SAT 6 MAR 10 - CRYNANT AWAY

A LACK LUSTRE PERFORMANCE FROM PENLAN BUT WITH A WIN

It was an ideal day for rugby at Crynant with a pitch that was in good condition. Referee Darren Gains from Pontypridd got the fixture under way with spectators anticipating an entertaining game. Uncharacteristically Penlan put on a poor display not seeming to play a wholly team game. It was a physical but fair game with a number of stoppages for minor injuries.

The first half was a battle for dominance during which Crynant failed to profit on at least three penalty kicks. Penlan pressure was finally awarded after about 35 minutes when a Penlan lineout led to a determined push for the Crynant goal line. Second row Adam Glover got possession of the ball and, closely supported by No. 8 Ross Tregembo, he safely landed the try. Full back Scott Davies made the seemingly effortless conversion. That was the only score during the first half.

Adam Glover gets the try supported by Ross Tregembo

Both team coaches gave firm advice to their sides during the break In the second half Crynant were using their weight and just before 10 minutes made a determined push for the Penlan corner flag. They eventually found a way through the defence to land a try. There followed a constant back and fore contest with some kicking which did not lead to any advantage. There was fumbling by Penlan on occasions and some good moves came to nothing. At 30 minutes and then 35 minutes they secured points from two penalties courtesy of Scott Davies safe boot to advance the score to 5 – 13.

In the final stages Penlan rallied somewhat especially with the entry of Granite Man Craig Francis into the front row, and made good use of open play. They were scrummaging well and at 40 minutes secured a scrum near the opposition's post. Some quick passing and pace saw scrum-half Dominic Cambriani dive over the line to ground the ball. Scott Davies secured the conversion.

Scrum-half Dominic Cambriani cannot be stopped

Full Back Scott Davies has the power and direction

Just before the final whistle wing Jason Garmey was deprived of a certain third Penlan try as he sprinted free up the wing by a team mate pointlessly impeding a Crynant opponent. So the score stood as a 5 – 20 Penlan win as the final whistle blew.

It is fair to comment that Penlan were missing some key players but their display was disappointing to those who have seen their usual exciting game. Nevertheless they secured a win from the encounter despite being off form.

Our next game will not be until after the two week break for the 6 Nations game, and that will be at home to Cwmtwrch on 27th. March.

All Division 5 South West Results today
Alltwen 18 Birchgrove 33
Crynant 5 Penlan 20
Cwmgors 10 Llandybie 16
Cwmtwrch 24 Gowerton 8
Neath Athletic 46 Glais 11
Tycroes 3 Trebanos 53