Depleted Old Boys beaten (From Penarth Times)

Depleted Old Boys beaten

ON A day when rugby football was forced to play second fiddle to its round ball rival, Old Penarthians found themselves unable to field more than one side when too many players succumbed to the temptation of television and opted to support Wales' abortive attempts rather than fulfil the fixture away to Caldicot Seconds that had been arranged by fixture secretary Peter Goodfellow.

The Firsts too, suffered from withdrawals when Nigel Boucher, Gareth Shaw and Phil Middleton respectively were replaced by Nigel Edmunds, Mark Curtis and Stuart Gunnarsson for the Lloyds TSB match at home to league leaders Porth.

The game represented the first match played under an Old Penarthians banner since the sad death of coaching co-ordinator Bob Jones and the players of both sides joined with spectators in the two minute silence that took place as a mark of respect prior to kick off.

The visitors, newly admitted to the ranks of WRU clubs, have made an impressive start to the season, losing narrowly to South Wales Police before defeating both Rhiwbina and Ogmore Vale as preparation for last weekend's outstanding success against previously undefeated Penallta. Penarthians, meanwhile, were anxious to acquire some semblance of league form, having been denied competitive action for the two weeks prior to this outing.

Porth, paying their first visit to the Old Boys' Cwrt-y-vil headquarters, were afforded use of the strong breeze that blew toward the Beechwood Drive end of the ground. From the outset, it was obvious that they were capable of playing fluent rugby and at some pace. However, their efforts were nullified by a tendency to over-elaborate and the mistaken tactic of turning the ball inside played right into the hands of a voracious Penarthian defence that succeeded in keeping the line intact. The frustration of the visitors was partly alleviated when scrum half Gareth Lewis landed a brace of penalties in the 15th and 19th minute respectively but, even so, Penarthians earned full marks for the spirit of an effort that had enabled them to keep well in touch with their opponents as the half neared its end.

Indeed, there were signs of a welcome enterprise when Nigel Edmunds and Huw Williams combined to run the ball out from deep inside the 25.

Unfortunately, possession was turned over close to halfway and the home defence found itself in disarray as flank forward Gary Harris ran clean through for a try at the posts that was converted by Lewis to put the Rhondda men 13 points clear at the break.

Despite now having use of the elements, the Old Boys failed to reproduce the same commitment at the start of the second session and they found themselves constantly forced on to the back foot. The superiority of the visitors was reinforced in the 19th minute when a strike against the head produced clean ball that was swiftly moved to the left for winger David Roberts to cross for a well-taken try that was not converted.

To their credit, Penarthians responded vigorously to this set-back and, when scrum half Adrian Ball broke to the blindside of a scrum, number eight Andy Spender was up in support to essay the suspicion of a dummy before sprinting to the corner for his touchdown. While this was to prove to be too little, too late in attacking terms, Penarthians still managed the last word when full back Simon Davies used his pace to excellent effect when hacking ahead and following up from his own 25. The bounce of the ball close to the Porth line defeated both Davies and the chasing defender but winger Andre Vale was close on hand and he plunged over for the score that was converted by Nigel Edmunds to make the final score 12-18 to the visitors.

While this was another encouraging performance against one of the leading sides in the division, the fact remains that it is becoming increasingly important that the Old Boys begin to acquire the winning habit with a minimum of delay. The potential does appear to be there with Simon Davies revealing both pace and ambition at full back while Huw Williams and Andrew Vale could well cause problems for opposing wings in the weeks ahead. The strength of Chris Dacey is always evident in the centre and he slotted in well with skipper Simon Hennessey on this last occasion. Nigel Edmunds cleverly called the tune from the pivot position despite an occasionally erratic service from Adrian Ball, although the latter was otherwise sound at the base of the scrum.

Up front, Lee Brennan and Mark Curtis worked hard but still need greater fitness while both Tony Kemp and Stuart Gunnarsson competed well in both lineout and loose. Mark Smart again performed admirably in the back row and received fine support throughout from Ross Turpitt and Andy Spender.

The side is hoping to welcome back the expertise of the likes of Mark Bow and Matthew Turner in the next week or two and it could be that such an injection could prove to be the turning point in the club's season. As it is, the side faces a blank Saturday as it is their turn to sit out the league programme. Nevertheless, it is hoped that friendly outings can be arranged.