Penarth Youth ease to win in first league match (From Penarth Times)

Penarth Youth ease to win in first league match

7:10am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport

PENARTH YOUTH 63 CARDIFF QUINS 12

AFTER A 100 per cent start to the season from five games, Penarth Youth rugby side faced Cardiff Quins in their first league match.

With such a strong squad, selection for these games can never be easy but things were not helped by the opposition who could only raise a team of 13 players. The referee deemed Penarth had to start with the same numbers, meaning two players were dropped from the starting XV.

The game opened at a frantic pace, with both sides going close in the early exchanges. However, Penarth soon realised their skill and fitness were superior to more experienced opponents and started to move the ball away from the Quins' heavier forwards and use the open spaces.

After 10 minutes, the scores came at regular intervals, with both backs and forwards enjoying the running rugby with some great support play. By half-time the game was effectively over as Penarth Youth gained a 34-5 lead.

Some teams may have realised the game was won and consolidated in the second half but, with changes being made by the coaches, Penarth maintained their composure and willingness to play running rugby, scoring a further 29 points. The Quins did manage a rumbling converted try through their big forwards.

The game was brought to an end with 10 minutes to go, with Penarth running in a total of 10 tries (Frank - four, Andy Richards, Tom Smith - two, Matthew Allen, George Connelly and Miles). Tom Smith contributed a personal total of 23 points.

The coaching team made several changes to ensure that everyone who turned up played a part of the game. The front row union of Doyle, Harry and Connor all enjoyed the release of scrummaging and, therefore, had more energy to run with the ball, Nik and Ben grafted well and linked up with Miles, Matt and Ryan who all played their part. Also good to see Jack back playing and more game time for Rob.

Behind the scrum, the Quins' backs had no match for the pace and power of the Penarth backs who scored eight of the 10 tries. Tommy H got the backs moving first half and Charlie maintained the high tempo from half time, Andy had another good game at 10, with Tom S and George contributing good defence and an eagerness to run at all times.

Out wide Ifan and Frank were resolute in defence and took their opportunities. Kieran replaced Ifan who had to leave the field with an eye injury, with Ryan, unfortunately, sustaining a nasty shoulder injury in the last minute. Hopefully, both will make a quick recovery.

Penarth Youth entertain Swansea Uplands this weekend at home; all support will be welcome.