PENARTH U15s welcomed Abercynon to the Athletic Field for a rousing December fixture.

Having never met previously at any age group, Abercynon's reputation of a well-organised and capable team was met with sterling efforts and skills by Penarth looking to continue their winning streak to three matches over recent weeks.

Penarth had been told of the opposition's potential and pedigree prior to the match and they responded well to the task from the whistle.

With no score from both teams after 20 minutes due to a committed defensive from both teams and Penarth ably led by "deputy " captain Geraint to the fore, backed up by "tackling machine" Ellis, Joe at scrumhalf, Alex and Henry in the backline snuffing out any dangerous attacks out wide.

Cynon were disruptive in the lineout, pinching a few of Penarth's balls, something that Penarth will need to vary so not to be found out in future matches.

The Cynon fly half kicked well, although possibly too often and Luc ran the ball back well from fullback, as usual. Penarth were awarded a tap penalty and after a few quick rucks that they managed to control well, Ben Jones ran on form and spun well out of a weak attempt to score, narrowly missing the conversion.

The Penarth backs were marshalled well by Joe and Ben, using forwards to punch holes, especially Tom J and Niall, before releasing the outer backs of Jack, Josh, Morgan and Henry.

Handling was slick at times, but well shadowed by the Cynon backs who had a few back row men playing out of position in their backline. After a lengthy delay following a head injury to the Cynon fullback, play was resumed with 14 men each and Penarth struck again through Ben J, using his strength and agility to squirm over, converting his own try. This proved to be the last score of the half, 12-0 to Penarth.

Penarth knew that a team of Abercynon's repute would not accept defeat and expected a big fight comeback in the second half, especially after a halftime roasting from their coach. They were not disappointed as Cynon came at Penarth with determination, using their quick pop and drive system well and having a great driving lineout.

Penarth kept them out until 10 minutes to go when their flanker and captain hit a hole at speed and scored under the posts, converted, 12-7. With their backs against the wall, playing into the wind Penarth knew they were in a fight back for the remaining time.

Cynon ran everything and showed great resolve to keep the ball under pressure. The Penarth defence was resolute and tackled relentlessly, exemplified by Joe smashing their biggest forward back in the tackle followed up by Tom G to pinch the ball in the tackle.

Penarth were also eager to score more rather than sit back and defend and released Josh on the right, only to kick when confronted with a one on one with the Cynon flanker and end up in touch.

Penarth were awarded a series of penalties and opted sensibly to keep the ball in hand against the wind, with Tom J, Ellis, Lyle and Geraint involved, although sometimes too slow arriving at the tackle, the pod system broke down and Cynon were rewarded with a "holding on" penalty a number of times. Something Penarth must improve on in their armoury for next time.

From one well controlled ruck Ben J broke into the Cynon half, popped to Tom J in support who fed Luc at pace who shimmied and swerved from 25 metres out to score, Ben J duly converted.

There was still time for Cynon to attack and score tries, which Penarth seemed to relish, driving the opposition back in the tackle and competing on the floor. Haaris had entered the fray and showed his usual defiant aggression, while Hugh hassled the fly half regularly from scrum and lineout.

Cynon attacked down the right and with a superb tackle by Jack, Geraint followed up with a ball-winning jackal. Luc was fed from the resulting ruck who sent the ball arcing into touch to end the match and a well-deserved victory to the Penarth Blue and Red Army.

A superb match for all involved, players, coaches, officials and supporters of both teams. They look forward to a return fixture either this season or next at Abercynon.

Penarth have shown over the last three matches that they are a team to be reckoned with when they are firing on all cylinders and should not be concerned about meeting any other of the regions "stronger" teams. Dame of the game went to Geraint for his excellent leadership and effort right up to the final whistle.

Squad: Niall, Geraint, Tom J, Alex, Dan, Tom G, Ellis, Haaris, Hugh, Lyle, Liam, Gruff, Joe, Ben J, Jack, Henry, Morgan, Josh and Luc.