PENARTH Under-16s travelled to a mist covered Pentyrch for an early match kick off to accommodate players who were then to visit the Millennium Stadium for the Wales v Uruguay match.

Having had a very close encounter last season both teams were keen to gain an early advantage. Penarth were unfortunately without a number of their usual squad for various reasons and had to start with 14, playing one less in the backline as Lazarus Griffiths appeared two minutes before kick off and Ben had to pull out due to injury in the warm up.

The spectators were left guessing for a while as play went from end to end in the pea soup mist as players could be heard but not seen.

Penarth were first to benefit as after a win against the head at a scrum, the ball spread to Joe who put a flat pass to Luc at speed in a gap who galloped under the posts, Joe converted, 0-7.

Pentyrch hit back using their bigger pack well hitting rucks and recycling and from one such phase the second row powered over out wide, 5-7.

Penarth looked to run the ball and use their backs when they could and from one such attack Josh chased a kick from Joe and pressurised the catcher who fumbled and Josh profited by scooping up the loose ball and sprinted to score out wide, 5-12.

Pentyrch were next to hit back with a great individual try by their outside half who jinked past three defenders to score, 10-12.

Penarth were putting together some slick handling behind involving Joe, Gruff, Jack and Morgan. Morgan got tackled two metres out after a sweeping run linking with Joe and from the resulting scrum after the forwards had recycled via Alex O and Alex S. Morgan fed Josh on his wing to power past three defenders to score, Joe converted from the touchline for a half-time lead of 10-19.

With the mist having lifted and playing in glorious sun the Penarth team were boosted by the inclusion of Ben Evans (2) in his first outing for the team and he showed his intent immediately with a couple of thundering tackles.

The second half was to go all Penarth's way with two tries scored. Firstly through quick thinking by Ellis at a ruck near the Pentyrch line as the scrum half fumbled, Ellis pounced and scored with an outstretched arm, Joe converted, 10-26.

Pentyrch ran hard via their backline but the Penarth defence stood firm, especially by Luc at fullback and Tomo, Hugh and Tom Griffiths in the forwards. Penarth mixed up their attacks with some deft kicking and one such cross kick for Josh nearly ended in a try for Hugh only to be held up over the line.

Ellis also came up short from a driving maul and from the resulting ruck Gruff borrowed over the mass of defenders to touch down, 10-31. The final few minutes saw both teams still competing well late in the game but the referee had to call a finish to proceedings two minutes early after Tom G sustained a bump to the head. Let's all hope he recovers quickly.

The Penarth team should feel very content with a superbly committed performance by all involved, again showing on the day they are a match for any team. Dame of the Game was awarded to Ellis "The Claw" Reed for his all round hassle and jackle game that he does so well. Thanks to all supporters, coaches, players, and referee involved.

Squad – Geraint, Tom G, Alex O, Alex S, Tomo, Ellis, Tom J, Gruff, Joe, Jack, Morgan, Hugh, Josh, Luc, Ben Evans and Ben Jones.