Seasiders want chance of glory (From Penarth Times)

Seasiders want chance of glory

PENARTH 18 ABERDARE 12

AFTER an uncharacteristic slip the week before, the Seasiders played themselves right back into promotion contention last Saturday.

In a compelling defeat of league leaders Aberdare, they completed their 2004-5 home fixtures with a 100 percent record for the first time since league rugby began in 1990.

As befits a top-of-the-table clash, the first quarter was all about probing for weaknesses and Penarth were the first to find any.

A long Chris Mortimer pass found its way to Geraint Blake, who hacked ahead. On-form left wing James Crothers duly outpaced the defence for the first home try.

The visitors were soon back to work putting the Seasiders under pressure and a driven line-out brought them right back into the game.

Prop G Rosser claimed the try and a conversion from G Williams left his side with a 7-5 lead at half time.

Playing with the breeze at their backs in the second half, the Penarth pack started to push the Aberdare eight off the ball with some regularity.

Despite dominating possession and territory, the Seasiders now came up against the feature of Aberdare's game that has kept them on top for so long.

The visitors' rearguard held out superbly and, as Penarth were forced to bring on replacements, exploited some confusion in the home defence to allow scrum half D Cunvin to dive over for his side's second try and a 12-5 lead.

Among the replacements was captain Mike Clare, who soon began the fight-back in typical style.

Coming off the back of a scrum 30 metres out, he ran through the cover to score. Danny Brookman followed with a massive 46 metre penalty putting the Seasiders back in front 13-12.

Penarth now took the game firmly to the visitors and laid siege to their line. First Mike Clare, then Hemi Taylor crossed for disallowed tries and James Crothers came agonisingly close to extending his remarkable scoring record.

With a mere one-point lead to overcome, Aberdare were ready to risk a good deal, with captain M.Brennan yellow-carded at a ruck. Even then, they secured a penalty 30 metres out which G Williams was unfortunate to see rebounding from the posts.

The Seasiders finished the afternoon on a high note having survived that ordeal. Relentlessly grinding the visitors' pack down in their own half, a driving maul led to Mike Clare's second try of the afternoon and a final score of 18-12.

The three leading teams now enter the final phase of this season's competition with all to play for. Aberdare still lead and visit second-placed Fairwater next Saturday while Penarth visit Dowlais in 10th place.

That leaves the Seasiders with a tricky final game away at fourth-placed Bedlinog. Aberdare must also visit Cowbridge and Rhigos, while Fairwater finish with a home fixture against Rhigos.

Two wins from two remains the target and the Penarth team must know they can do it now.

PENARTH: G.Blake, J.Crothers, Edwards, Hobbs, Carter, Brookman, Mortimer (Connor), Merrett, Evans, P.Bennett, Morgan, Allen, Gooding, Coslett, Williams (Clare), Ball (Taylor)

* Penarth RFC would like to thank everyone who supported the raffle by purchasing a ticket for the rugby ball signed by members of the Grand Slam Squad 2005. The draw, at Penarth Athletic Club, was won by Hywel Elias. The winning ticket was drawn by a representative of a touring squad from Arras, France. Also, thank you to everyone involved with the raffle event.