11:33am Thursday 25th October 2007
PENARTH 15 LLANTWIT FARDRE 12 AFTER A gentle enough introduction to life in a higher division, Penarth were finally in amongst the big boys as third-placed Llantwit Fardre turned up with a powerful-looking squad.
This was the first real test of the season and the Seasiders were soon up against it as the visitors opened with a 5-minute siege. Defending well, the hosts seemed to have weathered the storm, but a well-drilled Fardre outfit kept the ball alive superbly and wing Rob Kotyla was over in the corner.
Despite this setback, the Seasiders fought back with a passion as the game settled into a fascinatingly close-fought contest. A fine half-break by Jack Davies claimed 20 metres and Fardre were offside 35 metres out.
Davies kicked to touch and the visitors were repeatedly penalised as Penarth exerted huge pressure. However, Ebbw Vale referee Robert Hale, while disinclined to hand out any yellow cards this early in the proceedings, wasn't going to put up with any backchat and the third penalty was reversed allowing Fardre to clear.
While the visitors were expected to try to take control up front, it turned out it was the backs that fancied their chances. Nothing too clever, just putting the ball through the hands, but it got them deep into Penarth territory before they infringed and then conceded a further 20 metres for backchat.
A Davies penalty kicked deep to touch was spectacularly kept in by the Fardre wing, but Daniel Aylward followed up well and almost scored.
As the Seasiders mauled the line-out, the visitors' penalty count rose steadily until their number 8 finally saw yellow and the next line-out was a formality as the pack mauled Rhys Blake over for his third try of the season.
The remainder of the half was dominated by Penarth, but two long-range penalty misses by the visitors were the closest anyone came to a further score.
The second half promised to be as close as the first, but the visitors' outside half soon carved through the home midfield with strong support and a try seemed certain until Steve Roberts put in a superb saving last-ditch tackle and then got straight back up to tackle the supporting runner into touch.
A third crashing tackle by Roberts soon saw off the assault and the pendulum steadily swung the Seasiders' way.
A Jack Davies penalty pushed their noses in front, but as the visitors launched a massive counter-attack, it was Jason Allen getting the next yellow card. Geraint Blake packed down on the flank, but Fardre worked a clever overlap and Kotyla was over in the corner for his second.
With 13 minutes to go and 8-12 in arrears, Penarth visibly took a deep breath and decided to get on with doing something about it. A Chris Mortimer kick upfield was well followed up by James Docherty and Fardre were penalised at the breakdown.
The Seasiders expertly mauled from the line-out and kept the move going despite several attempts to drag it down and at the third attempt Mike Clare was over for the wining score.
The visitors had a late chance to force a draw, but the 25 metre penalty was missed and undefeated Penarth march on to a top-of-the table show-down with leaders Bedlinog in a fortnight.
This Saturday, the first round proper of the Welsh Cup brings Division 3 (SW) visitors Seven Sisters from the Dulais valley to the Athletic Field.
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