Game was lost by those not there (From Penarth Times)

Game was lost by those not there

OLD PENARTHIANS" season took a dangerously downward turn last weekend, when the First XV suffered yet another defeat in a league match that should normally have been well within their winning compass.

With three defeats and just two victories from their five outings this term, hosts Ferndale did not appear to represent the greatest challenge, as Mark Smart"s men sought to return to winning ways, having lost three successive games in the Division 5 South East campaign.

The writing, however, was on the wall mid-week. Both Tuesday and Thursday training sessions saw coaches Tony Vagges and Tim O"Donnell close to their wits" end as they tried to make sense of turn-outs that each numbered fewer than ten players.

Of course, many more had promised to be in attendance but, once again, the players showed that their commitment extended to lip service only. The excuses were present in abundance - injury, illness, and work commitments proliferated - but the fact remained that neither session afforded benefit in terms of a game plan for the weekend.

It was as bad on the day. Withdrawals seemed inevitable and so it proved, two of these being announced barely prior to the time for bus departure. Once again, the side was indebted to individuals who made themselves available to fill the many vacancies, but the line-up bore scarcely any resemblance to that which gave a true reflection of the senior side"s potential.

Young Ben Leonard came in for a first start on the wing, with Dean Grech and David Bird forming a completely untried alliance in the centre. Up front, David Mason, originally selected as hooker, found himself switched to the back row, while Lee Brennan and Tony Kemp were elevated from the bench to join Peter Harry, Chris Kitch, and Lewis Drew, all of whom were making first senior appearances of the season.

The selectorial confusion was quickly transferred to the pitch, for Penarthians were caught napping within 30 seconds of the kick-off.

A lineout ploy on the left saw the ball reach winger Ross Howell, who proved much too quick for the cover in a fleet-footed dash for the corner from 30 yards out.

That kick failed, but the hosts were able to extend their lead in the 11th minute when centre Derek Davies landed a 40-yard penalty goal with a fine kick.

The Old Boys fought back with spirit and the forwards made good progress as they took play to their opponents. Gavin Davies was off target with a 40-yard penalty attempt, but the Ferndale defence was at full stretch, as forwards and backs combined well in a sustained visiting attack that paid dividends when the hosts were caught offside just 15 yards out, Gavin Davies comfortably securing the points.

Unfortunately, that score was negated when Ferndale"s Davies hit the target from the ten-yard line, when Penarthians were again penalised by a fussy referee.

But worse was to follow. Penarthians won a lineout deep inside their own 25. The decision to open up was adventurous, but ill-judged. Dean Grech attempted a chip towards halfway, but the ball was quickly purloined by Ferndale.

Play forged ahead on the left and lock Carl Rowe burst through some poor tackling to gallop gleefully to the posts for a try, converted by Derek Davies.

From the kick-off, another handling move put the speedy Ross Howells away on the left and the winger used his electric pace to outflank the cover and cross at the corner. Davies again converted, this time with a superb strike from close to touch.

Penarthians were now in danger of being completely outplayed and it was clear that lack of communication within the makeshift squad was creating defensive confusion that was being eagerly exploited by the speedy home backs.

Fortunately, Lewis Drew, Dave Mason, Mark Smart and Tony Kemp all distinguished themselves with fine tackles, although they were unable to prevent the points that came from a further penalty goal by Davies in the 46th minute.

Adrift by 28 points to 3 at the break, the Old Boys replaced Ben Leonard with Jamie Croll at the interval, but fell further behind after the restart as the hosts again swarmed to the attack. David Mason produced one try-saving tackle close to the line, but the ball was recycled and number 8 Gareth Clements plunged over for a try that was not converted.

Minutes later, Ferndale struck again, this time from a maul on the right, hooker Ross Richards gaining the try after Penarthians had lost possession inside the 25.

Fortunately, the score sparked an excellent revival from the Old Boys, with the forwards giving as good as they got in the set pieces. Peter Harry impressed with his scrummage work in company with Lee Brennan and the excellent Nick Vagges, while Chris Kitch and Tony Kemp worked hard in the powerhouse. Jamie Croll slotted well into the back row, with skipper Smart and Lewis Drew and the side began to make good use of the possession now being obtained.

Scrum half Simon Davies was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition and his eye for the main chance paid off after 17 minutes when good approach work earned a penalty award that saw Davies away in a flash for a score to the right of the posts that was coolly converted by brother Gavin.

Ferndale were clearly shaken by this response and lost their composure to such an extent that it was now Penarthians calling the tune and earning the reward of a second try on the half hour. Fine work by Dean Grech saw Gavin Davies stopped in his headlong charge for the line, but the forwards supported well with David Mason securing the touchdown despite abortive claims from Mark Smart. Gavin Davies added the extra points.

It was, however, too little too late and the final whistle went with the hosts victorious by 38 points to 17.

This was yet another game lost more by those not in attendance rather than the players on the field and every credit was due to the way in which Peter Harry and Chris Kitch stuck to their tasks despite lack of experience at this level. Others to do well included Mark Smart, Nick Vagges, and Tony Kemp, while Simon Davies was lively behind, with Dean Grech again showing neat touches in the centre, despite limited opportunity.

NO REFEREE

There was further disappointment at Cwrt y Vil, where both Penarthians and Cowbridge were changed and ready to go in a second team league match. There was, however, no sign of the appointed referee and there was no option other than to postpone the fixture.

This weekend, the Firsts are at home to unbeaten league leaders Bridgend Sports in a league game due to kick off at 2.30pm. The Seconds are without a game, but the Thirds return to action with a match, also at home, against Wick.