By Peter Weston
AFTER five weeks without a game, Penarth RFC are more than ready to resume their season.
Having played no rugby since a narrow defeat at old rivals Tylorstown in January, they’ll be looking to move on from their current fifth place in Division 3 East Central A.
So, assuming the conditions allow the match to go ahead, who could provide better opposition than Penygraig?
The Rhondda club sit one place and a single point above the Seasiders, so a simple win would ensure a rise to fourth place.
Games between these two venerable clubs tend to be close-run affairs.
The earlier fixture at the Athletic Field was decided 25-24 in Penygraig’s favour after Penarth had secured a try bonus point before half-time.
They were a little unlucky to lose two players to the bin and ship two tries in the last five minutes, but they ought to have been way out of sight well before it all went pear-shaped.
The last visit to Graig Park a year ago was a little more clear-cut, with the hosts running out 25-18 winners, but the Seasiders were missing several key players and secured a bonus point with a late George Roberts try.
At their best, Penarth are a match for any in the division, so it’s good to know that several of this season’s key players are once more available, including top try-scorer Harry Williams and the ever-influential Spencer Robinson.
While the Seasiders will be targetting a leap-frog over Penygraig, third-placed St Albans may also be in their sights, as the gap is only three points.
Although the ‘Buns are unlikely to be unduly troubled by the visit of 11th-placed Pentyrch.
Still, stranger things have happened, witness Penarth’s disastrous pre-Christmas visit to Parc y Dwrlyn where they lost 24-5!
Anyway, third place would be nice going into the last Six Nations hiatus, with league fixtures not resuming until 21st March when bottom club Cardiff Quins are the visitors.
Penygraig v PENARTH
Saturday, 29th February 2020
Graig Park, 132 Tylacelyn Rd, Penygraig CF40 1JR
Kick-off 2.30pm
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