Vets in Boxing Day battle! (From Penarth Times)

Vets in Boxing Day battle!

PENARTH Athletic Field was the venue for this season s Boxing Day clash between the veterans of the Penarth and Old Penarthians clubs - and a good crowd took advantage of the excellent weather conditions to support their favourites in a match that was keenly contested.

The hosts were set on securing their third successive victory in this contest between the town s old rivals and the hat-trick seemed a distinct possibility, as the superior forward power of the home eight provided the possession that enabled Penarth to lead by 19 points to 10 at the break.

Nevertheless, there was more than a suggestion that the Old Boys needed just a sight of the ball for their enterprising back division to conjure up sufficient magic to steal the spoils.

So it was to prove, for Penarthians turned the screw after the break to secure three fine tries in a 16 minute spell that put them ahead by 29 points to 19 and sure of the deserved victory that was made the closer by the converted try secured by Penarth in the dying moments of the game, but which was too late to change the eventual result.

Early action had seen Chris Ali, briefly home from the Midlands, make his mark with two rumbustious runs on the left that left Neil Pugh trailing in his wake.

It was, however, ten minutes before the opening score was produced. A lineout on the left produced the possession for Penarth that was to be a feature of the first half.

The ball was moved into the centre where Simon Crothers revealed the subtlety of a ball on the skittle alley as he scattered bodies in the wake of his 25-yard trundle to the posts.

Surprisingly, the conversion kick failed and, just six minutes later, the visitors were on level terms.

Malcolm Penberthy made the initial running and the pass to the left saw Skipper Rob Crimp feature in a triumphant dash to the corner.

At the opposite end, Penarth showed themselves to be the masters of the tight game as their forwards pounded relentlessly on the Old Boys line.

The defence was courageous but could not be sustained and the final drive saw evergreen Greg Swaine in possession of the ball and claiming the try that was duly converted by Graham Rattenbury.

Enterprising play from Penarthians saw Mike Goldsworthy, John Colderley, and David Martin all handle as the ball was taken to the opposite end.

A lineout ensued and again the quick-thinking of the visitors was in evidence as the throw in went directly to Robert Crimp before the defence had time to become organised and the Skipper crossed unopposed for his second try.

That the handling skills were not entirely Penarthians property was revealed at the next Penarth attack when Gregg Swaine switched the direction of the move with the sweetest of inside passes that sent Ceri Moorcraft over at the posts for a further try that was converted by Graham Rattenbury.

The second half began in awesome fashion when Stuart Lewis sold Mike Goldsworthy down the river with a loose pass that reached the outside half at precisely the same moment that Peter Bennett s shoulder made contact with the unfortunate s midriff.

Thoughts that the former Pontypool player s career might have come to an end were dispelled when he returned to the fray after nominal breathing exercises.

Penarthians appeared to benefit from the arrival of Paul Langley to add purpose to the play up front whilst the class of John Colderley was evident as he cruised through the defence to set up an excellent try for the lively Mark Lloyd. Nigel Edmunds added the extra points.

Mark Curtis was next to impress when he surprisingly set off on a run close to half way rather than from his preferred spot ten yards out.

Clearly inspired, John Colderley made good progress on the left but it was the superb collection and hand on from Jon Howell whilst in the process of losing his footing that provided the possession for Stuart Gunnarsson to crash over at the corner.

With the bit now well between their teeth, the Old Boys pressed home their advantage and, when the hosts made a complete hash of possession won at a lineout in the corner, Matthew Turner was through in a flash to secure the touchdown, Mike Goldsworthy adding the extra points with a superb kick from the bottom touchline.

Penarthians were now ahead by 29 points to 19 and time was fast ebbing.

The visitors, however, found themselves under increasing pressure from their hosts and were forced to defend much more than they might have wished.

Fortunately, the line held until the dying seconds when centre Ceri Moorcraft raced in for his second try, James Doherty s successful conversion bringing the game to an end with Penarthians victors by 29 points to 26.

Penarthians return to more serious matters this coming weekend with the resumption of competition in both the ASDA national league and the Cardiff and District league.

The Firsts travel to Ogmore Vale where they hope to repeat the success achieved at Penarth in September, but the Seconds face a more difficult task in their match at home to Rhiwbina.

Both games kick off at 2.30pm.