What can you say about a team who are still racing ahead of the Div 1 EC competition and looking supremely well-organised, Who, on the other hand only managed to pull away in this one-sided game with three late tries. Rhydyfelin were so limited in their challenge that, apart from a bizarre interception try, they never once looked as if they were actually going to score anything.

All the aggression and intent that saw them beat Penarth 51-13 back in February was present, a defeat that effectively marked the end of the promotion push, but there was absolutely no comparison between the sides this time.

In a torrential downpour from the kick-off, Penarth were showing their defensive excellence and attacking intent in spite of the conditions. They were already besting the visitors in the scrum, a dominance that would continue throughout. When a penalty award in front of the posts was taken as a scrum, the writing was clearly on the wall as the Rydyfelin eight were shunted back and Spencer Robinson scored after eight minutes,

The rain continued and both sides were prone to the sort of errors that will always keep the score down, so it wasn’t until the 25^th minute that the next score arrived. This was the one bright spot in the visitors’ afternoon as Penarth tapped a penalty on the on the 10m line and then threw a long pass straight into the arms of their left wing who ran it in from 60m to ensure an unlikely half- time score of 7-7.

In the second half, things were becoming a little fractious, as neither side was benefitting from the referee’s constant interventions. Penarth continued to dominate, but were only occasionally allowed enough continuity to add to the score. Luc Keane-Adams showed one way to by-pass all this as he snatched a ball out of the air, side-stepped his marker and hared down the line for a touch-down in the corner.

A rare line-out penalty for Penarth soon led to the third try as Robinson dodged around the referee and threw a pin-point long pass out to Ben Jones, who scorched in from 40 metres. The score was now a more comfortable 17-7, but the stop-start nature of the game meant that we had to wait fully twenty minutes for the next score.

This time the pack had it all their own way as they monstered a scrum 10m out. Rhydyfelin had no answer to this and momentum carried Penarth over for an Owen Lloyd try and a hard-won bonus point.

In the last 12 minutes, Rhydyfelin had completely run out of ideas, while Penarth were still full of life. The visitors won a scrum in their own 22, but that was never going to end well for them. Under immense pressure, the ball shot out backwards with Ellis Smith in hot pursuit. No contest, the blindside flanker grounded cleanly for the fifth try.

Penarth kept on coming. A certain try from a flowing three-quarter move was denied for a forward pass and yet another scrum destruction was disallowed for a Penarth infringement. At last, Alex Abel was permitted to charge over and complete the scoring from a scrum as Rhydyfelin disintegrated.

Next week, Penarth take a break from dominating Div 1 East Central, as they travel to face Abercwmboi in the Division 1 Cup. The Cynon Valley side have not enjoyed their start to the season as much as Penarth have. Having played three and lost three, they prop up the table.

Penarth: Ben Jones, Luc Keane-Adams (Joe Williams), Andy Richards, Osian Coates, Harry Williams, James Candy (Rhys Gant), Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams (Sam Sully), Tom Griffiths (Ethan Barry), Alan Doyle, Dan Cahalane, Will Odgers, Ellis Smith, Owen Lloyd, Alex Abel.

Scorers: Luc Keane-Adams (try), Ben Jones (try, 3 conversions), Owen Lloyd (try), Ellis Smith (try), Alex Abel (try), Spencer Robinson (try).

© Peter Weston 21-Sep-25

Last season’s results against Barry were wildly different. A comfortable 45-3 win away at the Reservoir Field, followed by a startling 33-45 defeat at the Athletic Field three months later. Which way would this one swing? We should have guessed.

Starting with the wind at their backs, Penarth adopted a high-tempo approach and went into an early lead as Osian Coates went over from a Spencer Robinson short pass, but the only other score in the first quarter was a Ben Jones penalty.

Happily, three more tries and the bonus point were to arrive before half-time. An attacking line-out led to a characteristic line-break by Owen Lloyd and Osian Coates forced his way over for his second try. Within minutes, a goal-line siege left space on the touchline for Luc Keane-Adams to secure the third.

Despite this steady progress, both sides struggled to gain much in the way of control over things and it needed individual efforts to make a difference. Eventual man-of-the-match Will Odgers provided the impetus for the bonus-point try on the brink of half-time with a thundering line-break from midfield. Owen Lloyd provided the finishing touch out wide leaving the score at the break a satisfying 0-29.

