Disappointment after improved showing (From Penarth Times)

Disappointment after improved showing

Despite atrocious conditions, Cwrt-y-Vil was the scene of an excellent Yuletide contest on Saturday last as Old Penarthians entertained New Tredegar in the latest round of matches in the TSB sponsored 5th Division of the WRU's national league.

For the Old Boys, there was disappointment as they suffered yet another defeat but some consolation came from the fact that they had competed superbly against one of the division's better sides before succumbing by 17 points to 3 in a score line that flattered the visitors.

The match itself was preceded by a unique ceremony in which a large gathering witnessed the scattering of the ashes of the late Eddie Bow in that area behind the posts that had been favoured by him in his many years of supporting the Old Boys. Referee Jeff Lake, the players, and supporters then joined in a minute's silence to commemorate the passing of a popular character who will be sadly missed by family and friends alike.

Within minutes of the start, the hosts found themselves on the back foot as New Tredegar turned defence into attack with a lightning probe on the right that saw Number 8 Malcolm Williams storm some 30 yards to the corner for a well taken try.

Against opponents who had averaged 27 points in each of their earlier outings, the portents were ominous. Penarthians, however, were unfazed and John De Maid and Simon Hennessey both featured in a drive that could have produced an equaliser at the opposite end. Reward was swift to follow, however, and Peter Goodfellow landed the simple penalty that closed the gap to a couple of points.

Thereafter the battle was equally poised and the Old Boys gave as good as they got in exciting exchanges at either end. Mistakes were inevitable in most trying conditions but it was good to see the home forwards prepared to take on their opposite numbers.

Graham Griffiths, a last minute inclusion after seven weeks of injury absence, was in lively form with Greg Phillips adding impetus to the drives whilst front row forwards Lee Brennan, Jon Barry, and Ed Morgan were clearly eager for action.

John De Maid was an excellent back row forager with Ross Turpitt and Jon Vaughan always in close support.

Behind, half-backs Simon Hennessey and Peter Goodfellow combined well with the latter showing an excellent mix of individual flair with clever distribution to centres Andy Hopkins and Chris Dacey. Dacey, in particular, remained a threat throughout and there were fine contributions from full back John Colderley and wingers Simon Davies and Danny Godfrey as the hosts gave the lie to their lowly league position.

Certainly, there were signs that the visitors were taken aback by the enthusiasm of the opposition but they were given some breathing space close to the break when good handling set up lock forward Ryan Hill for a strong run from 25 yards out for a touchdown that was close enough for Alex Davies to add the conversion. The pill was the more bitter to swallow in that, only minutes earlier, Simon Davies had saved a certain try when, turning to chase a kick for the corner, he gave his opposite number 10 yards start and still got back in plenty of time to minor the ball.

The half time break saw Jamie Evans take over from Jon Barry and this preceded a period of intense pressure when the New Tredegar defence was kept at full stretch. Indeed, it did seem that the Old Boys had achieved a breakthrough when, following a fine charge from Greg Phillips, the forwards recycled the ball and John Colderley stretched for the line in the quagmire conditions. Referee Lake was right up with the action but, although the initial signs suggested that a score had been achieved, the official then decreed that the ball had not been properly grounded.

Despite the disappointment, Penarthians continued to dominate and it was still anybody's game. Try as they may, however, the hosts could not find a way through the stubborn defence even with the fresh legs of Dave Mason replacing Jon Vaughan and Dave Bennett taking over from Ed Morgan. Finally, however, New Tredegar broke free from the stranglehold and, when play went past halfway, referee Lake failed to spot the visiting player come in from the side to snatch possession, freeing flank forward Sean Morgan to set off for an excellent run to the corner for a well taken if undeserved score to extend the lead to 17 points to 3.

This was undoubtedly one of the better performances from the Old Boys and the whole side is deserving of praise for the effort that was shown throughout. Certainly, it is to be hoped that such commitment can be maintained throughout the crucial month of January so as to bring the couple of wins that would ease the current relegation worries.

The holiday programme begins on Boxing Day when the Fourths undertake the annual fixture with Penarth Vets. This normally entertaining clash is scheduled for Cwrt-y-Vil with kick off at 11.30am. Two league games are scheduled for Saturday, the Firsts away to Pentyrch whilst the Seconds host Pentyrch Seconds, both matches timed for 2.30pm.