ST,ALBANS 19-26 PENARTH
Did we really think Penarth would be found wanting? St,Albans had only lost one game this season, but that was against Penarth. Let’s say that it was more a case of the ‘Buns expecting to win, or that’s what it looked like.
The game itself was a typically tight top-of-the-table clash, with neither side getting ahead by more than seven points at any stage. Hard-fought and full of movement, with the Seasiders finally nosing in front after 13 minutes with a classy try. A touch-finder from a penalty and a line-out in the home 22, James Candy driving down the touchline. Harry Williams needing body swerves to round two defenders and down in the corner. [7-0]
Penarth were settling into a rhythm, dominant in the tight and the line-out imperious. However, the breakdown area was a bit messy and the ‘Buns were able to capitalise on the half-hour as their right wing (who was probably the scrum-half) darted along the touchline from half-way and scored in the corner. [7-7]
Thus encouraged, the hosts launched another attack from the restart and drove a line-out over for a second try [12-7]. However, this quick one-two left the Seasiders totally unfazed as Spencer Robinson found just enough space on the St.Albans 22 to slice through and claim the equalising try. Half-time [12-12]
The ‘Buns opened the second half with an all-out assault on the Penarth line that yielded an opportunist score from a spilled pass. [19-12]. The attritional aspect of the game took the form of a succession of wheeled scrums, which curiously only seemed to tire the home forwards. No further scores were registered for more than 20 minutes, but the closing stages would prove to be more than dramatic.
Still trailing by seven points, the Seasiders knew they had to draw level if they were to come away with anything and, with thirteen minutes to go, they struck back as Owen Lloyd hurtled off the back of a scrum and crashed through the defence, diving in at full stretch to touch down. [19-19].
Frantic scenes as both sides went all-out in search of the winning score. With full-time approaching the ‘Buns were camped out in the Penarth 22, but just couldn’t quite find a way through a resolute defence. Their captain eventually made an executive decision as they were awarded a kickable penalty, but their outside-half spoiled his 100 per cent record in the game by hooking the kick across the posts!
All set for the grand finale? Hurrah, enough time for a restart. The Seasiders grabbed this opportunity in fine style as they surged upfield. Phase after phase as they entered the 22, until Harry William cut inside from the right wing before delivering a back-of-the-hand pass to Sam Sully, who was tracking him along the touchline. With typical exuberance, the dashing prop finished in style, Rhys Mottram adding the extras.
Next Saturday, Abercwmboi are the visitors to the Athletic Field. The Cynon Valley club are currently in sixth place, having won five of their 11 games. Penarth have already beaten Abercwmboi twice this season, 45-14 in the first round of the cup and 37-17 with tries from Spencer Robinson (2), Joe Williams, Sam Sully and Ben Wellington.
Penarth: Luc Keane-Adams, Harry Williams, Rhys Beynon (Leon Andrews), Andy Richards, James Candy (Josh Marshall), Rhys Mottram, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams (Sam Sully), Mason Good, Alan Doyle (Harry Jones), Cam Sultana, Dan Cahalane, Max Woodman, Owen Lloyd, Ellis Smith
Scorers: Harry Williams (try), Spencer Robinson (try), Owen Lloyd (try), Sam Sully (try), Rhys Mottram (3 conversions)
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