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Dream turns to nightmare

From the Penarth Times, first published Thursday 4th Nov 2004.

OLD Penarthians travelled to Waterton Cross, Bridgend, on Saturday with fond memories of the dream result that had accompanied their last visit to the ground almost ten years ago.

On that occasion, Peter Goodfellow's side had created one of the shocks of the day when they defeated the then mighty South Wales Police 20-3 to reach the last 16 of the WRU Cup and a home tie to Cardiff RFC.

The dream was, however, to turn into a nightmare for the Old Boys of the new millennium as they slumped to their worst defeat of the season, their lively opponents proving too strong in every facet of the game and fully meriting their 48-0 victory.

Veteran Goodfellow was consigned to the sidelines on this occasion, restricting his activities to those of touch judge and able only to watch as his team-mates were run ragged, conceding eight tries to hosts who, while playing attractive football, nevertheless did not appear to be an outstanding side.

There is little point in dwelling on the fact that the Old Boys were again decimated by the inevitable late withdrawals that have become such a disappointing feature of the current campaign, but it cannot be denied that any chance of progressing within the division will be impossible while they continue.

It was good to see Chris Dacey, the sole playing member of the side to feature in the previous historic encounter, return after his recent injury, while Kevin Francis made a welcome reappearance after his brief flirtation with neighbours Penarth.

It was, however, a sign of the times that veterans Bob Denning and Mark Curtis began the game as first choices in a front row disrupted by absentees, as were many other positions.

Tries by scrum half David Barry and flanker Simon Jones were both converted by outside half Justin Lott to give the Police a 14-point boost in as many minutes and poor Penarthians cover allowed too much space for winger Clayton Hendra, who gratefully accepted his chances to touch down for two further scores before Mark Cox's try was converted by Lott to put the hosts 31 points clear and out of sight at the break.

A simple score saw number eight Gareth Bishop touch down between the posts to afford an easy conversion to Lott before the Old Boys made any positive contribution to the attacking scene.

Chris Dacey made an excellent 60-yard break only to fall to a fine tackle from the home full back as the Penarthian centre found himself devoid of support at the final hurdle.

Another good move ended when Kevin Francis was brought to ground, ironically by an excellent tackle from Mark Glover, a former Penarthian skipper now appearing in Police colours.

The final word was reserved for the hosts when centre Essyr Jones touched down for an unconverted score before scrum half Barry spun out of a tackle near the posts for a final touchdown, converted by Lott.

Courage and determination was shown by both Bob Denning and Mark Curtis in a Penarthians pack that was outplayed in both set scrums and lineouts. Adrian Ball and Kevin Francis were others to perform well in the broken play.

Behind the scrum, Chris Dacey was a forceful runner that Tim Broome showed some neat touches.

Behind the scrum, Chris Dacey was a forceful runner and Tim Broome showed some neat touches but the absence of set piece possession was a handicap that the side was never able to overcome, leaving wingers Andrew Vale and Huw Williams little option but to defend stoutly throughout the afternoon.

At home to Pontyclun, the Seconds, too, were well beaten although the 47-7 scoreline flattered their opponents.

The Old Boys failed to capitalise on some excellent early chances before capitulating later in the game.

Penarthians competed well enough early on but the loss of Gareth Welford, a lively worker in the centre, was a cruel blow. Nevertheless, newcomer Nathan Harris impressed on his back-row debut while Nick Barry was a tenacious performer at the base of the scrum and Chris Kitch worked hard up front.

The Vets enjoyed an excellent outing against a strong Abercwmboi second string.

Richard Smith and David Martin however, were in no mood to concede an inch of territory and were outstanding performers in the Old Boys pack, while Mike Goldsworthy showed many of his old skills with a polished performance at outside half.

Steve Drew marked his return to action in impressive fashion by contributing one tackle and one pass before then conceding a penalty, while the speed of Tony Spear's incursions into the line had to be seen to be believed.

For all of that, the visitors had the last word and scored three tries for a 17-0 win, the expertise of referee Ian Summerfield being particularly appreciated by both sides.

Saturday's international has curtailed normal fixtures but the club is embarking on a match in memory of the late Bob Jones, a first-team Select in action against Rob Crimp's Vets, kick-off being scheduled for 11am.

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