After their scheduled League fixture against Abercynon 2nds was called off late in the week, Penallta Athletic made the short journey down the Rhymney Valley to take on Bedwas 2nd's in a friendly at Pandy Park.

 

Penallta were fielding a much changed side to the one that had comprehensively defeated Mountain Ash the previous week. With First team call ups, injuries, and work commitments they had 10 players unavailable and travelled with a squad of only 17 players. Veteran Micky Williams partnered Captain Mike Oliver in the second row, and young flanker Steve Davies made his debut.

 

Playing with the wind and rain at their backs, Penallta had much the better start and put the Bedwas side under an immense amount of pressure. The Penallta scrum was immense with the front row of Dean Davies, Dale Roberts, and another youngster making his debut Alex Borghese, in total control of their Bedwas counterparts.  Borghese - a former Bedwas
player - seemed to have a point to prove and had an excellent game.

 

On 7 minutes and after some sustained pressure Penallta were awarded a penalty on the Bedwas 22 which was duly converted by outside half Gafyn Hughes.  Both sides tried to run the ball at every opportunity in difficult conditions, and with the elements in their favour it was Penallta who added two further scores - Hughes kicking two penalties on 20 and 32 minutes, the second a magnificent kick from over 50 metres out. There was no other scores during the first half and Penallta lead 9 - 0 at the break.

 

The second half started with Bedwas in the driving seat, and now having the advantage of the wind and rain. After a sustained forward drive they scored close to the Penallta posts after 45 minutes, which they converted to put them right back in the game.  Penallta substitutes Alun Radcliffe and Jason "Gaffa" Griffiths had now entered the fray and it was the forwards who set up the next score.  After winning the ball 40 metres out centre Andrew Jenkins broke a number of tackles before feeding flanker Chris Harvey, he drove the ball into the Bedwas 22 and after some quick recycling of the ball impressive Ross Morgan forced his way over the line. The conversion missed Penallta now lead 14 - 7, but Bedwas were quickly back on the attack.  From the kick off Penallta were slow to react and Bedwas retained the ball, after a drive into the Penallta 22 Bedwas were awarded a penalty, a quick tap and some poor tackling by Penallta saw the home side score a second converted try to bring the scores level at 14 - 14 (60 minutes). 

 

Bedwas then made a number of changes having the advantage of having a full compliment of substitutes, and this proved to be decisive. Hughes kicked a fourth penalty for Penallta on 65 minutes to give them a 17 - 14 lead but it was Bedwas who were looking the most likely to score. Out of replacements and with a number of players remaining on the field of play with injuries, Bedwas began to turn the screw. They pinned Penallta back into their 22, but were thwarted by some excellent Penallta defence. Mathew Jackson was prominent and winger Gareth Edwards worked tirelessly.

 

It looked as if the "Pitmen" would hold out to claim a very well deserved victory, but with time ticking down and up against fresh Bedwas legs and a referee whose decisions at times were baffling Bedwas had the last say. Having been awarded a number of dubious penalties Bedwas drove towards the Penallta posts and over the line. The ball appeared to have been lost by the Bedwas No 8 as he attempted to touch down, the ball shooting out and over the dead ball line. But to every ones surprise - including the Bedwas supporters behind the goal - the referee awarded the try, which was again converted (75 minutes). Bedwas now lead 21 - 17 and were able to close out the remaining few minutes of the game to claim victory.

 

A draw would have possibly been a fair reflection of the game, but it was victory to Bedwas and the Athletics first defeat of the season. There were some very good performances, with scrum half Gareth Watkins having another very good game, Gafyn Hughes at outside half is improving with every game and took the Man of the Match award for his goal kicking display.

 

Next week sees the Athletic home at Trinity Fields in a league game against Abertridwr (not for the faint hearted), and lets hope with players returning and a good turnout in training, a return to winning ways.