Report Athletic 28 Feb Ynysybwl

On a day that was perfect for Rugby, Penallta Athletic travelled to Ynysybwl for this much awaited Keith Jones Cup Semi Final fixture. For Penallta it was a chance to reach the final for a third successive season and victory would give them a chance of revenge against the side who beat them in last year's final - Bargoed Warriors. With a number of players not available for selection Penallta were forced to make a number of changes late on, drafting in a number of talented Youth team players, but must have still fancied their chances having beaten Ynysybwl quite comprehensively in their previous league encounter.

What they came up against however was a much changed Ynysybwl side with only a small number of players recognisable from the league fixture earlier in the season. With a large heavy pack and youthful back line it was obvious from the outset that they were going to provide much sterner opposition for the Athletic. Penallta exerted early pressure but the Ynysybwl defence was both solid and aggressive. The first score came from a Penallta attack. Having collected a clearance kick, the backs ran the ball on the half way line but a moment of indecision saw the Ynysybwl centre intercept the ball and run in unopposed from fifty metre out. A few minutes later the Bwl were awarded a penalty which they converted to lead 8 - 0. Penallta appeared shell-shocked and with the Bwl gaining in confidence they were soon back on the attack. After several strong forward drives they recycled the ball on the Penallta 22 and some poor defence saw their outside half ghost through for a very good solo try under the posts. This converted, Ynysybwl now lead 15 - 0 with 20 minutes gone.

Back however came Penallta again putting pressure on the Bwl, but again their defence held firm against the Penallta onslaught. Then came 10 minutes of sheer madness for Penallta when twice, whilst in attacking positions deep inside the Ynysybwl half of the field, they gifted the opposition with a further two interception passes which resulted in two further tries for the home side. As the half time whistle sounded Ynysbwl lead 25 - 0 and it was a case of salvaging some pride now for the Athletic.

The score aside, Penallta had shown flashes of the rugby they know they are capable of producing. The back three of Darren Hooper, Gareth Edwards and youth player Sebastian Toms were excellent, with Toms probably the best player on the park from both sides. Both in attack and defence he excelled. Daniel Barwood at scrum half worked tirelessly to get the Athletic back in the game and youth team outside half Dale Jones showed up well with his delivery and kicking of the ball being nothing short of top class.

In the forwards - prop Carl Smythe terrorised his opponent with his powerful scrummaging, Craig Morris gave his usual 110% and youth team No 8 Owen Stacey had a fine senior debut until he left the field with an injury in the second half. The second half saw a much improved display from the Athletic but chasing the game they were always going to be exposed to the counter attack. Although having much the better of the territory and possession they could only manage one try by 'man of the match' Toms, this sandwiched between two further scores by the Bwl one coming in the last minute of the game. The final score 35 - 5 to the Bwl who having scored 6 tries to 1 thoroughly deserved their victory.

What the Athletic must take away and learn from this is that you must never take anything for granted, being so successful over the past 3-4 seasons means everyone else wants a piece of you and some will go to extraordinary lengths to achieve this we saw it last year and this one is no different. With the League title still up for grabs and home games still to play against Beddau, Caerphilly, Bargoed and away to the Bwl the season is far from over.
The "F TROOP" are still up there with the best.

On a more positive note the blooding of some of this seasons youth side into the senior set up is a major plus point and there is no doubt some will go on and play in the first fifteen in the next couple of seasons. What Penallta as a club still have which is now becoming unique in the top flight of Welsh Rugby is local players playing for their local club, with a spirit that will always burn brighter than for those who employ the silver dollar chasers, who play, take their booty and go back to their home clubs by 5.30 on a Saturday to spend it. After-match festivities at Penallta's new club house are "awesome" come and experience it for yourself.

I would also like to thank all the Athletic players who contributed to my birthday drink on Saturday in an attempt to make me look a laughing stock! Me, not being a renowned drinker- they attempted to destroy me with the 2 1/2 pint Boot of Strongbow, followed by a double Malibu and pineapple, all washed down with a pint of Guinness. Lesson 2 for the day boys don't take anything for granted. Seb Toms look and learn that's how you handle your beer, you have a long way to go yet before you are up there with the "Big Boys". And for the record I am not 51, ONLY 45.