Fierce work-ethic inspires Youth to win (From Penarth Times)

Fierce work-ethic inspires Youth to win

THIS was a vintage performance from the Penarth Youth after a decidedly below-par performance the previous week. Both teams fronted up - and the Clevedon eight were big - determined to use the encounter as a benchmark of early-season progress.

Penarth's fierce work-ethic evident during the week's training sessions, proved to be the undoing of the Clevedon boys who nevertheless contributed to an interesting forward battle.

Driven from the front by Andrew Hillbourne, Adam Burge and Joel DeClaire, the work rate up front was impressive and the Youth looked a well-drilled outfit where possession was paramount and where aggressive blanket defence proved to be way too destructive for a previously unbeaten Clevedon side.

Wing Chris Thorne worked his magic yet again and crossed for a wonderful try midway through the first half after some inspiring work up front but DeClaire and Josh Alcock had released quality ball, and it was remarkable that the Youth were only five points ahead at half-time - still need to convert those half chances.

Normal service was resumed and Thorne took his season's tally to four when he crossed again following some excellent support play, inspired by Rhys Lakin and Rhys Morgan. Chris Cooper converted and followed with a penalty after Clevedon were caught offside in front of their posts.

Injuries broke the flow of play and the Youth's momentum and defence faltered enough to let Clevedon in for a consolation try, but the promise is there.

20, E Petherick; £25 - 181, J Price; £10 - 103, B Underhill; £10 - 98, S Lloyd; £10 - 70, G Goodman.