Police succeed and try, try, try again (From Penarth Times)

Police succeed and try, try, try again

IT JUST doesn"t improve.

The 13-try drubbing suffered by Old Penarthians at Waterton Cross last Saturday was a fair reflection of the difference between two ill-matched sides, as a rampant South Wales Police outfit romped to the 77 points to 10 victory that earned them a season"s double over their hapless visitors.

For the Old Boys, the match marked the end of a three-game sequence that has seen them ship a massive 183 points - no fewer than 30 tries - in a run that threatens to rank among the worst in the club"s 83-year history.

Making matters worse is the constant abdication of senior players that leaves the selectors with no option other than to fill the ranks with players of commendable willingness, but with abilities insufficient to cope with the challenges at this, the lowest level of the Welsh National league structure.

To be fair, the South Wales Police side regularly provides inconsistent opposition. The calls of duty often mean that the side available is less than full strength.

President David East offered some consolation to his visitors, saying that Penarthians had twice this term come up against probably the strongest squads that the Force could provide.

Certainly, that was a situation that Mark Smart and his men were well aware of.

It took five minutes for the hosts to get off the mark, but thereafter, scores came at such regular intervals that the Police led by 44 points to nil at the break.

More determined resistance after the break did limit the hosts to five more touchdowns and the traffic was not totally one way, as the Old Boys did produce two fine scores of their own.

The first came some 16 minutes into the half, when a defensive breakout saw Chris Dacey finally put into possession 10 yards into the home half. The big centre used all his pace and power to hold off a series of defenders as he stormed 40 yards to the corner for a fine solo try.

Ten minutes later, Jamie Croll set up a ruck in the 25 and, when the forwards had won good possession, fly half Tim Broome opened up, going left, where Dacey again did the damage as he crossed wide out for his second score.

For the hosts, winger Jonathan Williams and powerful number 8 each scored three tries with flanker David Wintle, centre Darryl Thomas, full back Wayne Evans touching down for two apiece. Outside half Dafydd Bevan controlled play superbly for his side and was rewarded with a well-taken score in the second half whilst Wayne Evans completed the home tally by adding six conversions.

Nick Vagges and Peter Harry battled bravely in the face of almost impossible front row odds, while Ross Turpitt and Mark Smart worked hard in the loose with good support from Jamie Croll, with Lewis Drew and Huw Jenkins giving of their best in the face of superior opponents.

Behind the scrum, Nigel Boucher fought hard in the unaccustomed scrum half role but Tim Broome took time to adjust to his first senior outing of the season.

Gareth Welford tackled well at times, but fell to injury far too soon and Chris Dacey was the pick of the backs, with Ian Spencer making an impressive but brief appearance after the break.

John Aubrey again played neatly at full back and James Williams was lively on the wing, where opportunities were limited for Ryan Harper, while brother Calum"s debut came far too late for the youngster to make an impact.

* At Cwrt-y-Vil, the Vets were somewhat taken aback by the youthful appearance of their Whitchurch counterparts, but wasted little time in proving the value of experience to the visitors.

Certainly, the Cardiff side had no-one to match the control exercised by the immaculate Mike Goldsworthy and his influence was seen in the many good moves produced by the Old Boys.

While the Whitchurch request for passive scrums from the start appeared to limit the enjoyment of Stuart Lewis, both the evilly smiling Malcolm Penberthy and Richard Smith clearly relished the forward confrontation and brought the best out of young Stuart Clarke in the later stages.

Fine contributions behind came from Mark Isherwood in his first club outing for three seasons and Richard Kynaston.

Penarthians were good value for the margin of their 33 points to 5 success, the score line reflecting five fine tries, with Mike Goldsworthy converting four.

Jon Howell, Mark Isher-wood, Ian Thompson, and Richard Kynaston and Jon-athan Crimp all succeeded with excellent touchdowns.

Saturday sees the Firsts entertain Ferndale at Cwrt-y-Vil in the league. The Seconds oppose Canton, both 2.30pm kick-off.