Conditions better suited to penguins (From Penarth Times)

Conditions better suited to penguins

Ferndale 13

Old Penarthians 0

GREENWOOD Park was not at its best.

Ferndale's picturesque ground was surrounded by a mist that reflected the steady flow of rain and a temperature that prefaced the snow that was to fall on the area later that night.

For players and spectators, conditions could scarce have been less favourable and, with the local brass monkeys noticeable by their absence, Penarthian centre Steve Roberts came perilously close to succumbing to hypothermia in the second half of a match that nevertheless contrived to maintain interest throughout.

It may well be that few will be surprised at the fact that the Old Boys suffered yet another defeat away from home.

However, there was no disgrace in the 13-0 score line against opponents placed in the middle section of the highly competitive Division 5 South East.

Even more encouraging was the fact that the side, under the leadership of Mark Smart in the continuing absence of skipper Simon Hennessey, played with an enthusiasm that did them credit.

Another plus came from the fact that, following the thorough contact undertaken by Rob Crimp immediately after Monday's selection, only one player cried off at a late stage, while it was good to see Gareth Shaw, Steve Dobson, and Steve Roberts back in action after their temporary absences.

Forced to take the field immediately after arrival at the ground as a result of the scenic route taken by the bus driver, Penarthians had scarcely warmed up when outside half Nathan Bevan put the hosts ahead.

The opportunist try was a just reward for the enormous dummy that had thrown the cover into complete disarray.

Although unable to land the conversion after that score, scrum half Paul Thomas did extend the lead with a well-struck penalty goal from 35 yards, with the game barely 11 minutes spent.

Although under pressure for long periods in the face of the stiff breeze, the Old Boys defended well, with Steve Roberts always to the fore in the centre and Mark Smart and Gareth Shaw catching the eye up front.

There were even moments of attack, with Tim Broome and Huw Williams featuring in one excellent move that had the Ferndale defence at full stretch.

On the half hour, another promising attack broke down near halfway and the hosts extracted full penance with a kick that took play into the corner, forcing Penarthians to concede a lineout barely ten yards out.

A strong drive ensued, following the put-in, and hooker Matthew Holland secured the touchdown in the right hand corner. The kick failed, to restrict the lead to 13 points at the interval.

Conditions failed to improve after the break, but both sides contrived to move the ball, despite the swamp-like surface that now passed as a pitch.

*igel Boucher, pressed into scrum half service when Simon Davies was forced to retire with a recurrence of his foot injury, took on the aspect of a zebra, while Bob Denning, choosing to celebrate his 40th birthday by burying his head in the mud, strode the field with the energy of a man half that age.

Despite good work from Lee Brennan and Andy Spender in the tight, possession was unfortunately at a premium and, although Tim Broome kicked well for position at times, the running potential displayed by Steve Richards, Huw Williams, and debutant Dusty Jones was not fulfilled, and the score that those efforts had deserved failed to materialise.

*evertheless the spirit in the side augurs well and it was good to see Steve Dobson, Lewis Drew and Ryan Harper slotting in neatly to supplement an encouraging display.

With opponents St Julians withdrawing at the last moment from the Vets' fixture, skipper Ieuan Moorcraft was delighted to be able to call upon several of those experienced campaigners for the visit of his Second side to neighbours Sully.

The value of their participation did, indeed, make the difference on the day and the Old Boys were able to avenge an earlier defeat, securing the points in the 28-19 scoreline.

The welcome return to action of Paul Kemp brought the best out of Mark Lloyd and this pair produced an outstanding performance that was complemented by the superb marshalling skills displayed by Mike Goldsworthy at outside half.

The effectiveness of the latter's contribution was reflected in a surprisingly mature display from Stuart Gunnarsson at centre, the erstwhile back row forward crossing for two fine tries that set a standard for the afternoon.

Penarthians' remaining points came from touchdowns from Mike Sullivan and Mark Lloyds, while Mike Goldsworthy made light of the adverse conditions by kicking all four conversions.

Saturday sees the Firsts return to Cwrt-y-vil, for a crucial match against fellow strugglers Deri, while the Seconds are involved in a league contest with Cowbridge.

Both games are scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm.