News

DISSAPOINTING ENDGAME FOR PENLAN

As anticipated, Saturday’s fixture between Penlan and Resolven proved to be an exciting game but it ended in deep disappointment for the home side.

Referee Mr. Steffan Davies from Clydach got the game underway in ideal conditions for rugby with Resolven making the kick-off.

Penlan were nervous as they were missing key players, brothers Ian and Bobby Scrine due to work committments. They also knew that strong centre, Steven Williams, would only be playing until half-time so that he could make the trip to Cardiff to see brother Liam playing for Wales.  Nevertheless it was a full and able side that turned out against the strong Resolven side and in the first quarter both teams tested each other out.

Initial points went to Resolven when Owen Evans landed two successful penalty kicks at 20 and 25 minutes for a 0 – 6 lead.

Just three minutes later some fast Penlan passing across field got the ball to the wing so that centre Dominic Cambriani sprinted clear to land a great try at the corner.  Full back Paul Spowart made an excellent job of the conversion kick to put his side ahead by 7 – 6.

Their lead was turned over though by a third penalty kick from Owen Evans at the final first half whistle for 7 – 9 at half time.

The second half started disastrously for Penlan as Jonathan Field took advantage of some poor home defending to sprint clear for a great try which, when converted by Owen Evans, put them ahead by 7 – 16.

The toll against Penlan rose at just after 5 minutes when a fourth penalty from Owen Evans stretched the visitor’s lead to 7 – 19.

Things were looking bad for Penlan but their determination and skill did them credit as they never let their heads down and they came back to put Resolven under pressure on their line.  At the 25 minute mark, Penlan secured the lineout on the visitor’s 5 metre with second-row Robbie Watkins winning ball. A classic Penlan push for the line saw Resolven propelled clear back over their line to enable Captain Robert Green to safely land the try.  Another superb kick from Paul Spowart reduced the visitor’s lead to 14 – 19.

More strong Penlan pressure followed but for the most part Resolven kept them at bay but as the game came to the final stages another successful strong scrum pushed the visitors back again allowing flanker Ryan Miles to land Penlan’s third try.  With the teams now drawing at 19 all, the conversion kick was vital for Penlan and the pressure was on for Paul Spowart.  He was up to the challenge though and made a fine conversion kick to give his side the 21 – 19 lead. 

It was a brave and magnificent come back for Penlan despite the strong Resolven opposition and spirits were high as the final whistle was likely to sound at any minute.  To raise Penlan spirits further they were then awarded a penalty kick.  Unfortunately there was a degree of confusion among the Penlan set-up as to what action should follow.  It was finally decided that Paul Spowart should go for the posts but, possibly due to the indecision, his kick just missed the posts.  It made no difference though, with Penlan surely confident of the win as all they had to do was hold their defence for a minute or so and get the ball off the field.

Disaster struck for them though as when the ball got back into play some great work by Resolven took Penlan by surprise.  An outstanding run was made by Steffen Williams for some three-quarters of the pitch to evade the defence and land a crushing try.  A second safe conversion by Owen Evans, his sixth safe kick of the day, was successful to take the Resolven turn-around to a final 21 – 26 win, leaving Penlan with just a one-point losing bonus.

It had been an exciting game of rugby which had left Penlan dumbfounded but, despite their severe disappointment, they accepted that it was a creditable win for Resolven.  Penlan must now move on and ready themselves for another hard challenge next week when away to second table place Ystradgynlais.

Thanks as ever, to out photographers Colin Rush and Mike Evans.  You can see Colin;s pictures on our gallery and Mike will update his to his website www.mike322.com in due course.

The other results in 2 West Central are currently reported as :-

Cwmavon 12  Ystradgynlais 18

Cwmgors 22  Pencoed 21

Maesteg Celtic 14  Morriston 12

Tondu 33  Nantymoel 7

The game against Brynamman and Aberavon Green Stars were postponed.