SEASIDERS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Abercynon (15) 15 PENARTH (22) 46 

There might have been an element of uncertainty about travelling to Abercynon. They beat Penarth 23-21 at the end of last season before being narrowly denied promotion by eventual champions St.Josephs. Were ‘Cynon going to be as strong as last season? Would any of the promoted or relegated clubs mount a challenge this season? How would a Penarth side without several key players manage?

We needn’t have worried. Penarth are sitting comfortably at the top of Division 1 East Central again after the opening games and all those questions have been answered in full.

The pitch was firm and the sun shone, but the strong easterly breeze running throughout the game was going to dictate the nature of the game, if not the result. Penarth played into wind in the first half and had effectively won the game by half-time as they turned around with the wind at their backs..

The conditions favoured the hosts, who naturally dominated possession as Penarth struggled to make progress against the breeze. ‘Cynon opened the scoring after 5 minutes, but the visitors struck back six minutes later from a 5-metre line-out. Five phases on the line before Alan Doyle crossed in the corner.

‘Cynon were back in the lead 4 minutes later from an attacking line-out, but Penarth had other ideas as openside Alex Abel carved his way through the centre all the way to the home 22 and Ben Jones completed the score. Minutes later it was Osian Coates making the line break for Spencer Robinson to cross.

By this time Penarth were totally in charge of everything but the wind, and ‘Cynon could only exploit their advantage to the tune of a converted penalty. The visitors finished the half in fine style as a penalty led to a five-metre line-out and a well-worked try for Matt Allen. 

The second half was, if anything, an anti-climax. The game was, as expected, now being played in Abercynon’s half and in the first ten minutes, Osian Coates and Cam Sultana had added to the score with well-taken tries. Now leading 32-15, the game was firmly in the bag for Penarth.

Further tries followed as first Kian Lloyd came up with the key line-break for a James Candy try and Andy Richards side-stepped half the defence before scoring on the hour. Here the game effectively ended. The hosts’ nerve finally cracked as their right wing was dismissed with a red card and both scrum-halves we ordered from the field for what appeared to be HIAs! No further scores ensued as the referee eliminated all continuity and momentum.

Penarth looked very much the part, comfortable and effective in both defence and attack. Next Saturday’s trip to the Reservoir Field to face neighbours Barry ought to be one to savour.

Penarth: Ben Jones, Luc Keane-Adams, Andy Richards, Osian Coates, Cian Lewis, James Candy, Spencer Robinson (Osian Phillips), Geraint Williams (Harry Wood), Mason Good (Lewys Williams), Alan Doyle, Cameron Sultana, Matt Allen (Will Odgers), Kian Lloyd, Owen Lloyd, Alex Abel.

Scorers: Spencer Robinson (try), Ben Jones (try, 3 conversions), Alan Doyle (try), Matt Allen, Osian Coates, Cam Sultana, James Candy, Andy Richards.

© Peter Weston 07-Sep-25