Facing into the wind for the second half, Penarth ought to have made adjustments to their approach, but Alex Abel almost immediately carved his way through the defence Will Odgers completed the score after a few pick-and-drives on the line. 42 minutes gone, 0-36 up and it’s all over bar the shouting.

The wind was always going to slow the scoring rate down for Penarth and sure enough, Barry were able to gain more field position. However, the next score didn’t arrive until Barry tight-head Dan Hobson forced his way over in the rain on the hour.

The visitors, meanwhile, were busy emptying the bench, so we were treated to a couple of typically slaloming Sam Sully breaks and a classic Tom Griffiths finish from inside the 22. Barry still had their moments and secured a second late consolation with a penalty try.

Penarth return to the Athletic Field next Saturday and welcome visitors Rhydyfelin, who finished last season in third place. The last game between the sides resulted in a solid 51-13 home win for the Taff Vale side, balancing out an earlier 43-38 in the corresponding fixture.

Penarth: Ben Jones, Luc Keane-Adams (Osian Phillips), Andy Richards (Rhys Gant), Osian Coates, James Crothers, James Candy, Spencer Robinson, Harry Wood (Sam Sully), Mason Good (Tom Griffiths), Alan Doyle, Cameron Sultana, Will Odgers (Dan Cahalane), Gruff Sion, Owen Lloyd, Alex Abel.

Scorers: Luc Keane-Adams (try), Ben Jones (4 conversions, penalty), Will Odgers (try), Osian Coates (2 tries), Owen Lloyd (try), Tom Griffihs (try).

© Peter Weston 14-Sep-25

There might have been an element of uncertainty about travelling to Abercynon. They beat Penarth 23-21 at the end of last season before being narrowly denied promotion by eventual champions St.Josephs. Were ‘Cynon going to be as strong as last season? Would any of the promoted or relegated clubs mount a challenge this season? How would a Penarth side without several key players manage?

We needn’t have worried. Penarth are sitting comfortably at the top of Division 1 East Central again after the opening games and all those questions have been answered in full.

The pitch was firm and the sun shone, but the strong easterly breeze running throughout the game was going to dictate the nature of the game, if not the result. Penarth played into wind in the first half and had effectively won the game by half-time as they turned around with the wind at their backs..

The conditions favoured the hosts, who naturally dominated possession as Penarth struggled to make progress against the breeze. ‘Cynon opened the scoring after 5 minutes, but the visitors struck back six minutes later from a 5-metre line-out. Five phases on the line before Alan Doyle crossed in the corner.

‘Cynon were back in the lead 4 minutes later from an attacking line-out, but Penarth had other ideas as openside Alex Abel carved his way through the centre all the way to the home 22 and Ben Jones completed the score. Minutes later it was Osian Coates making the line break for Spencer Robinson to cross.

By this time Penarth were totally in charge of everything but the wind, and ‘Cynon could only exploit their advantage to the tune of a converted penalty. The visitors finished the half in fine style as a penalty led to a five-metre line-out and a well-worked try for Matt Allen. 

The second half was, if anything, an anti-climax. The game was, as expected, now being played in Abercynon’s half and in the first ten minutes, Osian Coates and Cam Sultana had added to the score with well-taken tries. Now leading 32-15, the game was firmly in the bag for Penarth.

Further tries followed as first Kian Lloyd came up with the key line-break for a James Candy try and Andy Richards side-stepped half the defence before scoring on the hour. Here the game effectively ended. The hosts’ nerve finally cracked as their right wing was dismissed with a red card and both scrum-halves we ordered from the field for what appeared to be HIAs! No further scores ensued as the referee eliminated all continuity and momentum.

Penarth looked very much the part, comfortable and effective in both defence and attack. Next Saturday’s trip to the Reservoir Field to face neighbours Barry ought to be one to savour.

Penarth: Ben Jones, Luc Keane-Adams, Andy Richards, Osian Coates, Cian Lewis, James Candy, Spencer Robinson (Osian Phillips), Geraint Williams (Harry Wood), Mason Good (Lewys Williams), Alan Doyle, Cameron Sultana, Matt Allen (Will Odgers), Kian Lloyd, Owen Lloyd, Alex Abel.

