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TWO EXCELLENT victories in the space of four days enabled Old Penarthians to round off their season in fine style last Saturday, when Mark Smart and his men put paid to the promotion hopes of Deri with the 27-24 success that enabled the Club to achieve its best record since the 1999/2000 season.

On that occasion, Mark Glover's side ushered in the new millennium with a series of results that reflected 11 wins from 26 outings and it is a measure of the considerable progress made by the current crop of Old Boys that they have achieved a similar number of victories but from just 23 matches and following on the disaster of a year ago when only one match was won.

Coaches Mike Glavin and Jeff Norman have expressed their delight at the enthusiasm shown by the players and it is no surprise that Mark Smart has already been confirmed in office as First team Captain for a record fourth term Plans are already afoot that will enable the players to keep fit throughout the summer months in preparation to the serious training that will be implemented in late July.

As from May 1, Thursday evenings at the Club will be given over to Touch Rugby sessions that will provide a competitive environment for senior players, youth players, and even the Vets.

Prospective newcomers and former players are invited to take part in the sessions that will kick off at 7pm each evening with a free barbecue on offer on the last Thursday of each month.

Apologies are due to any person misled by last week's suggestion that the match against Deri was scheduled for a 6.30pm kick off.

In fact, the correct time was 2.30pm and a goodly number had picked up on the deliberate mistake and were present to see the Rhymney Valley side pursue the win that would have ensured a grandstand end to their campaign with a winner-take-all clash against Porth on Wednesday.

The visitors were, however, taken completely by surprise when centre John Colderley created space before prop Tony Kemp was unleashed on the left to reveal blistering pace in a 30-yard dash for the line and an excellent try that was converted by Scott McCarthy after only 6 minutes.

The response, however, was immediate and the home defence was stretched to the limit as a short penalty move dragged the cover both left and right before outside half Wayne Booth dummied his way through for a touchdown that he converted to level the scores.

If the Deri score was well executed, it was as nothing compared to the marvellous try next contributed by John Colderley. When the centre received the ball on the 10-yard line, there was no sign of an opening let alone a score.

In an instant, however, and with a shake of the hips, half a dummy, and an instant burst of speed, he was through the gap that quite magically opened up, beating 4 men and touching down at the posts for Scott McCarthy to convert yet again.

Almost at once, the advantage swung in the opposite direction. Deri began to press up front but it was behind that the damage was done. Twice in the space of five minutes, handling moves appeared to be under control.

Twice, however, that proved not to be the case and winger Cai Davies could scarce believe his luck when, on each occasion, he was allowed to break free from a tackle and score. Fortunately, neither try was converted and the hosts crept back into the lead when the ubiquitous Colderley coolly slotted a dropped goal following a ruck after a lineout.

Having failed to recover from the full blast of a ball into his face, Scott McCarthy was forced to retire, Tim Cheney taking his place although Colderley moved to outside half. Surprisingly, however, the new pivot was not involved in the fine score that followed just before the break.

Alun Haines fed Mark Bow from the base of the scrum, the scrum half released Chris Roberts who ran strongly before linking again with Bow for the latter to send Tim Cheney scampering over for the touchdown.

Having wasted a golden opportunity when the number 8 dropped the ball with the line at his mercy, Deri forced themselves back in front 13 minutes into the second half when hooker Adrian Stone burrowed over following a lineout drive, Wayne Booth adding the extra points with a superb conversion from wide out.

But Penarthians regained the lead just 4 minutes later when Deri ran from deep only to see winger Huw Williams anticipate a pass, effect the interception, and sprint 35 yards for a touchdown wide out. That lead could have been extended almost at once when Dave Mason broke clear from half way but just lacked the confidence to trust his legs to go it alone to the line.

A mis-hit penalty from John Colderley almost led to a bizarre score at the corner for the Old Boys but the final stages belonged to the visitors as the character of the home side was tested to the full.

A breakaway by the full back following a lineout inside the 25 seemed certain to produce a sensational score for winger Cai Davies but Skipper Smart produced the tackle of the season to save the day whilst Huw Williams was equally brave soon after when his last ditch effort similarly prevented a score on the opposite flank.

Nails were bitten to the quick as referee Tim Davies allowed six minutes of extra time but relief was at hand when his whistle finally signalled a marvellous 27-24 victory.

This was a 19-man effort that did credit to the whole of the Penarthians squad. Skipper Smart led the way with a fine back row performance that received excellent support from Adrian Penny and Alun Haines whilst both Ben Russon and John Boland were tireless in their efforts at both lineout and in the loose.

Lee Brennan was always in the thick of things together with front row colleagues Tony Kemp and James Evans and substitutes Paul Rapley and Taz Rosoman also made their presences felt.

Mark Bow's industry at the base of the scrum was invaluable and Scott McCarthy contributed a neat display until forced off.

John Colderley was a class above at centre but Tom Draper and David Mason both ran themselves into the ground alongside him. Full back Chris Roberts again did well whilst Huw Williams and Steve Thomas worked hard on the wings with Tim Cheney also making his mark when on as a replacement.

Earlier, Penarthians had gained revenge for a controversial setback at Cowbridge when they defeated the Vale of Glamorgan men 19-7 on Wednesday.

Tom Draper, Chris Roberts, and Lewis Williams were scorers of fine Penarthians tries with Scott McCarthy adding two conversions.

However, the Old Boys were disappointed that several other worthy efforts failed to bear fruit, denying the side the bonus point that their superiority on the night merited.

The Vets travelled to Swansea Uplands on Sunday to take part in the Benny Hullin Memorial 10-a-side competition and surprised everyone by not only taking part in three matches during the afternoon but also walking away with the Golden Boot trophy awarded to the side making the biggest effort on the day. Those Monday morning blues were undoubtedly hard earned!

8:12am Thursday 1st May 2008

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