News

GUTSY PERFORMANCE BY PENLAN

On Saturday Penlan were at home, up against the league leaders Nantyffyllon. When Penlan were at their lowest at the start of the season they had been beaten 57 – 12 in their away fixture so the odds looked against them for a win.  Things looked especially bad as numbers were against Penlan again with only one replacement available.  What transpired though was a gutsy performance from Penlan that might well have given them a win.

It was windy and wet as referee Mr. Mark Butcher from Cross Keys got the game underway with the visitors making the kick off.  It was apparent early on that Penlan were not to be overawed by the league leaders although they conceded the first 3 points when Sion Buckley landed a penalty for Nantyffyllon in front of the posts.  Just 5 minutes later they breached the Penlan defence with some good passing to let Lyndon Davies score a try near the Penlan posts which Sion Buckley converted to advance the score to 0 – 10.

Penlan looked strong though and were constantly putting the visitors under pressure until at 30 minutes they won their lineout on the 22 and made a determined push for the line that proved unstoppable.  Prop Ceri Adams landed a fine try at the corner to make the score 5 – 10 at half time.

Despite their difficulties Penlan continued their fine display of rugby and constantly put the visitors under pressure.  A to and fro game followed until just after 30 minutes when Penlan conceded a second penalty that was to prove crucial.  Sion Buckley safely landed the long kick to push his side ahead to 5 – 13.

To their immense credit Penlan’s heads were never bowed and their resolve was impressive until in the dying minutes of the game they worked solidly to advance after securing scrum ball near the 22.  They pushed the defence clear back over their line until second-row Kurt Velardo landed his third try of the seaon.  Outside-half Paul Spowart secured the conversion to make the loss a narrow 12 – 13 for Penlan.  They had earned their fourth close score of the season that had earned them a bonus point, but they had also put on a fine display of gutsy rugby that had left Nantyffyllon knowing that they had been in a game that proved to be their narrowest win of the season.  Penlan supporters were proud of their side who could easily have turned the tables on the league leaders.  Thanks to Colin Rush for his photos that have been uploaded to the gallery.

Other results are presently reported as

Round 4 of the WRU Plate

Maesteg Celtic 20  Nelson 40

West Central 2

Morriston 28  Builth Wells 14

Pencoed 27  Cwmgors 20

Penlan 12  Nantyffyllon 13

Taibach 16  Nantymoel 21

Ystradgynlais 3  Brynamman 7