Scorers: Spencer Robinson (try), Ben Jones (try, 3 conversions), Alan Doyle (try), Matt Allen, Osian Coates, Cam Sultana, James Candy, Andy Richards.

© Peter Weston 07-Sep-25

Penarth (7) 14 Beddau (21) 50

Every time you gain promotion, there’s always some uncertainty about how a team will fare against a higher quality of opposition. After two successive promotions for Penarth, we can already be sure that they are more than comfortable at Division One level, sitting comfortably in a top four who were by some distance better than the rest.

A third promotion wasn’t out of the question until late in the season, so some consideration of the challenges waiting in Championship East had to be given. The Glamorgan County RFC Silver Ball final against Beddau RFC wasn’t, perhaps, a fair example, as the Green and Gold Army had already walked away with the title and will play in the Premiership next season.

The Seasiders were short of several first team regulars, but were resolute and well-organised as they faced a heavyweight Beddau pack augmented by a fast and inventive back division. The story of the game was dominated by the struggle for Penarth in gaining meaningful field position, which meant scoring opportunities were scarce.

However, the defensive organisation and effort was a thing of beauty in itself and a dominant opposition were kept at bay throughout the first quarter until Beddau opened the scoring on 22 minutes. Further tries arrived towards the end of the half, but it they had to work hard for every point, as the Seasiders held out magnificently. Better than that, the last assault was halted as Dom Owen hacked a loose ball downfield and Alex Abel hared after it, being caught under the posts. Scrum V for Penarth, quick ball and Evan Jones scores.

The second half wasn’t any easier, as Beddau relentlessly ramped up the try count, adding a further five as the game opened up and their back made all the running. Then again, Penarth were able to prove that if they had the field position, they could definitely score tries. On 48 minutes, with the score at 7-26, a sequence of penalties and a line-out free kick set up Will Odgers for a drive to the line and a second try for the Seasiders.

All in all, a wonderfully successful year for Penarth at a higher level. An experienced squad with many young players coming through from the Youth is poised to make a real dent in Division One East Central next term. The season was marked with many high points and very few lows. They were the top try scorers, with 108, a stunning average of 6 per game and were only outscored in points by second-placed Abercynon. They beat every team in the division at least once.

Much credit is due to the coaching team, with special mention for the contribution of the inspiring work of Paul Williams, who insists he’s taking a step back by taking on Penarth Youth next season. Penarth RFC’s success is based on a steady supply of Youth talent and Paul’s involvement At this level is a huge investment in the future.

PENARTH:Rhys Morgan, Luc Keane-Adams, Will Hardy (Leon Andrews), Alex Abel, James Crothers (Ben Wellington), Ben Jones, Josh Marshall, Bradman Williams (Jerome Bryan), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Ryan Jones (Sean O’Sullivan), Will Odgers, Dom Owen (Dan Cahalane), Kian Lloyd, Evan Jones ©, Harry Roberts (James Coslett)

Scorers: Evan Jones (try), Will Odgers (try), Ben Jones (2 conversions).

The Athletic welcomed rivals St Joseph’s II on Saturday as the top two teams in the East District Premier Division closed out their respective seasons. The Joe’s are worthy champions, with their only loss before Saturday to Penarth Athletic back in March.

What unfolded was a remarkable game of rugby, but was also a display of the strength in depth for both clubs, as in excess of 50 players took to the field with no let up in the level of quality and commitment on show.

As much as the Joe’s were effective upfront, Penarth were equally effective with ball in hand and played with tempo and excitement throughout. Rhys Morgan and James Candy orchestrated proceedings, complemented by powerful ball carrying from Will Hardy, Dan Calahane and livewire flanker (and man of the match) Alex Abel. Harry Wood led well from the front alongside the veteran pairing of James Crothers and James Coslett.

A flurry of first half tries from both sides provided a half time scoreline of 24-26 and with everything to play for, both benches really influenced the course of the game. Sam Sullivan and Ben Wellington’s early introduction added more firepower to the Penarth attack, whilst scrum half replacement Ifan Sion kept releasing quick and accurate ball to his backline.

With the scoreline at 31-54 in favour of the visitors as we entered the final quarter, no-one really expected anything other than a Joe’s victory. But back came the Athletic, with the bench making a further impact on the momentum of the game. Chris Mortimer and James Peploe Williams carried powerfully, while forward pairing of Dom Owen and Matt Allen added experience up front, giving the backs an attacking platform which eventually told.

With momentum firmly with the home side, but still two points behind, a penalty allowed the Athletic to go for the corner in the last play of the match. Debutant Dan Mears was orchestrating the forward attack and the pressure on the Joe’s try line eventually told, with the pack crashing over, for the final score of 57-53 in favour of the home side.

A well-deserved victory for an Athletic team that has grown in confidence and ability this year. To field such a strong side, with many of the players having represented the first XV this season, shows the progress the club has made in the last year to promote second team rugby. With a blend of experience, youthful exuberance and an exciting pattern of play that is very evident across both senior sides, the signs are positive as we look forward to next season.

Penarth:

George Kynaston, Will Hardy, James Candy, Will Lloyd, Owen Lewis, Rhys Morgan, Tom Hillman, Harry Wood, Bradman Williams, Henry George, Harrison Pugsley, Dan Calahane, James Crothers, Alex Abel, James Coslett.

Substitutions (all used): James Edwards, Dan Mears, Sam Sullivan, Louie Gwatkin, Dom Owen, Ben Wellington, Leon Appiah, Daniel Botfield, Matt Alle, Will Lewis, Cian Lewis, James Peploe-Williams, Chris Mortimer.

Two well-matched sides faced each in front of a large crown of nearly 1,000 spectators, but after an early Rhys Mottram penalty, the Joes slowly took control. They levelled the scores with a penalty of their own, but went into the lead with a well-taken unconverted try from a line-out drive. The rest of the first half was quite messy, as the sides’ efforts largely cancelled each other out and busy though everyone was, no further scores ensued and St.Joseph’s led 11-3 at half-time.

While the Seasiders still looked comfortable, the Joes suddenly burst into life from the second half kick-off. Their full-back simply ran clear through the home defence to score and put his side further ahead at 3-16. Were the Joes edging their way to a comfortable win and the Division 1 (EC) title, or was it that the Seasiders were simply biding their time?

Part of the answer lay in the dominance of the Penarth line-out as this well-oiled machine delivered a stream of possession in the away half of the pitch. The hosts were starting to look purposeful and their patience paid off in the 50^th minute as a line-out drive to the line yielded a try for captain Miles Jones.

Further scoring chances were narrowly missed as St.Josephs clung on to their eight-point lead and it was all Penarth as we approached the hour mark. The visitors were under pressure and rushed a short clearance to touch, allowing the Seasiders to launch another attack. Ben Jones hurled a long flat pass out to Spencer Robinson and the scrum-half perfectly timed his delivery to wing Harry Williams, who scored in the corner. An excellent touch-line conversion by Rhys Mottram brought the scores nearly level at 15-16.

Once again, it was the Joes who struck next against the run of play as the full-back sliced through and set up a ruck 30m out. Quick ball set the left wing running and a converted try to extend the lead to 15-23. This didn’t seem to affect the dominant Seasiders at all, as they resumed their assaults in the Joes’ 22. An exchange of line-outs proved decisive as St.Josephs fumbled their throw and Penarth mauled quickly to the line, where Spencer Robinson darted over by the posts.

The last five minutes seemed to be going the Seasiders’ way as the pack dominated, but a Joes penalty was kicked to touch, their back failed to exploit line-out possession and Mottram kicked ahead, securing and converting the match-winning penalty.

With the championship now settled in St.Joseph’s favour due to their losing bonus point, Penarth’s attention now turns to their own final league game next week at Abercwmboi. A bonus-point win there (the Seasiders won 47-24 earlier in the season) would take them past Rhydyfelin into third place.

PENARTH:Ben Jones, George Roberts, Andy Richards (Luc Keane-Adams), Rhys Beynon, Harry Williams, Rhys Mottram, Spencer Robinson, Geraint Williams, Tom Griffiths, Alan Doyle (Sam Sully), Owen Lloyd (Will Odgers), Cam Sultana, Kian Lloyd, Miles Jones ©, Harry Roberts

Scorers: Miles Jones (try), Harry Williams (try), Spencer Robinson (try), Rhys Mottram (2 penalties, 2 conversions).

This was never a game that the Seasiders were going to struggle with. Rhiwbina were already losing their struggle to stay in Div 1 East Central and had already lost 84-0 at the Athletic Field back in November.

Penarth were close to full strength, having waited four weeks since their last game and facing a three-week wait for the next game.

In the end, the Seasiders had too much of everything for the Squirrels: size, skill and sheer numbers. You wouldn’t guess from the way that Rhiwbina never gave up, but they started with only 15 players and finished the game with 13, so due respect.

The game, shorn of any pretence to be a real contest, was a simple procession of tries for Penarth, none of them conceded lightly and no simple run-ins. George Roberts fell well short of his personal best against Rhiwbina, scoring a mere four, rather than his usual six. Sam Sully started at loose head and his partner on the tight head put him into a gap for a trademark try.

Spence retired early once the bonus point had been gained (26 minutes) and Josh Marshall gave us a neat display of his work capped by a classic scrum try at the base. The back row were lively throughout, with only Kian Lloyd missing out on a score, captain Milo and Evan Jones marking up one apiece.

Tom Griff and Ben Jones also crossed for well-worked tries, while Cam Sultana and Will Odgers were an athletic pairing, the latter working tirelessly on his line-breaks for the try that never quite materialised. Rhys Mottram caught the eye with his kicking game and finished up converting nine of the thirteen tries, while Mason Good topped off a tidy shift with a close-range try.

Once again, the question arose as to whether this was the club’s highest-ever score, the conclusion being that while this was the probably the biggest in terms of ‘points for’ the earlier game was still the greater margin. This was entirely down to the resilience of the Squirrels, who had a mountain to climb, but never gave up, being rewarded with two tries.

With three games remaining, the Seasiders are still leading the table, but with only an outside chance of still being there at the final whistle. Unless an earlier rearrangement of the St.Joseph’s game is announced, the next fixture will be an away game at Abercwmboi, followed a week later by a visit to rivals Abercynon.

Penarth: James Candy, George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Harry Williams, (Been Jones), Rhys Mottram, Ben Jones, Spencer Robinson (Josh Marshall), Sam Sully (Harry Wood), Tom Griffiths (Mason Good), Ryan Jones (Alan Doyle), Will Odgers)., Cameron Sultana, Evan Jones, Miles Jones, Kian Lloyd.

Scorers: George Roberts (4 tries), Spencer Robinson (2 tries), Ben Jones (try, 2 conversions), Sam Sully (try), Miles Jones (try), Tom Griffiths (try), Josh Marshall (try), Mason Good (try), Evan Jones (try), Rhys Mottram (9 conversions).

© Peter Weston 03-Feb-25

Ignoring for a moment Llanharan (who only have one game in hand, but are 17 points adrift) you come to Abercynon (who we don’t meet again until the end of March) and next Saturday’s opponents Rhydyfelin.

The Village lost a close game against Abercynon last Saturday, which arguably drops them out of the promotion running, leaving the top three to sort it out between themselves over the next two months.

With the Seasiders still averaging 40 points a game (the 84 against Rhiwbina certainly helped there), you can’t rule anything out.

The Seasiders have consistently dealt with the Lions over the last two seasons as both clubs have risen from Division 2 to Division 1. They usually do this by way of simply out-scoring the opposition in terms of tries and having already notched up 77 in their previous 12 games, this seemed to be the best approach.

All the more so when Llanishen made life very difficult in the opening half-hour as Penarth struggled for possession and failed to gain their usual dominance in the set piece. Luckily Rhys Beynon is mining a thick seem of form at present and he blew the game apart with a dazzling solo. Receiving a pass on his own 10m line, he sliced through the defence to score the game’s opening try.

This definitely settled the Seasiders as they fell back on the maul as means of attack and having driven a line-out to the line for a penalty, they pushed the resulting scrum over for a Miles Jones try. The Lions pulled three points back just before half-time.

Leading 12-3 at the break, Penarth lost no time in getting the scoreboard moving. An attacking line-out in the Llanishen 22 was tapped back by Miles Jones to Mason Good, who dived over in the corner. The Lions were much encouraged as a storming dash along the touchline by blindside flanker Solomon Simon brought them their first try, but the Seasiders’ pack were in their element as they drove another scrum over the line for a second Miles Jones try and a 200-point club milestone for the captain.

Now leading 24-8, the result was probably now a formality and so it proved. A wonderful handling movement involving several players was finished with a flourish by ‘outside-half-for-a -day’ Spencer Robinson. A second try for the visitors four minutes from was only a brief pause before a stunning final act.

On the brink of full-time, we were treated to a penalty kick for three points by Andy Richards, but this didn’t quite run the clock down and Llanishen had to restart. As Harry Williams fielded the kick on his own twenty-two you might have expected a kick to touch to finish the game. However, that’s not the Penarth way and the stylish full-back simply played what was in front of him as he accelerated across the 10m line. No-one could lay a finger on him as he completed the score.

Another six try win for a new total of 83 with the Seasiders visibly easing away from St.Joseph’s and now leading the table by six points. With five games to go, most of them tricky fixtures, with a visit to 5^th-placed Rhydyfelin next item on the agenda, it’s anyone’s guess how this will all end up. One thing’s for sure: the Seasiders are definitely giving it their best shot.

Head Coach Matt Bolton writes ….

• A great performance in challenging conditions against resilient opposition. While there are still areas of our game to improve, the coaching team felt this was one of our best performances of the season. It’s great to stay at the top of the league with some crucial games ahead!

There was little doubt that Penarth would finish the afternoon leading Division 1 East Central, unless something very strange happened in their game against Porth Harlequins at the Welfare Ground on Nythbran Terrace. After all, Harry Wood was celebrating his 100^th appearance and had a strong team around him.

In the end, both of these things happened in a deeply weird encounter. The Seasiders were visiting the bottom club, without a win to their name so far, but a team that had scored four unexpected tries in the previous match at the Athletic Field in October.

The opening exchanges went well for the Seasiders as they went into a 10-0 lead courtesy of a fine try by Harry Williams in the fourth minute, but the Quins struck back after 20 minutes with an unconverted try by centre Gavin Lane. Penarth took this warning seriously and moved into a commanding lead in the following five minutes. First, a thrilling line break by Alan Doyle was finished off spectacularly by Cam Sultana and then a brilliant solo effort from Rhys Beynon, running rings around the home defence.

Leading 22-5, with 15 minutes to go to half-time, the Seasiders were totally in charge, except for Porth number 8 Davon Davies popping up with his side’s second try. No matter – Penarth had hit top gear and went on to score two more tries before the break. Ben Wellington claimed the first with a lightning break down the tramlines, but the try of the afternoon was an exhilarating side-stepping break from Andy Richards, finished off with a fine dash to the line.

As the second half kicked off, the visitors looked entirely comfortable with their 36-10 lead and this only got better as Tom Griffiths added a sixth try in his usual style, marching though the defence to the line.

Now here’s the thing, leading 43-10 with half an hour to go, the Seasiders simply never added to their score. On the other hand, the Quins never stopped looking for any points they could lay their hands on and actually secured a try bonus with three converted tries. Admittedly, the visitors had emptied the bench before the hour mark and continued to look for further scores, but nothing ever came of it.

Penarth now lead the division by three points, while St.Joseph’s, busy this weekend losing 26-28 away at Caernarfon in the Division 1 Cup quarter-final, have two games in hand. Next Saturday the Joe’s have a tricky away match at Llanharan, while the Seasiders welcome 6^th-placed Llanishen to the Athletic Field. The race for promotion is not over yet, but Penarth have to negotiate tricky away games at challengers Rhydyfelin and Abercynon before they can dream of greater things.

Penarth: Ben Jones. George Roberts, Andy Richards, Rhys Beynon, Harry Williams, Rhys Mottram (Ben Wellington), Spencer Robinson (Tom Hillman), Harry Wood (Geraint Williams), Mason Good, Alan Doyle (Ryan Jones), Will Odgers, Dom Owen, Cameron Sultana, Miles Jones © (Kian Lloyd), Tom Griffths