Defence in disarray (From Penarth Times)

Defence in disarray

Porth 57 Old Penarthians 12

OLD Penarthians' return to action after three weeks of inactivity, producing a rusty performance.

And the result was a devastatingly disappointing defeat away to Porth.

With the hosts in contrastingly rampant mood, the Old Boys displayed woefully weak defensive technique to concede no fewer than nine tries in the 57-12 scoreline.

The result boosted Porth's hopes of qualifying for one of the top spots in Division 5 South East in this, their inaugural season as full members of the WRU. For the Old Boys, there was little in the way of consolation.

Spencer Haus fell victim to flu that caused his late withdrawal and Andrew Vale failed to show up, otherwise, the side was largely as selected, reflecting the personnel responsible for the improved showing in recent outings.

Llwyncelyn's Welfare ground was in fine fettle and the bright but cold afternoon provided ideal conditions for an open game of rugby.

The start was disastrous. Awarded a penalty in front of the posts barely 30 seconds after kick-off, Penarthians were mortified to see outside half Mark Bow fire well wide of the target.

Even worse was to follow at the opposite end when a complete misunderstanding at half back saw Penarthians concede a five-yard scrum close to the posts.

Gareth Shaw's excellent strike against the head averted that danger but, almost at once, a penalty was conceded 20 yards out.

Amazingly the visitors were seen to stand back in admiration as open side flanker Daniel Evans strode over unopposed for a try that was converted by Gareth Lewis to open the scoring.

To their credit, the Old Boys responded from the re-start, Mark Bow instigating the move with a chip through the cover.

As the hosts attempted to clear, Bow himself followed through to charge down the kick, centre Gareth Welford following up in fine style to gain the touchdown that Bow improved.

Sadly, that 18th minute score largely ended the Old Boys contribution to the contest.

For a time there were occasional forays that reflected useful running from Steve Roberts and Adrian Ball, while Huw Williams, Gareth Welford, and Simon Davies supported well - but the home defence remained firm.

Mark Smart continued to work hard up front but Tony Kemp's lineout contribution appeared to diminish once Phil Middleton fell victim to injury, while the speed of Gareth Shaw's strike could not overcome the pressure imposed by the hosts that ensured slow delivery from the set scrums.

Penarthians' downfall, however, was largely the result of the defensive lapses that - the fine work of Steve Roberts and David Mason apart - gifted too many points to opponents eager to capitalise on any errors that came their way.

No 8 Ryan Robertson took advantage of a lack of communication for his score, while flanker Daniel Evans helped himself to a second score when the Old boys failed to counter a lineout drive.

Scrum half Gareth Lewis converted both touchdowns and was on hand to secure a try himself when he was on the end of the three man overlap that featured the final score of the opening half.

Robertson finished off the back row move that produced the opening score of the second half with Lewis again converting.

Winger Anthony James did well to cross at the corner for his unconverted try but Penarthians responded with a well worked try of their own, Adrian Ball providing the initial penetration before good support from Simon Davies saw the full back send Huw Williams sprinting clear on the left.

That score provided only temporary relief, for Lewis was soon at it again with a converted try and the conversion of a try from full back Daniel Minty, while the latter put the icing on the cake for his side with the 50 yard sprint that comprised the outstanding try that put an end to the rout.

*At Cwrt-y-Vil, Pontyclun's inability to field a second side enabled the Old Boys to provide sufficient numbers to complete the line-up for Dinas Powys in the Vets game that was thoroughly enjoyed by both sides.

Rob Crimp's men proved the superior outfit and were good value for the 43-12 success. Tony Spear, Rob Crimp, Malcolm Penberthy, Richard Smith, Ian Thompson, Paul Follon, and Mark Lloyd secured the tries with Spear and Mike Goldsworthy sharing the conversion honours.

The back row trio of Damien Barry, Mark Lloyd, and Richard Smith played superbly throughout, but the star of the show was veteran Stuart Lewis who displayed the full range of his customary sleight of hand in a virtuoso performance that was too much for the opposition.

Malcolm Penberthy found his hands more than full in attempting to cope with Gordon Walsh while Paul Follon earned deserved abuse for retiring early to save himself for the ski-ing trip soon to be undertaken.