Meanwhile there's another big match to be played (From Penarth Times)

Meanwhile there's another big match to be played

THE big match is almost here.

The time - 3pm, Good Friday, March 25.

The place - The Athletic Field, Lavernock Road.

The event - an exciting game of rugby.

No longer the Barbarians but Crawshay's Welsh Youth XV against Penarth Youth RFC!

The Penarth squad is looking forward with great anticipation to this fifth annual match against their industrious visitors for the Principality Cup.

Crawshay's Welsh Youth are able to select the best Under 19 boys from schools and clubs throughout Wales and many go on to achieve higher honours later in their career.

Crawshay's Youth won all their nine matches last season, a tribute to the commitment and organisation of their secretary and Welsh International referee Ken Parfitt.

Michael Owen and Robert Sidoli toured South Africa with Crawshays only a few years ago.

Michael Owen captained Wales in their fantastic win in Edinburgh on Sunday - his father Colin Owen was a regular player for Penarth some years ago.

Last week readers of the Penarth Times saw how Nick Gill, a former Stanwell pupil, and a regular with Penarth Youth for the last two seasons, has gone on to represent Wales Under 19s.

This week he learnt that he has been selected to represent Wales in the Under 19s World Cup to be staged in Durban South Africa in April. Congratulations Nick.

This season's Penarth Youth squad is a very young one as virtually all of last year's team moved on due to age.

However, their enthusiasm and tenacity is of the highest order thanks to the skills and determination instilled into them by a dedicated team of coaches: Simon Hurley, John Bennett and Leon Patnett.

Penarth Youth Chairman E I (Yan) Owens is anticipating a "fast and open game watched by a large crowd".

As a curtain-raiser to the Youth match, Penarth's Under 15s are hosting a young Canadian side on tour to Wales - The Robert Bateman Secondary School from Abbotsford, British Columbia.

This match will kick off at 1.15pm.