Report Flower 28 November

In a game that had nothing but local pride resting on the result a Fleur-de-Lys Club XV took on Penallta Athletic on a cold, misty night at Trelyn Park. The result aside the true winner of this game was the introduction and development of younger players at both clubs into the senior rugby arena. Both sides entered into the spirit of this fixture - Fleur playing a mixture of first team players and youth team players, and the Athletic giving a chance to a number of seniors who have been in-active for a number of weeks and again a number of youth and first year senior players.

It was Penallta who had much the better of the opening exchanges putting pressure on Fleur and forcing them back into their 22. With some excellent tactical kicking by youth outside half Dale Jones, the Penallta forwards were able to set up a series of rolling mauls which twice saw them cross the Fleur try line only to be held up by some desperate but excellent Fleur defence. After 20 minutes and against the general run of play, Fleur broke up the right and some excellent passing saw them push deep into the Penallta 22. After being awarded a scrum five metres out, the much bigger and more experienced Fleur pack were able to score a push over try in the right corner. This was the only try of the first half and Fleur went into the break leading 5 - 0.

At the start of the second half both sides made a number of changes. Craig Morris made a welcomed return at Hooker after months on the sidelines with injury. Young Alex Krysan who had put in a spirited first half display was replaced by Keirion Mahoney, and Andre Soroko replaced Gareth Watkins at scrum half. Fleur scored an early second half try which started on the half way line with a knock on by their centre that went at least 4 yards forward! With almost all the players stopping for the referee's whistle (which never came) the ball was hacked through and Fleur scored near to the Penallta posts. Everyone except the Ref had seen the knock on, the referee stating he was "unsighted" at the time.

With a successful conversion Fleur led 12 - 0 and began to play with renewed confidence. After Penallta were turned over on their own 22 Fleur moved the ball left and their centre and captain scored a very good try in the left corner. The kick again positive Fleur now led 19 - 0 going into the last 20 minutes. To their credit Penallta never gave in, from the kick off they were able to put together a period of sustained pressure on the Fleur side. After Fleur infringed Penallta elected to take a quick tap penalty which saw Mahoney power his way over in the corner. Young Dale Jones kicking an excellent conversion to take the score to 19 - 7. The only other score in the game was a drop goal by the young Fleur No 10 the game ending with Fleur taking the spoils 22 - 7.

The score aside the positives were the performances of the young players on both sides, for Penallta youth team boys Luke Purnell and Dale Jones had fine games, and there were also good performances for Ross Morgan and Alex Krysan two first year senior players. Old boy Dean Davies showed up well in the Penallta pack as did fellow prop Mark Bassett. Ben Harding completed 80 minutes in the boiler house second row, and Devin Morgan gave his usual solid performance. Man of the match for Penallta went to Andrew "Pouchy" Powell who performed throughout the game, firstly at flanker and later in the centre.

Steve Smith played his final game for Penallta before joining second division Rhydefelin where he hopes to participate in regular First team rugby. All at Penallta Athletic wish him well for the future.

Next week the Athletic visit League leaders Caerphilly Falcons in what promises to be a real "HUMDINGER", and certainly need to do some work and structured game preparation before this all important clash. At times against Fluer the first line defence was found wanting and there was certainly a lack of communication at times. Little things however that can be put right. With a good attendance at this weeks training sessions and the return of a number of players not available for the Fluer match, the Athletic should be back on track.

Remember boys we are the League Champions from last season, the team everyone wants to beat. So lets get it right this week and clip those Falcons wings, so these pretenders what it really takes to become Champions. Next weeks side will be selected from players who are at this weeks training sessions so if for any good reason (this does not include Xmas Shopping, My other half as booked a meal, I've got a cold, My dog's bad, I fell asleep on the settee, oh my shin splints are killing me, works do, it's too cold, the ground's too hard, I've got scrum pocks, I don't like Steve Tucker) please let Steve, Lusher or Mike Thomas know as soon as possible.

Mike THOMAS.