PENARTH U15s travelled to local Vale rivals Cowbridge in wet, slippery conditions. Both teams started well, with solid defences, keeping the opposition out until Cowbridge broke their duck after they were allowed to take a quick tap penalty away from the mark to scamper over, converted to make it 7 - 0.

Penarth came back well through concerted effort up front by Haaris, Niall, Tomo, Hugh and Ellis, driving well and retaining the ball well at contact. Gruff and Joe marshalled the backs well with some telling chips and well placed kicks to keep Cowbridge under pressure and great chasing by Morgan, Josh and Luc.

Geraint was unduly penalised after he had carried the ball five metres out only to see the penalty given to Cowbridge who spread the ball quickly wide to score, 12-nil at half time.

The Penarth players sensed they were playing against an extra man but kept their heads for most of the match until the handbags came out on halfway with shouts of "D'you want some?", "I'll give it ya" and Niall duly KO’d the Cowbridge assailant from the top rope. After the dust had settled they got back to playing but still could not trouble the score sheet.

After two disallowed tries by Josh with a very dodgy knock on, and Morgan from a well judged chip from Joe who was adjudged offside, Cowbridge scored from a driving illegal lineout and a late well worked try to make the final score 22-0.

Penarth certainly felt hard done by with many of the decisions not going their way but stuck to the plan and got on with their game, showing great character and commitment.

Thank you Cowbridge for the competition, to all supporters and players involved and they look forward to a return match on the Penarth paddock. "Dame of the Game" went to Ellis Reed for his relentless tackling and efforts up front.

Squad: Geraint, Tom G, Niall, Alex S, Hugh, Tomo, Haaris, Ellis, Gruff, Joe, Ben J, Jack, Josh, Morgan, Luc, Tom J, Lyle, Ben E.