Promotion is still in sight for Penarth (From Penarth Times)

Promotion is still in sight for Penarth

PENARTH 39

RHIGOS 5

PENARTH are at least keeping in touch with the possibility of promotion, even if leaders Fairwater are rapidly disappearing over the horizon, 12 points away.

The immediate target remains second-placed Aberdare, who spent Saturday scratching from the cup and the Seasiders are breathing down their necks following this efficient disposal of Rhigos.

The Cynon valley side actually presented more of a challenge than their lowly league possession would suggest and Penarth can be well pleased with their professional approach.

The Seasiders wasted little time getting the scoreboard moving as Mike Clare came off the back of a five-metre scrum after good line-out work from Richard Ball. Then, within eight minutes, they were 10-0 up as Richard Merrett followed up a fearsome drive from Gavin Seymour to score in the corner.

In fact, Penarth had scored a further two tries and led 22-0 before Rhigos really got going. First Mike Clare exchanged passes with Ceri Moorcraft to score his second and then Peter Bennett was on hand to convert a strong rolling maul into five points.

Then Rhigos came back with some purpose and pressed in the Seasiders' 22 before right wing Philip Pritchard finally picked the lock by skipping down the line to register his side's only points of the afternoon.

After this, the opening period of the second half was evenly contested, but after eight minutes, Danny Brookman scored a try. The outside half capitalised on a fumble by full-back Lee Gibbons to kick ahead and then win a close physical race to the try-line with the two remaining defenders.

With the points safely in the bag, Penarth brought on Brendan Bush, while Ceri Moorcraft moved into the centre to partner Dafydd Hobbs. However it was a straight drive down the left wing from James Crothers that set up the next try. A sweeping threequarter move resulted in Lloyd Davey crossing in the right hand corner.

The final act was reserved for the most popular try of the year. Again it was a kick and chase from James Crothers that set up a penalty 30 metres out on the left. Then, in a wonderfully choreographed move, Danny Brookman drove the kick straight to the far corner where a speeding Paul Gooding scorched over.

Having piled up 89 points and 14 tries in the last two games, the Seasiders now face a three-week Christmas lay-off and don't return to league action until Jan-uary 8 when seventh-placed Llandaff are the visitors.

Penarth: Davey, Moorcraft, Hobbs, Carter (Bush), J.Crothers, Brookman, Edwards, Merrett, Bennett (Evans), Seymour, Ball, Gooding, Williams, Clare, Coslett