HALF-WAY through the first half of the season, we can safely say that while Penarth have more than fulfilled their promise as an attacking force, they have still managed to lose half their games due to defensive frailties.

The statistics don’t lie. They’re the third highest try scorers, with 22, but they’ve also shipped the second highest number of tries, also 22.

Despite all this, they remain comfortably placed in fourth position and a home win against fifth-placed Penygraig this coming Saturday would raise them to the dizzy heights of third.

Let’s not kid ourselves, though. Pontyclun in second place are already 10 points ahead of Penarth and that’s a gap that’ll take some closing

A closer look at the Seasiders’ results so far yields yet another perspective, as apart from last week’s painfully narrow last-minute defeat against St.Albans, they’ve only lost twice. Two heavy defeats against: Canton and Pontyclun.

So let’s keep this in proportion. Penarth are still capable of scoring plenty more tries and they’re not relying on a couple of individuals to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The 22 scored so far have been shared by no fewer than 15 players, only four of whom have scored more than one. Centre Harry Williams leads the way with three!

So, more work in the defensive area, especially in the matter of defending against turnover counter-attacks and some consistency should be well within their grasp as they try to stay in touch with the leaders.

Penygraig, meanwhile, have also won three of their five games so far, including a narrow but significant 31-30 downing of leaders Canton.

Perhaps this division will prove to be a lot more open than it looks at present and the Seasiders can work their way back into contention.

Division 3 East Central A

Saturday 9th November 2019

PENARTH v Penygraig

The Athletic Field, Lavernock Road

Kick-off 2.30pm.