Unimpressive, but score is still best margin yet (From Penarth Times)

Unimpressive, but score is still best margin yet

Konica-Minolta Welsh Cup 1st Round Penarth 37 Cowbridge 8

THIS was probably Penarth's least impressive performance of the season so far. Due to a combination of unforced errors, missed tackles and winding the referee up with back-chat, they could only manage five tries to the visitor's one and their best winning margin to date.

It's amazing what a bit of confidence can do for you and this lot have it in bucket-loads. This was clearly an intentional examination of the squad's strength in depth and captain-for-the-day Geraint Blake responded magnificently with a well-taken hat-trick of tries.

It was a first run-out for the new kit as well, so both team and wardrobe wanted to cut a dash. The Seasiders certainly led the way in the first 20 minutes, but the finishing wasn't up to their recent standards. In fact, it took a bit of magic from James Docherty to unlock the visitors' defence. The scrum-half chipped superbly to the corner, where David Lerway Hoovered up the bobbling ball and put Lloyd Davey through for the try.

The wind was getting up towards the end of the half and the hosts were under real pressure as Cowbridge cottoned on to their advantage. However, a combination of scrambled defence and a lack of real bite in the opposition saw Penarth safely to half-time with their noses 11-3 in front.

The opening spell of the second half was frankly chaotic. Cowbridge upped the pace for fully 20 minutes, but despite a serious breakdown in the Seasiders' defensive organisation, the visitors failed to score.

Cue a much-improved last quarter from Penarth, as Dai Williams arrived in the back row to take charge of matters. A poor line-out from the visitors was jumped on by the Seasiders' pack, who hurried the ball to the 22 and put Geraint Blake in under the posts. The back row was again prominent minutes later, as they terrorised the Cowbridge pack into surrendering possession and the ball was shipped along the three-quarter line in text-book fashion to Lloyd Davey, who obliged with his second try in the corner.

The winger came within a whisker of his own hat-trick minutes later, but the final act belonged to the captain, as he completed the move with a fine supporting drive for the try.

Cowbridge gained their consolation for a poor display when their full-back C Fulthorpe waltzed through two tackles for a long-range score, but Geraint Blake was again on hand just before full-time as Geraint Evans drove for the posts after a lengthy Penarth siege. The hooker was held up on the line, but the captain was in close support to claim his hat-trick.

PENARTH: Lerway (Hobbs), Davey, G Blake, Carter, J Crothers, Brookman, Docherty, Merrett, Bennett (Evans), Penberthy (Higgins), Fitzgerald, Gooding, D Blake, Taylor (Williams), Bonello Lloyds-TSB Welsh National League. Division 4 (South-East) October 2. Penarth v Pontyclun. The Athletic Field, Lavernock Road. KO 2.30pm.