PENARTH Under 15’s travelled to St Peters eager to set the record straight at the venue where last year’s Blues Cup campaign ended in difficult circumstances.

On a tacky pitch with a cold cross wind, the conditions appeared not to encourage running rugby but both teams attacked with a verve and purpose that suggested they believed it was a southerly breeze rather than the north wind.

Penarth kept the supporters warm in applause of a balanced display of forward based attacks and then interchange with backs coming onto the ball at speed. Defence became attack throughout as playing conditions meant choosing to play with confidence in their skills.

The ‘Rocks’ profited and threatened from the kick off with good support in particular from their dangerous outside centre Nat, who attempted his outside break but met the equal speed but encompassing tackling of his Penarth opposite number Henry. That turnover set the tone for a defence display and hunger to counter attack that was at the heart of a convincing Penarth performance.

From a ruck just outside the Penarth 22 the St Peters Blitz was tamed with a delightful kick from Ben J at 10 which isolated the Rocks full back and winger Josh caught above his head at full pelt and romped home.

Despite the resolute St Peters approach in defence the variations in attack used by Penarth created opportunities taken and finished with tries by Josh and Jack now playing the North role on the opposite wing.

The score was 17-0 at the turn, which was met with greater resolve by St Peters but matched by Penarth determination not to concede.

St Peters failed to heed their coaches’ wise instruction not to kick to the Penarth fullback as Luc punished them relentlessly with his fielding and counter attacking lines. The support from his forwards, now dominant in the scrum, was consummated by close handling and off-loading by the entire pack as they decided to show their repertoire.

Controlled phase play by Niall, Lyle, Elis, Tom G and captain Geraint gained 20 metres before Gruff’s timed pop pass to Tom J punched a hole in the resolute St Peters defence to signal their second half intent.

By now Penarth were dominant and St Peters were now kicking to defend, not attack, as they struggled to break the gain line and suffered from some legitimate thieving at the rucks from Lyle and Ellis.

The lineout flourished as Alex S great techniques disrupted the home team’s throws with some Jordanesque basketball flicks. Harris caught the mood with some timed passes and delivered back to back onside and penalty free games.

Further tries followed from Gruff sniping after great interplay between backs and forwards with some ‘Huw ball’ dodging defenders to set up the key ruck a yard short.

A brace from Morgan now playing inside centre reflected timing and good decision making throughout the team. A captain’s and team performance was fittingly closed by Geraint dabbing down under the posts.

The home side despite the score never gave up and were committed throughout but unfortunately encountered Penarth’s best display of the season to date. Eight tries scored, none conceded made a pleasing report card for absent through illness coach Williams.