Penarth RFCgive good account (From Penarth Times)

Penarth RFCgive good account

PENARTH RFC open their new season when they meet Dinas Powys RFC on the Common, this Saturday, September 3, kick-off 2.30pm.

The Penarth players, who have been training hard in the run-up to the season under the experienced eyes of coaches Don Llewellyn and Moro Smith, are looking forward to this match.

Last Saturday Penarth made the trip to the Civil Service ground at Bettws, Newport, where they joined up with 2nd Division Newport Saracens in having a pre-season warm-up.

Two sessions of 20 minutes and one of 30 minutes gave the players the opportunity for Penarth to test out their abilities against a club in a higher division.

The pack, under the leadership of Dai Carter playing at No 8 in the absence of Mike Clare, gave an excellent account of themselves.

Particularly pleasing was the form of second row partnership Jason Allen and Kevin Fitzgerald, who together with the front row of Dai Morgan, Geraint Evans and Richard Merrett, gave the Saracens front row a torrid time.

Richard Ball gained good ball at the lineout allowing the pack on occasions to use their driving maul as they did last season, resulting in tries for Richard Ball and Richard Merrett, neither of which were converted.

Newport Saracens also found the benefits of playing this warm-up session as a number of their players are new signings from the Newbridge Club.

In the back line Captain Andrew Edwards was supplying a stream of good possession to David Lerway playing at outside-half in the absence of Danny Brookman ably supported by centres Dafydd Hobbs and Richard Jones, Dafydd scoring the first try of the afternoon.

Fullback Brendan Bush brought off a number of try saving tackles, ably supported by wingers James Crothers and upgraded from last season's Youth side, Michael Hopkins.

With several new signings in the close season, which will strengthen the back division, and with Brian Higgins prop, and Michael Clare, number 8, soon available to play following injury, things are looking good.

Team that played in the warm-up sessions at Newport Saracens: Brendan Bush, James Crothers, Richard Jones, Dafydd Hobbs, Michael Hopkins, David Lerway, Andrew Edwards, Richard Merrett, Geraint Evans, David Morgan, Jason Allen, Kevin Fitzgerald, Richard Ball, Alun Bonello, David Carter. Tom Bennett replaced Geraint Evans in the final 30 minutes.

FIXTURES

SEPTEMBER

Prelim Round Cup bye.

3: Dinas Powys A.

10: Penygraig H.

17: Llandaff North H.

1st Round Cup.

24: Pontyates H.

Original fixture Taffs Well to be rearranged.

OCTOBER

1: Dowlais H.

8: Penallta A.

15: Cilfynydd H.

2nd Round Cup.

22: Bedlinog A.

29: Llandaff H.

NOVEMBER

5: Wales v New Zealand (Millennium Stadium).

11: Wales v Fiji (Millennium Stadium).

12: LLantwit Major A.

19: Wales v South Africa (Millennium Stadium).

26: Wales v Australia (Millennium Stadium).

DECEMBER

3rd Round Cup.

3: Cowbridge H.

10: Dinas Powys H.

17: Penygraig A.

JANUARY

7: Llandaff North A.

4th Round Cup.

14: Taffs Well H.

21: Dowlais A.

28: Penallta H.

FEBRUARY

4: England A (Twickenham).

11: Cilfynydd A.

12: Scotland H (Millennium Stadium).

5th Round Cup.

18: Bedlinog H.

26: Ireland A (Lansdowne Road)

MARCH

4: Llandaff A.

11: Italy H (Millennium Stadium).

18: France H (Millennium Stadium).

25: Llantwit Major H.

Quarter Finals Cup.

APRIL

1: Cowbridge A.

22: Semi Finals Cup.

MAY

6: Cup Final.