Injuries beset Old Boys (From Penarth Times)

Injuries beset Old Boys

Old Penarthians' resources were stret-ched to the limit last Saturday, necessitating the fielding of a below-strength First team away to Porth and no second string fixture on the day.

Whilst there had been rain throughout the morning, it was still a surprise to see the poor condition of the playing area.

Early play favoured the hosts with the Penarthian defence at full stretch from the kick off and forced to concede a simple penalty after only four minutes, comfortably converted by scrum half Dafydd T Morris to put his side three points clear.

A further score could well have followed but John Aubrey executed a try saving tackle when winger Anthony James was in sight of the line following a fine run on the right. Not that the hosts were long denied for, from the ensuing lineout, possession was won, a powerful drive could not be countered and prop Darron Griffiths claimed the touchdown.

At the opposite end, Penarthians threatened promisingly as Gavin Davies did his best to get the line moving with wingers Ryan Harper and Huw Williams both in threatening mood.

Unfortunately, it was a speculative move that brought the next score. As the bouncing ball veered away from the covering Huw Williams it went straight into the arms of Anthony James who gleefully crossed for the try.

Old Boys were now under severe pressure but survived through determined defence in which skipper Mark Smart, lock Andy Nourish, and centres Dean Grech and Simon Hennessey were particularly to the fore.

Unfortunately, Penarthians failed to hold the shove at a ten yard scrum and number eight Ryan Robertson secured the touchdown with Dafydd T Morris adding the extra points that completed the 20 point margin at the break.

Penarthians were now to suffer a series of setbacks as injuries took their toll. Dean Grech, outstanding in his first half defence, suffered an ankle injury and Tony Kemp a badly twisted knee.

Young Nick Vagges made the mistake of challenging Gareth Shaw to a head butting contest and clearly came off second best being unable to continue whilst Simon Hennessey was the final victim as the line-up became sadly decimated.

In those circumstances, it was little wonder that Porth dominated the exchanges and secured further tries through Ryan Robertson, flanker Gary Harris and replacement prop Chris Chambers with scrum half Morris kicking one conversion to put the side 37 points to nil clear.

To be fair, the Old Boys stuck to an impossible task with determination. Indeed, had that not been the case, Porth would surely have run riot rather than being restricted to the six try tally reflected in the score line.

Spencer Haus, Nick Vagges, and Lee Brennan battled bravely under enormous scrum pressure whilst the bulk of Tony Kemp was sorely missed after his departure despite the indefatigable efforts of Andy Nourish.

Jamie Croll and Mark Smart were as industrious as ever on the flanks whilst Darren Jones created a favourable impression on his debut at number 8.

Adrian Penney made only his second senior appearance in recent seasons at scrum half but he contributed a workmanlike display in partnership with the reliable Gavin Davies.

Dean Grech, moved to centre following the late withdrawal of Tom Draper, had a fine game together with Simon Hennessey whilst the rearguard trio of Huw Williams, Ryan Harper, and John Aubrey reflected the enthusiasm that had been missing a week earlier.

Whilst the margin of the defeat did little to boost Penarthian confidence, players can take heart from the fact it did flatter the hosts .

The Old Boys can now turn their attention to a home match on Saturday when South Wales Police will be the visitors to Cwrt y Vil, kick-off 2.30 p.m.