Penarth RFC lose to Aberavon Green Stars in quarter final

We’ve been here before, two years ago, when the Seasiders travelled to Abertillery in the Division Two Cup. In that game, which Abertillery/Blaenau Gwent clearly expected to win, Penarth produced a stunning performance to win 52-17.    

This year it was a trip to Aberavon Green Stars from Division 1 West Central and a completely different scenario unfolded. The earlier heavy rain had abated by the time the game kicked off, but the high wind blowing from the east remained. The Seasiders had first use of this and proceeded to dominate the first quarter. 

All this possession and field position yielded no points whatsoever, as the Green Stars’ defence repelled waves of Penarth attacks. Aberavon couldn’t break out of their 22 half the time, but neither could the Seasiders get over the line.   

Penarth finally got their noses in front when a change of policy concentrated on points instead of touch and Rhys Mottram secured a lead after 21 minutes [3-0]. As half-time approached, Green Stars were probably happy with that score, but were alert to the opportunity offered by a couple of missed tackles, setting their backs loose in a flowing move which resulted in left wing Dan Cole touching down in the corner.    

A touchline conversion eased them into an unlikely lead [7-3], but there was one further surprise to come as The Seasiders finally cracked the home defence. Yet another lengthy siege ended successfully as Spencer Robinson cut across towards the left touchline and the great finisher Harry Williams claimed the try in the corner [8-7].   

As Penarth turned to face the wind in the second half, it soon became clear that this would be a game of tight margins. The Green Stars came back quickly with a well-struck penalty, but the high point of the Seasiders’ ambitions was reached five minutes later. With his side desperate for a line-break, man-of-the-match Williams duly obliged as he cut through, drew the defence and put Osian Coates in at the corner. [13-10]

Once again, all square as the Green Stars registered a wind-assisted second penalty [13-13] and the game settled down into a hard-fought stalemate. The home support was giving it everything as The Fields of Athenry could be heard over the incessant hammering on the touchline boards. What would happen in the event of a draw?

As full time neared, it was already clear that a single score would be enough to pinch the tie and it could have gone either way. Of course, the home side finally converted the penalty that secured a semi-final place, while the Seasiders were left to rue not making better use of the wind in the first half.

Credit is due to Aberavon Green Stars for the quality of their welcome in the event of the first-ever meeting between these two long-established clubs. Penarth return to league action at the Athletic Field this coming Saturday, with ninth-placed Cambrian Welfare the visitors.

Penarth: Harry Williams, George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, James Candy (Ben Jones), Rhys Mottram, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams (Sam Sully), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Alan Doyle (Sean O-Sullivan), Dom Owen (Matt Allen), Dan Cahalane, Cam Sultana, Ellis Smith, Owen Lloyd ©.

Scorers: Harry Williams (try), Osian Coats (try), Rhys Mottram (penalty).

Division 1 East Central

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Penarth v Cambrian Welfare

Athletic Field, Lavernock Road, CF64 3QH

Kick-off 2.30pm