Sully View RFC 10 – Ferndale RFC 23

SULLY View RFC has played their first official game following the merger of Sully Sports RFC and Sea View RFC which was formally approved on August 31 by the WRU.

In the absence, through injury, of newly-elected captain Ellis Smith, it fell to vice-captain Alex Szucknic to lead out the reformed Sully View rugby team, which he did with great distinction on the pitch.

Despite the pre-season changes in playing personnel, Sully View started the game well, in terrible wet, blustery conditions, and led Ferndale at the interval by 10 - 7, with Dai Harris getting the opening try, and Chris Cummings adding the conversion and a penalty.

Ferndale, who just missed out on promotion, showed their class in the second period to score 16 unanswered points for a hard won victory.

Old Penarthians 2nds 43 – Sully View 2nds 0

Pre-season injuries, and last minute withdrawals, severely hampered the selection of the Sully View 2nds, and that together with the obvious consequences of merging players from two teams, meant that it took some time to find any understanding and rhythm in their play.

The well organised, powerful Pens 2nds took advantage and scored an early converted try, but were then held by some resolute play until the last five minutes of the half, when controversially the referee called play on from a massive Pens knock-on on the Sully View 22, and the Pens ran in a try, followed in stoppage time by a converted try – the result of a good handling move from 50 metres out.

The Pens ran in three more converted tries in the second period to secure a well-earned victory, but Sully View can take heart from their hard working performance, which will improve as players gel and absentees return.

Their next reunion, will be a BBQ at the Sully Club, on Friday, September 9, starting at 7.30 pm. Although attended, in the main, by the club’s old members all players/members are most welcome, with a special invitation going out to all the current players who have now started the new season.