18th October 2008
Penallta 20 v 15 Beddau
Penallta made 5 change to the side that lost against Bargoed last week bringing
in props Nicky Thomas and Mark Bassett, Daniel Meade and fit again Andrew
Jackson in the back row and Karl Rees onto the wing. Beddau on the back of a big
win against Rumney included ex Penallta favourite Rhys Cleverley at hooker . The
away pack once again dwarfed the Penallta 8 and a hard game was again expected
in the scrums. Beddau however did not destroy the Penallta scrum as did Bargoed
the previous week therefore giving Howie Walsh time to get his back line moving.
With a young looking Beddau three quarter line looking to move the ball as well,
an entertaining game started to develop however frequent mistakes by both teams
meant that after 20 minutes the score remained 0- 0. From deep within their own
half a fine cross kick was well fielded by the Beddau winger who side stepped
his way to the line before being tackled 5 metres short . His flick pass however
was caught by the centre to score the opening try.
Penallta replied in similar manner when a dangerous looking Beddau attack was stopped in the 22 with the alert James Powell sending a long kick down field chased by Karl Rees who controlled the ball well to score. Penallta then started to take control but were guilty on many occassions of trying to force a pass instead of setting up another phase. Beddau ended the half with a well taken penalty kick.
Penallta took early control of the second half and after a nice switch involving Richard Rowe and Steve Davies a penalty was awarded kicked by Rowe.
Centre Andrew Jenkins had one of his best games and full back James Powell looked dangerous every time he had the ball until he was forced off with an injury with 25 minutes remaining. Matters were made worse when loose lineout ball resulted in a try for the Beddau flanker.
Shortly after however Penallta won good ruck ball in their own half and Steve Richards came in off the blindside on a great angle to split the defence before off loading to Geraint Thomas who in turn found Karl Rees who made ground before passing back to Thomas to gallop through under the posts and make the score 15 - 15.
Penallta sensing a victory then attacked at every opportunity and Geraint Thomas nearly scored his second try knocking the ball forward when a try seemed inevitable. The try did eventually come when good phase play saw the ball spun out left and right before landing in the arms of Steve Richards to score out wide.
With the conversion missed Penalllta had to show great defensive qualities to prevent Beddau scoring in the closing minutes and take a valuable 4 points which gives them confidence going into next weeks game away to neighbours Caerphilly.
Tries
Karl rees
Geraint Thomas
Steve Richards
Penalty
Rowe
Conversion
Rees
Karl rees
Geraint Thomas
Steve Richards
Penalty
Rowe
Conversion
Rees