News

COMEBACK OF THE SEASON BY PENLAN WITH A 4 TRY BONUS POINT WIN AGAINST CWMLLYNFELL

Penlan Second Row Kurt Velardo scored a hat-trick against Cwmllynfell yesterday as part of the Penlan comeback of the season.  In the first half it had been all about the visitors with them leading by 0 -13 at half time but Penlan’s ability and character turned the game on its’ head for a sensational win.

It was an excellent day for rugby as the teams took to the field and referee Mr. Rhys Jones from Pencoed got the game underway on time with Cwmllynfell making the kick off.  There was an above average attendance on the touchline with interested contingents from Aberavon Quinns and Brynamman closely following the action.

First points went the visitor’s way with a penalty at 10 minutes and then just 5 minutes later they gained possession from their lineout and, with some fast passing, winger Alex Wilkins, evaded the Penlan defence to land a try. They made the conversion kick and with a further penalty at 35 minutes secured a 0 – 13 lead at half time.  

It was evident that Penlan needed to adjust their strategy to cater for the heavy fast Cwmllynfell play and, in the half time break, head coach Lee Banfield agreed the way forward with his players.

Penlan spectators knew that in order to keep their slimmest chance of promotion alive their team needed to secure a 4 try bonus win.  As play resumed the possibility of a win looked remote but no-one should ever discount the Penlan team loyalty and ability which was to come to the fore in the second half.

At 10 minutes Penlan secured a lineout on the visitor’s 5 metre with the ball being won by second-row Kurt Velardo.  Some fast passing followed to advance the ball to the line until Kurt regained possession and powerfully dodged through the defence to land a try which heralded the Penlan comeback by 5 – 13.

It was disappointing that the points were then wiped out by Cwmllynfell who responded with 6 points from 2 penalties conceded at 15 and 25 minutes, to make it 5 – 19.

Immediately after the second penalty though, Penlan were on the offensive again and with some fast passing by Ian Scrine, Dean Davies and David Dicks advanced the ball deep into the visitor’s territory.  The ball was crossed to Kurt Velardo who powered over the line again for his second try to bring the score to 10 – 19.

For the rest of the game Penlan were solidly in the driving seat, leaving the visitors trying to work out what was happening.  At 33 minutes the Penlan determination paid off again when they secured another lineout on the visitors 5 metre.  Flanker Luke Brooks won the ball for Penlan and his side set up a constant push for the line.  They advanced until Kurt Velardo saw an opening and darted sideways to dodge through the defence and land his third try.  Outside-half Steven Williams safely converted with a fine kick to cut down the visitor’s lead to 17 – 19.

In the last 5 minutes Penlan were still dominant and gained yet another lineout on the visitor’s 5 metre.  They won the ball which was again advanced by Kurt Velardo, and lead to a determined push for the line until replacement flanker, Joshua Key gained possession and powerfully dived across the line for a magnificent fourth, bonus point winning try for Penlan that gave them a sensational comeback win by 22 to 19.

The ability for Penlan to make a come back against the odds was testament to their pride, excellent team game and training.  They had adjusted their game to deal with the strength and ability of determined visitors who were fighting for the championship.  Kurt Velardo, always a strong key Penlan player, distinguished himself especially with his hat-trick and teamwork throughout and was justly awarded the Penlan Man of the Match accolade.

After the final whistle sounded some spectators were mystified to see one particular spectator who joined the Penlan team celebrations.  His hairy chest and legs looked decidedly out of place with his short skirt and, what was clearly, a flowing wig.  The somewhat dodgy get-up was the price that Penlan player Dafydd Pritchard had to pay as part of his stag celebrations that were taking place.  All the team and friends at the club wish Dafydd and his fiancé Beverly Scrine all the very best for their wedding in a fortnights time.

As shown in the updated table, the 5 point win moved Penlan back up into third league table place with one game remaining.  They are now two points ahead of Cwmllynfell who have two games remaining, (away to Cwmavon on Tuesday and at home to Brynamman next Saturday). Winning both these games is crucial to their aims for the championship and promotion.  The championship is beyond Penlan but promotion still remains a slim possibility.  Whatever happens, their home game next Saturday against present leaders Aberavon Quins should prove to be another exciting encounter.  

The action was once again captured by photographers Colin Rush, as posted in the gallery, and Mike Evans will be posting his on his website in due course www.mike322.com.