Penarth under-12s drop out of cup competition

PENARTH U12s couldn’t capitalise on their league form as they went down against Ystrad Rhondda in the first round of the Blues Cup.

In a competitive match, Penarth spent much of the time on the defensive. When in possession, Penarth did try moving it but the Ystrad defence was up quickly, causing the home backs to crab across, using up the space that their wingers have found so profitable this season.

The Penarth scrum was strong as the forwards matched their Ystrad counterparts. James Rees showed no fear as he led the tackle count supported by Dylan Penry-Williams and Cai Lloyd.

Ystrad took the lead with some powerful play as their forwards and backs combined to go through a number of phases before their full back was put into space. Despite the covering tackles of Owain Jones and Matthew Barber, the full back crossed for a try in the corner. A break by Ben Hayes almost brought the game level. With play on halfway, a quick show and go from the centre could easily have resulted in a score. Had he backed himself to go for the line he may have made it but, as he looked to link up with support play, the cover defence halted the play 15 yards short of the line.

As half time approached Penarth were still under pressure. Ystrad, with a move called from the touchline, threw the ball into the lineout and popped the ball for one of their runners on a front-peel. Penarth conceded a try in last week’s match at a similar time.

It took quick reactions from George Price, Cai Lloyd and James Rees to make sure there wasn’t a repeat of last week’s lapse as they bundled their opponents into touch. Half-time: Penarth 0, Ystrad 5.

Ystrad, playing with the wind in the second half, used it to good effect as their outside half started to dictate the play. With territorial advantage they could sense the game was there for the taking. A big spiralling kick took play from halfway deep into the Penarth 22. The pack managed to hold up a number of attacks stemming from the lineout but the pressure told and Ystrad crossed for a deserved second try followed by a successful conversion.

Jack Ruelle saved a further score with the tackle of the match. With only Ruelle to beat the Ystrad runner, travelling at pace, attempted to run through the full-back, but the Penarth boy was equal to the challenge.

Adam Davies, on in the centre, also put in some big tackles at key moments, supported by Oliver Marsh. Tomos Evans was in the thick of the action again and Matthew Frost continues to impress.

Special mention to Rhys Holmes, the quiet man of the squad, who was superb in the forward exchanges. The attitude and work rate of the front row specialist personified the Penarth effort. His commitment was evident at a scrum midway through the second-half. With the players getting to their feet from the breakdown, Holmes waited for the referee to call a scrum before handing a freshly extracted tooth to his father. “Hold onto that for me Dad,” was the request, before packing straight back down for the next scrum.

Despite the result there were positives for the Bears to take from their Blues Cup exit. They showed good fitness levels and were competitive throughout. It was a gutsy performance but with the statistics reading, possession 60:40 and territory 70:30 in Ystrad’s favour, it was always going to need something special.