Old Boys refuse to give in to defeat (From Penarth Times)

Old Boys refuse to give in to defeat

OLD PENARTHIANS suffered the first setback of this season's league programme when they lost at home to Cefn Coed last Saturday.

The four point deficit in a 22-18 score line could so easily have been reversed and Mark Smart's men should be able to take the defeat as a confidence builder for the games that are ahead in the competition for honours in division five South East of the ASDA National League competition.

The still, dry afternoon provided perfect conditions for rugby football and both sides entered into the spirit of the occasion. Despite a coach trip from Merthyr, it was the visitors who struck the first blow after only 30 seconds.

Indeed, it was almost as though the Old Boys were the side yet to recover from the journey for the defence was nowhere to be seen as the Cefn forwards drove downfield before releasing the ball to the backs and creating such an overlap that centre John Lewis was able to stroll over for his try on the left. The kick failed.

Penarthians did reply with some spirit and, following a penalty award, Gavin Davies drilled the ball into the corner for Tony Kemp to secure line out possession. Whilst an effort was made to move the ball infield, the defence was clearly well organised but Chris Dacey showed remarkable awareness as he steadied himself to fire over a rare but beautifully struck drop goal.

Play continued to switch from end to end but the Merthyr side again showed purposeful approach work as they obtained a 20th minute score. The home defence once more went strangely missing and it was full back Damon Regis who appeared on the overlap to cross for an excellent try at the corner.

Three minutes later, outside half Gavin Davies reduced the arrears with a 30-yard penalty and this was followed soon after by a sensational score.

The visitors revealed their confidence as they opened up close to half way. Suddenly, however, there was an interception and winger Huw Williams triumphantly turned the tables as he showed a clean pair of heels in a 45-yard sprint for an excellent score that was concerted by Gavin Davies.

The narrow lead thus obtained was, however, put under considerable pressure as the break approached but Penarthians had now recovered the defensive composure missing in the early stages and the attacks were initially held until Chris Dacey did particularly well to win possession at a maul beneath the posts, the ball being released to Simon Davies for the line to be cleared.

Disaster struck at the start of the second session. Cefn Coed aimed for the corner from a penalty kick and Simon Davies showed great initiative as he leapt to prevent the ball from entering touch to allow the opposition line out possession.

Unfortunately, the ball had to be grounded in the in-goal area and Cefn won the scrum for flanker Sean Jones to force his way over from close range.

It was now the turn of the Old Boys to throw caution to the wind and they took up the challenge in a manner not seen for a couple of Cwrt y vil seasons. Simon Davies redeemed himself with a fine break that might have produced greater reward had Dean Grech been able to hold on to the final pass.

Grech was then short with a 35-yard penalty before Chris Dacey stormed out of the 25 in a 60-yard burst that was well supported by Huw Williams, who finally succumbed to an excellent tackle and John Vaughan could not quite gather the loose ball.

Tom Draper was the next to show as the hosts fought to recover the lead. His fine run took play to the halfway line where John Aubrey had the misfortune to see his attempted pass fall straight into opposition hands. Adding to the frustration, Simon Davies had the mortification of seeing successive penalties fire well short of the target.

At this stage, the visitors steadied themselves and the pressure on the home 25 paid off six minutes from time when outside half Ryan Sullivan rounded off another excellent attack with a try, converted by John Lewis, to create the 9-point gap that appeared to ensure victory. To their credit, Penarthians refused to give up but their efforts were not rewarded until deep into time added when prop Lee Brennan bounced over halfway out following good work from both forwards and backs.

Whilst this was a game that could have been won, it must be said that Cefn Coed were the more confident side and their clinical finishing proved to be the difference. Even so, the Old Boys made a major contribution to an entertaining clash and the emphasis on attacking options will surely pay dividends as the execution and choice improves.

The centre partnership of Chris Dacey and Tom Draper was again potent with Huw Williams and Dave Mason exciting runners outside and John Aubrey supporting from behind. Simon Davies was again a lively scrum half but unlucky at times whilst the steadiness of brother Gavin was missed in the second half as Dean Grech failed to produce his customary influence.

The forwards were forced to work hard against enterprising and strong opponents and it was a shame to see Gareth Shaw's shoulder play up again. Even so, Mark Curtis, Nick Vagges, and Lee Brennan were tireless in their efforts whilst Andy Nourish continues to pull his weight at lock.

Tony Kemp, of course, remained the best line out option whilst Mark Smart and Jamie Croll were the back row foragers with good support from both Simon Hennessey and, latterly, Jon Vaughan as the forwards showed much better discipline in their combined efforts.

SULLY WIN

Resplendent in new kit generously donated by Mr Graham Rattenbury of Penarth Sports, the Seconds were at home to Sully but failed to produce the standard of elegance in their play that the attire merited.

To be fair, the Sully forwards provided an expertise that could not be matched by the hosts and the visitors were good value for the margin of their 19-10 success.

Ross Turpitt, Neil Warren, and Scott Hill caught the eye in a combative back row, whilst Malcolm Penberthy and Chris Davies worked well in the powerhouse. The line out superiority exercised by Sully proved crucial in terms of useful possession.

Behind them, Adrian Penny and Nigel Boucher showed some useful touches at half back with both Gareth Welford and Ieuan Moorcraft lively in the centre as newcomer Sean O'Brien made a fine debut at full back.

Penarthians points came from a try by Neil Warren whilst Nigel Boucher added the conversion and kicked a penalty goal.

Saturday sees the Firsts at home again as they entertain Canton in a friendly fixture. The Seconds are also at home, this time to Llandaff, whilst arrangements are in hand for the Vets to play their first game of the season. All matches will kick off at 2.30pm.