The season of defeat drags on for Old Boys

1:38pm Thursday 25th January 2007

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OLD PENARTHIANS ploughed the depths of their already low ebb season when they tamely surrendered to fellow strugglers Deri in last Saturday's Division 5 South East basement battle at Cwrt-y-Vil.

The Rhymney Valley visitors took full advantage of a series of belated Christmas presents from their hosts as they ran in the three tries that were a measure of the deserved 21 points to nil that created even further space between themselves and the Old Boys at the foot of the table.

Sad to say, it is now impossible to see where victory can be achieved from the five matches remaining in this season's campaign and there is every possibility that Penarthians will, for the first time in their 84 year history, end with a record reflecting defeat in every single game.

This latest outing had been full of promise. The clash between the sides at Deri in October had seen Mark Smart's men recover from the shock of a 25 points to nil deficit at the interval to come within a hairsbreadth of a memorable victory in the 25-17 scoreline.

Recent performances, too, had been encouraging with both forwards and backs, albeit not at the same time, showing signs of blending into useful combinations.

There were a couple of late withdrawals from the side selected whilst Skipper Mark Smart finds himself currently sidelined for an extended period as the result of the shoulder injury suffered two weeks ago but there was, nevertheless, an encouraging look to the squad that took the field on a blustery afternoon.

Penarthians began by playing away from the Clubhouse and into the wind that initially favoured the visitors. Even so, the Old Boys kept Deri on a tight rein with Alun Haines, Ben Russon, and Paul Kemp leading the way as the visitors were penned in their own 25.

There were some useful runs, too, from the backs with Tim Cheney jinking his way forward in direct contrast to the powerful charges of Chris Dacey. In the 10th minute, however, Penarth-ians made their first mistake, an aimless kick into the wind surrendered possession to Deri and defence was turned into attack as straight running from the backs ended with scrum half Howard Forrest crossing for a well taken try that was converted by outside half Lee Shaw.

Whilst that score had come completely against the run of play, it certainly served to encourage the visitors and they showed good intent with the straight running and accurate handling of their backs. Penarthians, meanwhile, were less confident in their approach especially as halfbacks Simon Davies and Tim Cheney were experiencing difficulty in linking in the face of the strong wind.

The second score was, however, somewhat delayed and did not arrive until the 23rd minute. Once again it came as a gift from the hosts. Yet another loose kick presented Deri with an attacking opportunity. Yet again, the visiting backs took full advantage.

Four men handled in swift and accurate manner and right wing Matthew Harley showed the cover a clean pair of heels as he sped in for his touchdown to the right of the upright. Shaw again added the extra points. The outside half was, however, wide of the target soon after when he failed with a 35-yard penalty attempt.

The final stages of the half did, nevertheless, belong to Penarthians. Tony Kemp breached the defence with a fine run from half way whilst Ben Russon and Lee Brennan did their best to burrow over the line from closer range.

Chris Dacey, meanwhile, had a fine run in the centre but was held up by weight of numbers. Even so, it was felt that the 14-point deficit should not have been beyond the wit of hosts,especially continued from page 48 as they had use of the wind in the second half.

Unfortunately, Alun Haines and Malcolm Penberthy were both lost to injury at the break whilst Ben Russon made way for Dave Jinks soon after.Tony Kemp distinguished himself with a massive touch clearance in the manner of All Black Ali Williams but the fragile home defence was again found wanting when a chip from Lee Shaw created the gap for centre Mark Isaacs to touch down, Shaw adding the extra points yet again.

Now three scores adrift, the signs were that the Old Boys agreed that the game was lost for the efforts that followed were of a half hearted nature and, despite a considerable territorial advantage, rarely a trouble to a confident Deri side.

The visitors tackled with determination and as though success mattered to them while there was an absence of commitment from the dispirited Old Boys. There were flourishes that saw Simon Davies and Chris Dacey try their best while Paul Kemp was seeking the way forward but there seemed little merit in the drop goal attempt only minutes from time.

That very act appeared to indicate that Penarthians were incapable of extricating themselves from this shambles of a defeat and it was something of a relief when Referee Lawrence called an end to proceedings.

DERBY WIN It was a different situation on the second pitch where the Vets enjoyed an excellent outing against neighbours Dinas Powys, the whole side playing well to earn the 18 points to 5 success.

In the event, this was a case of experience triumphing over youth - the Villagers average age of 30 having been seriously inflated by the presence of evergreen Bobby McPherson in their ranks!

From a Penarthian point of view, it was good to see both Ian Buckley and David Mason back in enthusiastic action after their periods of temporary inactivity whilst the outstanding back row form of Ross Turpitt appeared to inspire Stuart Gunnarrsson to one of his best games for many a month.

Young Jonathan Crimp impressed with some excellent defensive work, particularly during the second half when the Old Boys were under some pressure despite playing with the wind.

All the points came during the opening session with Jonathan Crimp and Ieuan Moorcraft touching down for tries to supplement the Nigel Edmunds penalty.

Score of the day, however, came after the superb run that saw Ceri Moorcraft make 50 yards to the enthusiastic delight of his mother before the action was suspended to enable Rob Crimp to catch up with play and dive over for the try.

Saturday's fixtures see the Firsts travel to Penygraig while the Seconds are away, this time at Cowbridge. Both matches scheduled for a 2.30pm kick off.