Dismal game's short on ideas (From Penarth Times)

Dismal game's short on ideas

THE BUBBLE of euphoria that cocooned Old Penarth-ians following their fine win at Cefn Coed a week ago was blasted into oblivion during the course of 80 disastrous minutes at Cwrt-y-Vil on Saturday.

In a match that appeared to feature two sides devoid of constructive ideas, Simon Hennessey's men failed to produce even a flicker of the flames that had ignited their earlier outings and they paid the penalty in full, as they were defeated by Cilfynydd by 5 points to 3.

Booted into a 20th minute lead through Nigel Edmunds' 30-yard penalty, the Old Boys might have edged further ahead before the break had the outside half not fired wide with a later attempt. But those efforts did, in fact, reflect the sole scoring opportunities of a poor first half.

During that period, the visitors enjoyed the greater share of possession, but their predictable handling scarcely posed a threat to well-organised defence while, apart from some threatening bursts from centre Chris Dacey, the Old Boys constantly frustrated their supporters by the way in which they aimlessly kicked away such useful ball as came their way.

With the second half similarly short of worthwhile action, it did seem that the Old Boys might just hang on to secure the spoils through the single penalty. The visitors, defeated by 52 points to nil at home the previous week, had other ideas and earned full points from the only piece of real enterprise shown in the game.

With 15 minutes remaining, Penarthians conceded a penalty in front of their own posts. The visitors scorned the simple shot at goal that would have tied the scores, preferring instead to implement the tap penalty that created just enough space for winger Sean Sims to cross at the corner. For skipper Hennessey, this was a disappointing result after encouraging signs in the earlier outings.

Away to St Joseph's, the Seconds were in danger of being swamped when they trailed by 22 points to nil at the break. An astonishing recovery, however, saw Ieuan Moorcraft, Jon Waters, Lewis Drew and Adrian Penny all score excellent tries that, with two conversions from Owain Nedin, enabled the side to lead by 24 points to 22 late into the game.

Unfortunately, the effort proved too much for a squad still short on fitness and the hosts fought back with two further tries, to secure victory by 34 points to 24.

Saturday sees the Firsts travel to Bridgend Sports. Details relating to the Seconds have yet to be finalised.