Veterans have great fun in high-scoring clash (From Penarth Times)

Veterans have great fun in high-scoring clash

OLD PENARTHIANS found themselves in a state of limbo yet again last Saturday when the Friday rains played such havoc with the pitch at Pontyclun that the hosts were left with no option other than to postpone the proposed Division 5 South East clash between the First XVs of the respective clubs.

With so few dates spare between now and the end of the season, the situation is one that promises a headache for Fixture Secretary Peter Goodfellow who may be forced to seek a Saturday in May in his attempts to ensure that the programme is completed.

In the meantime, a different scenario prevailed at Cwrt-y-Vil where the free draining properties were seen to be at their best, presenting no threat to the Veterans game with their counterparts from Cardiff HSOB.

Indeed, the fact that Lady Luck was smiling on Rob Crimp's men was evidenced to the extent that even the scattered showers promised in the local weather forecast failed to put in an appearance, thus ensuring that the match was played in ideal conditions.

With both sides committed to a cavalier approach, it was no surprise that the match was played in a friendly spirit and, the clash being devoid of league pressures, the players were ever ready to reveal smiles of enjoyment.

In the event, it was clear that Penarthians possessed the greater experience and this was reflected in the 7 tries to one differential that comprised the final 41 points to 5 score line, but the High School players never gave up the fight and were worthy of the touchdown secured by their outside half close to the end of the second session.

The hosts were 10 points ahead within as many minutes. Tom Draper's touchdown was achieved almost before the High School realised that the referee had blown the starting whistle!

Indeed, Draper himself was so impressed by the speed of the try that he made a complete hash of the conversion. Neil Warren was the next to make his mark, trundling over from close quarters.

Malcolm Penberthy's touchline sortie had the spectators roaring in excitement and the ball was subsequently spun from right to left and along the line before David Pilcher dashed over at the corner for Mark Bow to add an unexpected conversion.

Tom Draper's break was well executed but his pass was not and Nigel Boucher displayed a dexterity not normally associated with his age as he clutched the ball high over his head before gratefully plunging in for his try. Mark Bow again converted.

The half then came to an end as impressive lock Alun Haines powered his way to the line to put Penarthians 29 points clear at the break.

A tap penalty soon after the resumption created all the space that was needed for Richard Smith to cross for his try but Penarthians then made the mistake of trying to take full advantage of the domination that they has achieved up front, thus prompting the referee to determine that scrums were to be uncontested for the remainder of the afternoon.

This action took the edge off the home effort and it was the visitors who were next to score, their outside half crossing after good approach work but unaccountably missing the comfortable conversion.

The final word, however fell to the hosts. Mike Sullivan, on as replacement for hooker Mark Curtis finished off a forward drive in fine style, calling upon all his pace and elusiveness to trundle the final two yards to the line. Jonathan Crimp added the extra points to complete a satisfactory Penarthian afternoon.

With numbers swollen by frequent substitutions, it is not possible to mention all the players. Nevertheless, Malcolm Penberthy and Stuart Lewis clearly enjoyed their front row frolics until the latter had to give way to the more youthful Gordon Walsh.

David Martin, however, appeared to have lost some of his speed on his return from honeymoon. Richard Smith and Matthew Turner were powerful forces in the back row with excellent support coming from Alun Haines.

Behind the scrum, the stentorian tones of Mark Bow ensured that friend and foe were left in no doubt as to his wishes whilst Tom Draper's promising contribution at outside half came to a premature end when he discovered that he lacked the stamina to match that shown by Nigel Boucher and Ben House.

Sacha Scurlock made some lively runs from full back whilst Robert Crimp's sporting substitution of himself was greatly appreciated by his colleagues.

l The Club is not involved in league fixtures this weekend but the senior players depart on Friday for their end-of-season trip to Newquay, where the side will be in reluctant action at nearby Polperro on Saturday afternoon.