News

Half season report for Old Penarthians

(as published in the Penarth Times on 27th December 2018)

By now in the sixteen weeks since the start of the season Old Penarthians 1^st XV should have played twelve Division 3 East Central (B) league fixtures.  Unfortunately, the poor weather in recent weeks has led to the cancellation of four fixtures which will have to be rearranged at the season in April and May

In one way this may to the side’s advantage as they play with a style more appropriate to running the ball than to be bogged down in a forward orientated game.  Coaches Simon Hurley and Anthony Davies have however been left frustrated by the stop-start nature of the season which means that a momentum cannot be built up.

It will also lead to headaches for Chairman and Fixture Secretary, Jon Vaughan, as he tries to rearrange matches

Most of all however it affects the players and captain Rhys Lakin wants to put into effect all the hard work from the training field onto the match day pitch. 

Overall the 1^st  XV have played eight league fixtures, winning four and losing four.  The losses have all been close and in the process three losing bonus points have been gained.  The team therefore have 19 league points and are eighth in the division. They have scored 113 points and conceded 121. 

In addition to the league matches the team also had a successful WRU Bowl knock-out competition win against Treherbert before losing in the last two minutes against Fairwater who are currently the top team in the division higher than Old Penarthians.

To date 36 players have represented the team with Chris Poole leading the try count with seven from his ten matches in all competitions and Jon Crimp having scored 57 points from the kicking tee.

Unlike last season when the team were in a fight against relegation there is a spirit in the squad that should ensure that the club will be well placed in the league this term.  With Canton, Treherbert and St Albans leading the division there is only five points separating the next five teams and Old Penarthians have games in hand.  Lakin is therefore optimistic for the remainder of the season and does not rule out a push for one of the two promotion places.

It will take a big effort from all the players, the back up team, the committee and the supporters but it is hoped that the New Year will bring good luck, good weather and positive results to make 2019 a successful year for Old Penarthians