Tough time ahead for Old Penarthians (From Penarth Times)

Tough time ahead for Old Penarthians

THE MID-TERM break is at an end and the Clubs in Division 5 of the National League return to action this weekend with a full programme of fixtures.

For Old Penarthians however, the immediate prospect is not promising. Gareth Shaw's men are faced with a difficult trip to the Civil Service ground at Newport where they can be assured of nothing less than a very warm welcome from their hosts, Newport Saracens.

The men of Gwent currently top the division with just one defeat in their eight outings, scoring 287 points and conceding just 85 in the process. Such is the current form of the promotion contenders that their last outing produced a 63 points to 5 success at Caldicot, the very ground that saw the Old Boys slump to a 48 points to 3 defeat earlier in the campaign.

Adding to the woes of the local side is the knowledge that Jon Vaughan's stag weekend is responsible for the absence of a clutch of players bound for sunnier climes by way of celebration.

In addition to Vaughan himself, Chris Dacey, Ben House, Ross Turpitt and Ed Morgan are all unavailable, creating major headaches for the selectors.

With joint leaders and currently unbeaten Barry scheduled for a visit to Cwrt-y-vil seven days later, it is clear that there are difficult days ahead although, in the longer term, the news is better.

Gareth Shaw, out of action as the result of a broken bone in his hand, is set for a return shortly, whilst there is better news also of long-term casualties in Graham Griffiths and John de Maid.

It may be after Christmas before Rob Thompson is ready for his first outing of the season, but Paul Rees' round of social activities is coming to an end and he could be a big boost to a back row suffering from the retirement of the charismatic Mark Lloyd.

It is to be hoped that Mark Bow too, could make an early return whilst the addition to the squad of both Matthew Hodge and Carl Attley, recent recruits from neighbours Dinas Powys, are signs that the long awaited return to winning ways could well be on the cards.

The end of the year programme involves trips to Tredegar Ironsides and Pentyrch that offer hope of success, although the visit of New Tredegar does hold prospect of a more difficult outing.

2003 begins with a crucial match away to Penarth before the clashes with both Caldicot and St Peters, which are games that must be won if the threat of relegation is to be averted before the end of January.

Saturday's fixtures also see the Seconds and Thirds in action as they travel to Old Illtydians and Llandaff North, but the proposed Fourth team trip to Avonmouth could be in jeopardy with so many players unavailable on the day.

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm.