It started inside the 25 when John Colderley suddenly decided to go it alone. In an instant, he had broken the first line of defence, evaded or brushed aside a veritable posse of would-be tacklers, and proceeded on the 70-yard run that took him beneath the posts for a touchdown that was converted by Peter Goodfellow.

With a single score between the sides, the game was now finely balanced. Both sides sought to assert themselves and it was good to see the Old Boys competing on every count. Illtydians, however, proved to be the better at securing possession and this paid off when they secured the position from which Steve Hubbard was able to land a crucial penalty.

Nevertheless, Penarthians had still given a good account of themselves and there was a sense of injustice when, in the closing stages, the visitors again produced fine play up front for substitute Andrew Kane to cross for the final try, Steve Hubbard adding the extra points that produced a scoreline more convincing than was reflected in the balance of play.

A much better display up front saw Penarthians well served by a solid front row comprising Jason Lloyd, Lee Brennan, and debutant Peter Bennett whilst Tony Kemp worked hard in the powerhouse.

Simon Davies had another lively game at scrum half despite the problems of errant delivery from his forwards at times whilst John Colderley and Chris Dacey were a formidable centre partnership.

Nevertheless, the side needs to work harder in the rucks and mauls whilst there are signs that a greater tactical appreciation would assist the cause in the difficult weeks that now lie ahead.

On the adjoining pitch, Nigel Boucher's second string also produced a committed display that was nevertheless unrewarded in the face of strong Rumney opposition.

The visitors were better organised and fully deserving of their 31 points to 7 success although Penarthians will probably rue the lapses in concentration that saw three soft tries conceded in a short period of first half play.

The Old Boys battled bravely up front with both Mark Curtis and Chris Davies showing the way with excellent displays whilst newcomer Tristan Greenslade again showed encouraging talent in the centre.

Although the side was guilty of frittering away a couple of promising chances, Skipper Boucher was much more upbeat about a display that had seen his charges prepared to take on one of the better sides in the division.

Penarthians points came from a try by Tristan Greenslade with Boucher himself adding the conversion points.

Saturday's fixtures see the Firsts travel to Brynithel for a league game that will prove testing against opponents normally most secure on their own patch.

The Seconds are without a game on this International Saturday but the Thirds are at home to Old Tylerians. Both matches kick off at 2.30pm.