Seasiders dominate in one-sided encounter (From Penarth Times)

Seasiders dominate in one-sided encounter

DINAS POWYS 5

PENARTH 39

THE SEASIDERS got off to what can only be described as an ideal start to their resumed promotion campaign with a compelling win over the relegated Villagers at the Common.

While there was only one team in the game throughout, the coaching staff have plenty to work on in training, so the sort of complacency that might come from a thumping six-try opener isn't really on the cards.

The pack set their stall out from the whistle and it was only the hosts' talent for spoiling at ruck and maul that prevented an early score. When they were finally penalised on 13 minutes, the take and drive from the next line-out yielded an opening try for James Pierce.

A Chris Reddicliffe penalty extended the lead to 8-0 before Dinas shone briefly with an unconverted short-range try from scrum-half Adam Williams, which proved to be their only score of the afternoon.

Despite making a hash of the restart, Penarth destroyed the Dinas scrum on half-way and pressured the full-back into a penalty for not releasing in his own 22.

Alun Bonello took the quick tap and after a characteristic Dai Carter drive to the posts, the ball was worked back to Reddicliffe who straightened nicely to register his side's second try on the stroke of half time.

After a scrappy start to the second half, the Seasiders' pack resumed normal service with a penalty kick to touch. A huge maul from the line-out carried hooker Geraint Evans over for a try and another arrived almost from the restart.

A finely-executed passing movement down the right flank went to ground just short of the line and it was talented lock Richard Ball who scooped the ball up to score.

The visitors' pack was now calling all the shots and the hapless Villagers had completely run out of ideas. A Jason Allen drive for the line resulted in a 5-metre scrum and as one of the home locks kicked the ball away, Hirwaun referee Steve Watkins headed for the posts to award a clear-cut penalty try.

There was still time for one more score as again the hosts found themselves with a defensive scrum in the shadow of their own posts. The rampant Penarth eight shoved them clean off their own ball and although the first drive wasn't grounded, Dai Carter made sure with the second.

The forwards are clearly carrying on from where they left off last season and it's unlikely that anyone in the division will be able to live with them. A little more attention to the line-out and they'll be unstoppable.

A re-jigged back division also showed far more flair and commitment than spectators have been accustomed to of late and if the short-passing game can be tightened up a bit, there will surely be an avalanche of tries in the weeks to come.

This Saturday's visitors to the Athletic Field are the other side relegated from Division 3 SE, Penygraig.

Penarth:Follon, Jones (Brookman), Reddicliffe (Bush), Edwards, J.Crothers, Lerway, Mortimer, Merrett, Evans (T.Bennett), Morgan (Seymour), Ball, Allen, Pierce, Carter, Bonello.