Confused refs, but happy crowd (From Penarth Times)

Confused refs, but happy crowd

December 27 was the revised date used for this year's Boxing Day extravaganza involving the veterans of Old Penarthians and Penarth and a good-humoured crowd thronged the Cwrt-y-vil touchlines for the occasion.

The hosts, of course, were anxious for revenge following the unexpected reverse in 2003, while their opponents from across the neighbouring Lavernock Road were equally determined to prove that success on that occasion was no flash in the pan.

In the event, the latter proved to be the case, for a lively Penarth outfit were good value for a 19 points to 12 success that nevertheless saw the result in doubt until the final blast of referee Glyn James's whistle.

With lock forward Simon Crothers in commanding form for the visitors, it did seem that the result had been determined early in the second half, when centre Martin Chalke brought back memories of bygone days with a hand-off that forced a would-be tackler on to his seat.

Chalke himself carried on to the posts for a try that was converted by Graham Rattenbury, to put Penarth ahead by 19 points to 5.

Minutes from the end, however, a strike against the head gave the Old Boys unexpected possession, enabling Tony Crimp to blast his way over from approximately five yards out.

Tony Spear's conversion set the standard for the grandstand finish that nearly saw a second score for Penarth-ians' honorary secretary, but Graham Rattenbury intercepted the final pass and might well have gone the length of the field for a sensational score had the pass reached him some 15 years earlier!

Penarthians had been in good form early on, with the Barry brothers, Jon, Damien, and Nicholas, well to the fore at that time. Mark Lloyd made his presence felt with several bone-shaking tackles that would not have been amiss in the armoury of the Club's 1st XV this term. It was, however, Mark Bow who made the running for the first score, breaking clear from inside his own half before sending Jon Howell sprinting for the corner and a try that was not converted.

The visiting response was immediate, as the side secured possession from a lineout on the left. Paul Follon received in midfield and carried out a clever dummy which, allied to the extra weight that he has accumulated since retirement, enabled him to cross for a momentum try from some 30 yards out. The kick at goal failed.

Moments later and with half time approaching, Penarth took advantage of a slowly retreating defence as Malcolm Penberthy made excellent ground from a tap penalty, before feeding Nick Wall. The latter to revealed that he has lost none of his predatory instincts, in a 20-yard dash for a well-taken score that was converted by Graham Rattenbury.

Supporters from both sides appeared to enjoy the entertainment that was provided in a sporting atmosphere and, as players came and went - particularly after the break - it was seen that several were content to appear on either side, thus creating some confusion for referees Steve Thomas and Glyn James, both local officials who had volunteered their services for the morning.

The festive recess is, however, now at an end and it is back to competitive action as the Old Boys resume their league campaign with a difficult trip to divisional pace-setter Cilfynydd, a side beaten just twice in this campaign.

The Seconds, meanwhile, are scheduled for a league fixture at home to St. Joseph's, both matches timed to start at 2.30pm.