LAST Saturday, October 25, Old Penarthians took a rest from league action to play in the first round of the SWALEC sponsored WRU Bowl competition. The opponents, Cambrian Welfare, who travelled to Cwrt-y-vil from the Clydach Valley, were unbeaten in the league and cup action so far this season so any thoughts that the players may have had about a restful Saturday were quickly dispelled. And when the recent malaise of being unable to field sufficient front row forwards continued, it meant that the team who took the field were definitely not going to have an easy time.

The fact that the visitors brought ‘half the village’ to watch the team was obviously a testament to the way that Cambrian Welfare have been performing this season but even their most ardent supporters would probably have liked to have seen their favourites have a more competitive workout than was on offer from Penarthians.

The final scoreline of 95 points to nil reflects the one sided domination of the visitors and leaves first XV captain, Lloyd Davey and the rest of the team management much to think about as they attempt to revitalise the season.

The efforts of the players who took the field cannot be questioned but they were outclassed by a Cambrian Welfare team that were more powerful in every department and used the possession they gained with the maximum of effect. Forwards and three-quarters combined efficiently and the 15 tries that were scored were shared between the team. 10 conversions were also kicked.

The Penarthians did contribute in brief patches but the lack of experience in the team that included debutantes Tony Harries and Mike Sing and Ben Thomas playing only his second game for the firsts showed the gulf in ability. Much credit must however go to Thomas who received a bad cut above his eye after 15 minutes but insisted on returning to the fray, rather than leave his team mates to continue with only 14 men.

That willingness to play on against adversity is something that the players can take from the experience and whilst the result is a warning as to the position that the club currently finds itself, the spirit amongst the players is strong and they will take ownership of the ways that the team can recover.

The senior players like Davey, Gareth Clancey, Lee Brennan, Mark Sadler, James Williams, Joel deClaire and Dave Roberts will have to nurture the youngsters like Jack Margetson, Mitch Penberthy, Tom Sidford, Sam Hall and Alex Lewis into believing that there is ability in the team and that only by showing the cohesion of effort shown by the Cambrian team can the season be revived.

Next Saturday, November 1 the first XV return to SWALEC Division Three East Central (A) action away to fellow strugglers Taffs Well in the last competitive game before the Autumn Series of Wales internationals brings a month without fixtures. The break may help mend wounded bodies and pride but it will also give all players and committee the chance to take stock and determine what can realistically be achieved this season. Hopefully a win will ensure that November will be a more optimistic month.

The second XV are also in league action at home to Caerau Ely. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm.