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A NARROW LOSS FOR PENLAN IN A NIP AND TUCK GAME AWAY AT BRYNAMMAN

Penlan’s away game against Brynamman was always going to be a challenge but it was aggravated by them having missed a game the previous week which coincided with a number of key players attending a long weekend club stag trip to Portugal. 

What went on in Portugal is best left there and thankfully all returned safely but the after-effects were in evidence on Saturday especially in the early stages of the game.

Referee Mr. Jamie Morgan ably managed the game and got the action underway well on time.  It was dry but the pitch was very muddy in places, like most clubs at this time of year, and there were some strong winds.  This contributed to Penlan’s early rusty play that resulted in some uncharacteristic mishandling and lost opportunities. 

Brynamman took the early lead within 5 minutes from a penalty conceded by Penlan near their posts.  Penlan struggled to settle down but just after 15 minutes Brynamman seized upon a momentary loss of concentration to intercept a Penlan pass near their 22 metre line.  Brynamman could not be caught by the defence and scored the try to go ahead by 8 points.

Gradually Penlan improved their game and at 25 minutes clawed back 3 points from a penalty kick safely slotted by outside-half Steven Williams to make it 8 – 3.

As Penlan got better control, Brynamman knew that they had a game on their hands as the visitors put on the pressure but it was not until 35 minutes that their efforts paid dividends.  Penlan had a lineout on the Brynamman 5 metre which they initially lost but then won back possession.  As the ball went back it was secured by left-wing Luke Davies who burst through towards the goal line.  Initially he was brought down short but then struggled free and leapt across the line for a spectacular try.  Steven Williams made an excellent conversion kick to put Penlan in front by 8 – 10 at the half time whistle.

As the second half got underway Penlan were hoping to make the most of their lead but within 5 minutes Brynamman went back in front.  They had a lineout on the Penlan 5 metre and on winning the ball they made a determined push over the line to land their second try for 13 – 10.

At just after 20 minutes Brynamman had another penalty from the touchline which just went over after hitting the bar.  It was a fine kick which increased the home lead to 16 – 10.

The close nip and tuck game continued until Steven Williams made a long kick which found touch near the Brynamman corner flag. Penlan won the resulting lineout and set up a determined push for the line.  Brynamman were pushed clear back over the line until second-row Kurt Velardo landed Penlan’s second try.  Another sure conversion kick was made by Steven Williams to put Penlan back in front by 16 – 17.

In the final stages Penlan looked as if they had just done enough to secure the win but at 30 minutes Brynamman were awarded another penalty near their posts.  The home side made short work of securing the further 3 points to swing the lead back in their favour by 19 – 17.

The lead had gone back and for between the teams 6 times during the game but Brynamman succeeded in keeping hold of the slender lead until the final whistle with Penlan having to settle for one bonus losing point. 

It was to Penlan’s credit that they had almost secured the win in difficult circumstances against a tough Brynamman side who are lying in second league position.  Following the game Penlan remain in fourth position just 5 points behind Ystradgynlais.

Next week Penlan are away again to Taibach in a rearranged game which had been rained off in January. 

As ever we are grateful to our faithful photographers Colin Rush and Mike Evans.  Colin’s photos have been uploaded to the website and Mike’s will be posted in due course on his website www.mike322.com.

The league championship is still wide open with Cwmllynfell now able to fully concentrate on the league having lost out to Bedlinog on Saturday by 38 – 10 in the semi-final of the Swalec Plate.

Other results in Division 2 West Central are presently reported as :-

Aberavon Quins 40    Nantymoel 12

Cwmgors 16   Ystradgynlais 12

Neath Athletic 24   Cwmavon 29

Taibach 20  Aberavon Green Stars 17