Old Penarthians RFC 2nd XV 0-50 Penarth RFC 2nd XV

DESPITE having only completed one fixture in the SA Brain & Co East District Division 1, Penarth found themselves on top of the league after last weekends big victory over Llantwit Major and they consolidated their position with a comprehensive victory over the Old Penarthians on Saturday in the Lavernock Rd derby.

The side was once again a mixture of youth and experience along with a smattering of available extras but one thing it most certainly was not short of was forwards.

Of the 15 players who took to the park there were only two identifiable backs but Penarth nonetheless made easy work of victory.

The front row of Richard Merrett, Liam Richards and Sean O Sullivan provided a solid base from which to work at scrum time whilst Ben Heywood was imperious in the lineout as Penarth dominated possession and territory.

The back line was marshalled beautifully by outside half Harry Roberts who returns to the club after two years in exile in the middle east where it would appear he has mainly be developing a wicked draw to his place kicks.

It wasn’t long before Penarth’s dominance turned into points with Merrett, Elliott Smith and Roberts all going over for tries.

A brace of tries from Thaine Baker and one from Harry Wood, who’s running was far straighter and controlled than his attempted conversions saw Penarth build up a 0-38 lead at halftime, with Harrys Wood (1 conversion) and Roberts (3 conversions) responsible for the extras.

The story was much the same in the second half although the Old Pens defence was more resolute as the game wore on.

It was not enough to stop man of the match Baker from completing his hat-trick nor to prevent Wood from scoring a second, which was converted by Roberts to leave the score at a somewhat premature end to the game at 0-50.

There is a real momentum behind the Athletic at the moment with spirits and quality at a high despite the number of changes being made on a weekly basis due to availability or 1st XV requirements. Next week sees what promises to be the first big test as the Athletic travel away to Taffs Well who also knocked up a half century against the Old Pens a fortnight ago.

As always the Athletic are always open to new players and if anyone would like to get involved then please do contact the club via the details on the website where you can find all the necessary information – www.penarthrfc.co.uk

Penarth 2nds: R Merrett, L Richards, S O’Sullivan, B Heywood, A Clarke, L Ellis, S Harries, E Smith, T Baker, H Roberts, H Wood, I Cabral, L Banaszak, J Hurley, T Pryce Jones, D Bonas and N Simons

Scorers: T Baker (3t), H Wood (2t/1c), E Smith (t), R Merrett (t) H Roberts (t/3c)