It was not many seasons ago that non league Penallta could only dream of playing against a club such as Newbridge – let alone compete in the same Division &, after their 53 nil defeat at Christmas, it was with some trepidation that The Pitmen welcomed The Pigs to Trinity Fields.  It was all change at Penallta yet again this Saturday – the sun was shining and injuries & prior commitments necessitated the call up of several key Athletic team players as well as several positional changes.

James Powell dropped back to full back, youth/athletic team centre Seb Toms was called up to the wing with Joe Merriman reverting to his youth team centre position for Richard Rowe to take over at outside half.  Today also saw the welcome return of Scott Beasant who last played in the reverse fixture at Newbridge when he was stretchered off with a neck injury.

Penallta got off to a dream start when, only a few minutes after kick off, the pack drove over the visitors’ line and Matthew Tucker emerged from the bottom of the ruck to claim his first try of the season.   Five minutes later wing Lee Thomas started a move that saw some excellent handling form the backs &18 year old Seb Toms darted across the line for his first try.  With Newbridge guilty of repeated infringements it was only a matter of time before James Powell slotted over his first kick to give Penallta a 13 nil lead after less than 20 minutes.

Newbridge, however are not second in the table for nothing and launched a comeback in the second quarter.  Dominating in the scrum they added an unanswered 21 points (2 tries, a conversion & three penalties) to finish the first half 21 – 13 up.

Shortly after half time, with the Newbridge prop in the bin, Matthew Tucker forced his way over from short range & Pouchy converted to bring the scoreline back within one point - 20 – 21 & the Penallta supporters dared to hope that division one rugby might still be a possibility next season!  For almost 20 minutes the two teams ran at each other, the Penallta pack defending magnificently & the two sets of backs throwing the ball around in an attempt to break the deadlock.  Young Seb was unlucky not to claim his second try when he was stopped just short of the try- line only to be turned over the line by the defender & ground the ball – the referee however, decided that the ball had been held up.

The turning point in the second half cane when Penallta were reduced to 14 men following some ‘illegal’ defending.  The Newbridge backs were ruthless in exploiting the resulting overlap and scored a try almost immediately in the corner.  This was quickly followed by another when a quick throw in followed by  a lovely cross field kick gave Newbridge an easy run in.  The Penallta team were now tiring rapidly & the final 2 minutes of the game saw them concede another 2 easy tries  to give Newbridge a convincing 47 – 20 win.

Overall it was an entertaining game of rugby with 9 tries & two teams prepared to play some good rugby.  Penallta should take heart that they gave a good account of themselves and that so many Athletic/Youth regulars have stepped up admirably to stake their own claims on first team places.  With Beddau & Newport Saracens also losing – it’s ‘as you were’ at the bottom of  the table.

Next week Caerphilly visit Ystrad Mynach & after the close result at Virginia Park, it is a game the Pitmen must be targeting as a possible 4 points.

Newbridge Teamsheet not provided