OLD PENARTHIANS 2nd XV 47pts

SULLY SPORTS 2nd XV 0

LOOKING to continue the previous week's success and gain some redress for a heavy defeat at the hands of the visitors at the beginning of the season, the good turn out for Old Penarthians Rugby Club Seconds was reflected by the high spirits in the changing room and confidence on the pitch.

Captain Steve Thomas rallied the Old Pens against depleted visitors and their borrowed player, and dominant line outs and stolen ball by Paul Kemp and Mark Smart offered an excellent platform to launch numerous attacks.

Initially, the final pass or catch butchered moves, probably due to over exuberance, but confidence and team spirit did not falter. Dominance prevailed in the scrums and rucks and it wasn't long before Kemp, coming off the back of a ruck, turned the defence and put Rhys Thomas over in the corner. The conversion was missed but, on the restart, further pressure earned Old Pens a penalty on the 22 metres line and SteveThomas converted.

From the restart, pressure saw the visitors camped on the home 22 for some time before, following a relieving kick, Steve Thomas crossed under the posts and added an easy conversion.

Following a poor scrum on the 10 metres line, quick hands pushed the ball to the right wing but the vagaries of the bounce, after a strong chip and chase, meant Alex Lewis would remain 'tryless.' The resultant drop out 22 caught Sports offside and Thomas converted his second penalty.

In the final move of the first half, Lewis provided a back handed pass to Mitch Penberthy who sidestepped through the defence to score in the corner.

With Old Pens leading 23-0, the second half opened with strong play from the Sports although their efforts remained fruitless.

Old Pens continued to defend well, while breakaway attacks were fumbled, and unforced errors again squandered possible points. But the home side extended their lead when Richie Moir cut through and provided Tim Naylor with the space for his first try; and bonus point secured. Minutes later and it was a repeat performance as Naylor scored again and this time the conversion was completed.

Following several frustrating passages of play, where numerous try-scoring opportunities were squandered, sense returned when, from inside the visiting 22, Kemp broke from loose play to snatch an unconverted try.

In the final play, Naylor gifted Taz Rosoman a try on his return to the team, and this was duly converted by Thomas.

With the weather deteriorating, the final whistle came as relief to both supporters and players.

The commitment and endeavours of the players on the field to club and team has long been the backbone of Old Pens Seconds and the difference in the last two weeks has been the number of players making themselves available for duty. Same again next game, please!