6th December 2008
Penallta 7 v 9 Newport Saracens
(Half time 0 v 3)
Penallta hosted fellow strugglers Newport Saracens on Saturday hoping to gain vital points in their quest to climb out of the relagation places. The Saracens, who are now coached by locals Matthew Back and Al Borghese, included 5 players who have recently played for Penallta in their squad - as well as several new faces from Caerphilly and Pontypool in a much changed line up. Penallta once again experimented with talented centre Andrew Jenkins in the problem outside half position and included Wales under 20 squad member Morgan Allen in the back row. Saracens had used the 4 week league layoff to play some midweek fixtures and familiarise their new team members and it was they who dominated the first half with Penallta looking laclustre and rusty, however their only reward was a well struck penalty by Simon Skinner.
Penallta started the second half much better and should have scored after 5 minutes when Howie Walsh broke through only to throw a poor pass to Morgan Allen with the tryline at his mercy. Penallta got their just rewards when, after continuous pressure, Andrew Jenkins dummied and sidestepped his way over the line for a try converted by Karl Rees.
Simon Skinner then cut back the lead with another penalty after Saracens' first venture into the Penallta half. Karl Rees who was looking more of his dangerous self, scythed through the centre of the Saracens' defence only to throw a wayward pass to fellow wing Shaun Robson when it seemed easier to score himself and yet another opportunity went astray.
Despite numerous attacking movements Penallta's usual cutting edge was missing although it must be said the Saracens back row were magnificent in defence all afternoon.
The Saracens' main attacking weapon was their strong running inside centre and from one such charge up the middle of the field a short arm tackle resulted in a penalty which was stupidly disputed and a further 10 metres awarded. This made the penalty kickable by Simon Skinner.
With time running out Penallta bombarded the Saracens line and the ball was flicked up to Geraint Thomas who only had to catch it and fall over the line but summing up a frustrating afternoon the ball was knocked on and the game lost.
A losing bonus point allowed Penallta to climb up a league position with Beddau losing. A much improved and confident approach must be given next Saturday when Penallta make the short journey to Blackwood.
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| From Penallta v Newport Saracens |
Scorers
Try
Andrew Jenkins
Conv
Karl Rees
Newport Scorer
Penalties
Simon Skinner (x3)
Try
Andrew Jenkins
Conv
Karl Rees
Newport Scorer
Penalties
Simon Skinner (x3)
Teamsheet
: J
Powell, S Robson, S Davies, S Richards, K Rees, A Jenkins, H
Walsh
G Thomas, M Allen, R Hollister, K Mahoney, J Tucker, M Bassett, D Powell, R Channon
Replacements D Davies, M Palmer, D Morgan, L Thomas, A Soroko
Sarries teamsheet : S Skinner, G Dare, S Taylor, MTaylor ,
W Cunliffe , A
Biddiscombe, N Powell
R Madden (Capt), A Craddock, L Edwards, R Reynolds, M
Davies, D
Way, W Evans, N Gould
Replacements : J Cozzi, S Robinson, A Borghese, M
Delana, N Swanscombe
G Thomas, M Allen, R Hollister, K Mahoney, J Tucker, M Bassett, D Powell, R Channon
Replacements D Davies, M Palmer, D Morgan, L Thomas, A Soroko
Sarries teamsheet : S Skinner, G Dare, S Taylor, M