Larger opponents cut down to size

LLANDAFF U14s 10

HAVING been convincingly beaten by the Llandaff late last season, Penarth Rugby Club U14s were determined not to suffer a similar fate when they welcomed their opponents to the Athletic Field.

Led by "Big G" in the absence of Tomo, who was on a tour reconaissance with Niall in Ireland, Penarth were also missing a number of other regulars but started briskly and took the lead with two well-taken tries by Josh Lewis. The first followed a textbook pass off the back of the scrum to Ben and then a long flat pass to the speedy scorer who rounded his man. The second try followed loose play and Llandaff's loss of the ball in contact, with Josh dummying a kick and smashing through two defenders. Ben J converted to give Penarth a 12-0 interval lead.

Penarth were playing against much larger and heavier forwards, but they were up to the task, pushing their opponents off the ball at times with great cohesion in the scrum. The visitors also had a very dangerous outside centre but terrier-like tackler Luc at full back was determined not to let anyone past, stopping at least three potential tries as the last line of defence.

Llandaff opened their account with a try from a tap penalty 10 metres out, but Penarth responded with a try - one for the "Law Book Scourers!" With a few bemused Llandaff parents disagreeing with the ref's interpretation, one Penarth parent was heard to shout: "Even when he's wrong, the ref's right!" Penarth kicked the penalty to touch and, following a quick line-out and slow regroup by the visiting defence, Ben J crossed near the posts. Great thinking from Joe and Ben.

Penarth added two further tries through Luc, who dived over triumphantly after a great kick and chase, and Josh, who gathered a knock on by Llandaff to score under the posts. Ben J converted.

Llandaff hit back in the last few minutes with a try by their prop who powered through some weak tackling.

Thanks to Llandaff for their good discipline and efforts and to all the Penarth family supporters.

Voted by coaches Williams and Griffiths, "Dame of the Game" was full-back Luc who produced a tremendous display in both defence and attack and got his name on the scoresheet.

Squad: Geraint, Tom G, Tom J, Dan, Liam, Haaris, Ellis, Lyle, Ben E, Joe, Ben J, Hugh, Henry W, Josh, Ethan and Luc.