News

PENLAN HAVE A CLOSE WIN AGAINST BRYNAMMAN

Penlan’s away encounter against Brynamman in mid-January was a close affair with the home side securing the 20 – 13 win and Penlan earning just a losing bonus point.  Their home game on Saturday was to be another close encounter despite it being a stronger Brynamman side than Penlan faced previously but it was an entertaining game nevertheless.

Conditions were ideal for rugby at Mynydd Newydd as referee Mr. Lloyd Hughes from Port Talbot got the game underway with Brynamman making the kick off.  It was good to see Penlan’s stalwart second-row, Kurt Velardo, looking fit and well on the touch-line with hopes that he will be able to return to the field before too long.

First points went to Penlan following their scrum in the visitor’s 22 which resulting in a rolling maul for the line which led to No. 8 Ian Scrine landing the try which was then ably converted by centre Paul Spowart.

Right on the half time whistle, Brynamman pulled back the score slightly to 7 – 3 with a long penalty kick.

In the second half the close game continued with both teams keeping the other at bay.  At times the heavy Brynamman pack tried to intimidate Penlan with their physical play but it was a pointless tactic, although it kept referee Mr. Hughes busy.  It was Penlan that eventually made progress when just before 30 minutes, the visitor’s had a lineout in their half.  Penlan gained possession and set up an attack for the line which led to Paul Spowart making a dodging sprint through the Brynamman defence and land Penlan’s second try near the posts.  He effortlessly made the conversion to put his side ahead by 14 – 8.

Brynamman came straight back out fighting and, within 2 minutes, made a determined attack up the wing which breached the Penlan defence and, with a run around, saw them land a try between the posts.  The conversion followed to reduce the Penlan lead to 14 – 10.

In the closing minutes Brynamman increased their physical game but, again, it was to no avail with them having to settle for a losing bonus point as the final whistle blew.

It was an entertaining close game of rugby which Penlan deserved to win and kept them in mid-table place with an equal 40 points with Maesteg Celtic but with a game in hand.  Penlan’s next game will be away to Maesteg on 4^th. March when the placing will change following what should be another close game as their previous encounter last October was a draw at 15 – 15.

Thanks to Colin Rush for his pictures that have been uploaded to the website gallery and to Mike Evans who will be posting his on his website in due course www.mike322.com.

Other results in Division 2 West Central are currently reported as :

Cwmavon 21  Maesteg Celtic 24

Morriston 31  Nantymoel 9

Pencoed 48  Aberavon Green Stars 20

Resolven 8  Tondu 13

Ystradgynlais 20  Cwmgors 20