PENARTH RFC U14s 25pts

OLD SALESIANS U14s 17

FOLLOWING a coaching session with Shane Williams, the Wales and British Lions wing, to raise money for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, the Penarth Rugby Club U14s welcomed tourists Old Salesians (Surrey) to the Athletic Field on Sunday.

Providing an insight into his rugby experiences, Shane's visit also included a question and answer session and this was the prelude to an enjoyable game played in glorious sunshine.

Penarth were first to score when, after some good interplay by Luc and Josh, the ball was worked wide for Ben J to cross. However, from the restart, Penarth were caught napping, With the home side letting the ball bounce, the Salesians' forwards claimed the loose ball and, although Gruff tackled well, the visitors went over unopposed on the blindside.

With both teams keen to run the ball at every opportunity, Penarth had the upper hand in the backs and Josh benefited for the next two tries. The first came after some great recycling by Geraint, Niall and Tom J, while the second was an individual effort when he sidestepped past three defenders and used his raw pace to touch down out wide.

Trailing 15-5, Salesians got back in the game after taking a strike against the head on the Penarth 22 for their winger to cross.

Both teams made regular changes as injuries and the pace of the game took its toll and Penarth then scored the try of the match when, following a tap penalty by Geraint, some quick interpassing and textbook rucking by Haaris, Tom G and Ellis allowed Hugh on the blind to trundle in from 15 metres.

With Penarth leading 20-10, the early stages of the second half were littered with some silly handling errors and poor decision making but slick handling from Gruff, Morgan, Joe and Henry W allowed Ben J to score from 20 metres out.

In a thoroughly entertaining match in which both teams tried to play expansive rugby, Salesians had the final word when, after keeping the ball well in forward exchanges, their scrum half sped for a converted try.

Following the customary exchange of man of the match awards to the Salesians' scrum half and the Penarth full back, players and coaches tucked into some culinary delights before heading home after a tiring day of rugby-related activities.

This weekend the team visit Kenfig Hill on Sunday and, on Saturday, the squad is involved in a charity and fundraising bag packing event in the ASDA supermarket at Cardiff Bay. All players are urged to attend.

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