Defeat underlines the Old Penarthians main problem (From Penarth Times)

Defeat underlines the Old Penarthians main problem

OLD PENARTHIANS produced probably their poorest performance of the season as they allowed themselves to be beaten at home 24-9 by bottom club Deri in last Saturday's round of matches in the ASDA national league competition.

This latest set-back provided the opposition with a first win of the season, enabling them to leapfrog over the Old Boys, who now occupy the penultimate position in Division 5 South East, just two points ahead of luckless Ogmore Vale.

The fixture was, of course, originally scheduled for the Rhymney Valley club's headquarters, but the midweek deluges left that ground unfit for play, necessitating the last minute switch to Cwrt y vil.

Indeed, if there was any comfort coming to Penarthians on the day, it came from the fact that the change came too late for most local supporters to be aware of it, thus relieving those worthies of the embarrassment of watching a display so inept that those present were left shaking their heads in total disbelief.

Although selection had again been disrupted through injuries, unavailabilities, and attendance at Chris Dacey's wedding, the side still looked strong enough to cope with opponents who had conceded an average of 33 points per game in each of their six earlier outings.

Conditions, too, greatly improved on those in prospect earlier in the week, also appeared to favour an open approach that would suit the style of a young Penarthian outfit.

From the outset, the hosts gave the ball plenty of air but errors proliferated as wrong options were chosen and wild passing meant that too many possible chances went to ground. Such was the Penarthians' domination throughout the opening session that it seemed that it was only a matter of time before the floodgates were opened.

The visitors, however, were staunch in their resistance and, as the Old Boys continually failed to capitalise on their advantage, Deri did grow in confidence.

Penarthians were first to score when winger Ryan Harper landed a neat 35-yard penalty goal on the half hour. Simon Davies then left the Deri defence in tatters with a superb break close to halfway, only to spoil that effort with a loose pass to his right when triple support was on his opposite flank.

A second Ryan Harper penalty doubled the home lead, but that should have been increased further when a tremendous Adrian Penny break was well supported by Malcolm Penberthy, only for a fine move to come to nought when the recycled possession was dropped on the left.

Just six points ahead at the break, Penarthians were the architects of their own downfall immediately following the re-start. The long kick from outside half Gareth Hardacre was fumbled within the 25 by the usually reliable John Aubrey. The ball ran loose in front of the goal line, where Simon Hennessey unexpectedly fired a pass out to his right.

Home support was caught completely unawares and, when the ball dropped to the ground, centre Mark Davies took full advantage of the errors to swoop for an opportunist try. Hardacre added the extra points with his conversion kick.

A further score could well have been conceded soon after, when a kick to the corner caused consternation in a disorganised defence, but a fine run from Tony Kemp prefaced restoration of the Penarthians' lead.

The big lock broke from halfway to take play deep into the 25, where Deri conceded a penalty. Ryan Harper, showing an unexpected place-kicking talent, had no difficulty in landing his third goal of the afternoon.

Simon Davies continued to pose a threat with his speedy running, but the tendency to throw missed move passes caused unnecessary complication within the midfield and Deri became increasingly confident at their own ability to contain any danger. Unfortunately, Davies then suffered a groin injury that forced him from the field, Richie Commander taking his place and this move coincided with a surprise decision to substitute props Mark Curtis and Lee Brennan. This led to the disruption of the home scrummage and Deri now began to assume total control of proceedings.

As pressure mounted, Gareth Welford distinguished himself with a fine tackle that saved a certain try, but the visitors were not to be denied and four men handled from a subsequent scrummage for winger Matthew Hardy to score at the corner.

Worse was to follow in the 32nd minute when Richie Commander took charge of a penalty award within the 25, opting for a tap ball before chipping ahead to himself. The move was a disaster in that the ball was promptly swallowed up by the opposition, scrum half Matthew Cusack gleefully racing in for a try converted by Gareth Hardacre.

Penarthians now threw everything into the attack but it was too little too late and the right hand side foray from John Aubrey and Simon Hennessey was a flourish that failed and represented the last home attack.

At the opposite end, however, a final nail had still to be hammered into the Pen-arthians' coffin. Richie Commander gathered possession close to the line and in the corner before setting off for the 25.

Support, unfortunately, was not present and, when he was dispossessed close to that 25, Matthew Cusack was again the man to burst clear, his touchdown completing the humiliating 24 points to 9 scoreline.

This latest setback served only to underline that the Penarthian club is rapidly losing any footballing reputation as the players continue to abdicate their responsibilities.

Week after week, the side is taking the field and performing as though the members are complete strangers.

The organisation that can only come through work on the training field is constantly absent and progress will not be made until all concerned attend to learn the lessons that coaches Tony Vagges and Tim O'Donnell are desperate to pass on to them.

There is little point in taking individuals to task in these columns but it is worth pointing out that skipper Mark Smart's best allies on a disappointing day were Nick Vagges, Tony Kemp, and Simon Davies, all of whom are among the few regularly attending training.

With no fixtures scheduled for this weekend, the next league game takes place at Rhiwbina on November 26 when international clashes determine a 12.30pm kick-off.