SEASIDERS BACK IN THE SADDLE
The autumn internationals have left us all with a sense of potential unfulfilled, so for once it’s nice to return to the more mundane prospects of Division 3 (South East) with genuine anticipation.
After a distinctly dodgy start back in September when they lost two of their first three matches, the Seasiders have hit a rich seam of form, winning the next six games and totting up 25 points in the process.
Currently sitting in second place in the division, just 2 points behind St.Peters, they now face an interesting set of fixtures either side of Christmas, starting with the visit of erstwhile leaders Aberdare to the Athletic Field on Saturday.
The Cynon Valley club will be keen to revive their promotion challenge after a defeat last time out against recovering Heol-y-Cyw, of whom more later.
Penarth have plenty to feel confident about, as the squad is looking strong in most positions, but the knack will be maintaining the momentum carefully built up over the preceding weeks and Aberdare will pose a stiff challenge.
The next league fixture on 19th December (following a Swalec Plate tie at home to St.Peters) is away at Heol-y-Cyw and recent wins against Aberdare and Llandaff North suggests this may be a substantial hurdle to clear.
The visit of Treherbert to the Athletic Field on Boxing Day, while affording an opportunity to gain revenge for an 18-13 defeat on the opening day of the season, is probably more of a prelude to the following fixture away at third-placed Tylorstown.
The good news on the playing front is that while the pack is going from strength to strength, the back division is running in the tries tidily. Even better, they’re sharing them around rather better than last season when Chris Roberts rather stole the show.
We’ll all know a lot more about the Seasiders’ promotion credentials by tea-time on Saturday 2nd January.
Welsh National League Division 3 (South-East)
Saturday 5th December 2009
PENARTH v ABERDARE
The Athletic Field, Lavernock Road. Kick-off 2.30pm.