Impatient drop shot proves costly to Old Penarthians seconds (From Penarth Times)

Impatient drop shot proves costly to Old Penarthians seconds

THE LATEST round of Six Nations matches was the reason for yet another blank Saturday in the ASDA National League programme and the absence of a fixture for the Old Penarthians senior squad.

Both reserve sides were, however, in action with the Seconds hosting Gwent newcomers Rogerstone whilst Rob Crimp's Vets side travelled to Tonypandy for their game against Cambrian Welfare.

Cwrt-y-Vil's brilliant sunshine was blighted by the bitterly cold wind that made conditions difficult for both players and spectators but did little to blunt the enthusiasm of the visitors who began as though intent on demolishing their hosts.

A storming try from the number eight was followed by a delightfully deceptive touchdown from the outside half, both of which scores were converted to put Rogerstone 14 points clear almost before the Old Boys had realised that the match had started.

Full back Gavin Davies did well to reduce the lead when he landed an excellent penalty into the wind whilst winger James Williams later distinguished himself with the opportunist touchdown that followed the charge down of Rogerstone's attempted clearance.

Penarthians, indeed, were now showing greater commitment and Calum Harper was unlucky not to get clear after good passing had put him in possession on the left.

With the half almost at an end, brother Ryan Harper did make it to the corner only for the touchdown to be disallowed when referee Steve Thomas ruled that the attack had incorporated an element of crossing.

The second session began with Rogerstone once again making the early running and, when their flank forward crossed in only the third minute for another score converted by the accurate boot of the full back, Penarthians faced an uphill task.

Nevertheless, it was not until Darren Jones took over from Paul Aubrey at lock that the hosts looked capable of restoring the balance.

Playing in borrowed kit that featured probably the worst pair of shorts ever seen at the ground, the lock promptly raised the work rate of the forwards whilst Adrian Penny proved to be an ready ally, regularly carrying the ball forward more in the manner of a flanker than that of scrum half.

Pressure mounted within the Rogerstone 25 and outside half Tim Broome opened up neatly before number eight Simon Hennessey ploughed his way over close to the posts.

The conversion should have been a mere formality but, showing impatience when the kicking tee did not arrive as quickly as he had expected, Gavin Davies opted instead for a drop shot that sailed well wide of the target.

The significance of that error was seen later when the Old Boys again took control of the proceedings and forced the opposition into a series of penalties.

The decision to implement tap ball tactics eventually paid off when Darren Jones hurled himself into the heart of the defence for the touchdown that was, on this occasion and with the aid of the tee, converted by Gavin Davies to leave the side one point in arrears with a score line that finally ended at 20 points to 21.

This was a useful performance from the Seconds who did well to fight back against useful opponents.

Darren Jones was the catalyst of a forward effort that also featured good work from Nick Vagges, Simon Hennessey, and Ryan Harper with Jon De Claire, Gareth Boulton, and Lee Brennan and James Coslett also working well.

Adrian Penny was in excellent form at scrum half even if his efforts were largely directed towards the support of the forwards and there were some useful touches from Tim Broome at outside half.

Gareth Welford tackled very well in the centre with fine support from veteran Mike Cummings and wingers James Williams and Calum Harper were lively in both attack and defence.

For the second successive week, Gavin Davies played soundly at full back.

The Veterans trip to Tonypandy was intended as a special event to mark the shot gun decision of David Martin to tie the knot with partner Linda after the briefest of romances that has lasted 18 years!

Naturally, the celebration did take place afterwards but the match itself was a disaster.

Penarthians were weakened by a multitude of withdrawals and, making matters worse, it transpired that hosts Cambrian Welfare were one of the leading lights in Rhondda Valley junior circles and far too strong for a veterans outfit.

Following a full tour of the Brecon Beacons before arriving at the pitch, the Old Boys were forced to opt for passive scrums and had been thoroughly outplayed before a serious injury to a home player forced the referee to call a halt to proceedings early in the second half.

With the score at 39 points to 7 in favour of the hosts, the premature end came with a sense of some relief to the Old Pens who felt that they had been misled when the fixture was arranged.

Needless to say, the bridegroom-to-be contributed his customary storming performance to merit the Superman outfit that he was forced to don later whilst excellent support came from Richard Smith and the side did not suffer too much from the need to count Robert Crimp as one of the players.

Huw Williams was scorer of the Penarthian try before being forced to retire with a recurrence of his knee injury and the conversion came from young Jonathan Crimp.

Saturday's fixtures see the Firsts travel to Bridgend Sports for their league game whilst the Seconds are at home to Rhiwbina. Both matches kick off at 2.30 pm.