BRILLIANT SEASON ENDS WITH BREWERY SHOWPIECE

BRILLIANT SEASON ENDS WITH BREWERY SHOWPIECE

Penarth (7) 14 Beddau (21) 50

Every time you gain promotion, there’s always some uncertainty about how a team will fare against a higher quality of opposition. After two successive promotions for Penarth, we can already be sure that they are more than comfortable at Division One level, sitting comfortably in a top four who were by some distance better than the rest.

A third promotion wasn’t out of the question until late in the season, so some consideration of the challenges waiting in Championship East had to be given. The Glamorgan County RFC Silver Ball final against Beddau RFC wasn’t, perhaps, a fair example, as the Green and Gold Army had already walked away with the title and will play in the Premiership next season.

The Seasiders were short of several first team regulars, but were resolute and well-organised as they faced a heavyweight Beddau pack augmented by a fast and inventive back division. The story of the game was dominated by the struggle for Penarth in gaining meaningful field position, which meant scoring opportunities were scarce.

However, the defensive organisation and effort was a thing of beauty in itself and a dominant opposition were kept at bay throughout the first quarter until Beddau opened the scoring on 22 minutes. Further tries arrived towards the end of the half, but it they had to work hard for every point, as the Seasiders held out magnificently. Better than that, the last assault was halted as Dom Owen hacked a loose ball downfield and Alex Abel hared after it, being caught under the posts. Scrum V for Penarth, quick ball and Evan Jones scores.

The second half wasn’t any easier, as Beddau relentlessly ramped up the try count, adding a further five as the game opened up and their back made all the running. Then again, Penarth were able to prove that if they had the field position, they could definitely score tries. On 48 minutes, with the score at 7-26, a sequence of penalties and a line-out free kick set up Will Odgers for a drive to the line and a second try for the Seasiders.

All in all, a wonderfully successful year for Penarth at a higher level. An experienced squad with many young players coming through from the Youth is poised to make a real dent in Division One East Central next term. The season was marked with many high points and very few lows. They were the top try scorers, with 108, a stunning average of 6 per game and were only outscored in points by second-placed Abercynon. They beat every team in the division at least once.

Much credit is due to the coaching team, with special mention for the contribution of the inspiring work of Paul Williams, who insists he’s taking a step back by taking on Penarth Youth next season. Penarth RFC’s success is based on a steady supply of Youth talent and Paul’s involvement At this level is a huge investment in the future.

PENARTH:Rhys Morgan, Luc Keane-Adams, Will Hardy (Leon Andrews), Alex Abel, James Crothers (Ben Wellington), Ben Jones, Josh Marshall, Bradman Williams (Jerome Bryan), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Ryan Jones (Sean O’Sullivan), Will Odgers, Dom Owen (Dan Cahalane), Kian Lloyd, Evan Jones ©, Harry Roberts (James Coslett)

Scorers: Evan Jones (try), Will Odgers (try), Ben Jones (2 conversions).