WITH their tackling much improved on recent matches, the Penarth Rugby Club U14s stretched their winning streak to four games with a convincing victory over Whitchurch.

In sunny and breezy conditions, Penarth, led by No 8 Tomo, were first to score through Ellis who burst over after good approach work, following a tap penalty, by Tomo and Niall. With Penarth in the ascendancy and pushing the visitors back at every scrum, they took a strike against the head and, spreading the ball wide, missed out the inside centre for Ethan to score his first try for the club. Ben J converted.

With Whitchurch awarded a number of penalties and choosing to push forward through their forwards, Penarth stuck to their defensive task and kept them out through some very determined tackling, especially by Niall, Geraint, Luc and Joe.

Penarth registered three further first-half tries from Josh (two), one after a break by Ben J, and Gruff. Ben J added a couple of conversions.

With both sides bringing on fresh legs at half-time, Penarth were first to score when the visitors lost possession in their own 22 and Josh sprinted the length of the field to cross under the posts. Joe converted.

A lazy period for Penarth, and the sin binning of Haaris after he slowed the ball down at a ruck close to the line, led to Whitchurch crossing for their only try, but the home side were soon back on the offensive. Showing great character and following a number of forward drives, using Liam, Hugh and Tom G, Henry W dummied and powered over for his first try of the season. However, the best try came when, after a number of dropped passes, knock-ons and advantages played, the ball was shipped to winger Ben E who showed an extremely clean pair of heels to scamper in from halfway. It was his first try in a competitive match for seven years and gained him the "dame of the game" award for his never-say-die efforts.

Thanks are extended to all players, coaches and supporters from both teams and especially to the parent helpers in the kitchen.

Penarth squad: Geraint, Niall, Tom J, Liam, Ellis, Hugh, Tomo, Tom G, Haaris, Ben E, Joe, Ben J, Morgan, Henry W, Josh, Gruff, Ethan, Luc and Lyle.