Penallta Youth travelled to Ynysybwl to play a friendly against a team that has been somewhat of a bogey team because despite all the success they have had over the past few seasons Penallta haven't won at the Bwl for quite a few years.

It was a glorious day for running rugby and 'Pen' didn't disappoint and scored a very good try within 5 minutes of the the kick-off.

Because Penallta only had 17 players due to injuries they fielded a couple of Bargoed backs, one of whom - Liam Mathews - (starting at centre) scored the first try with an excellent side step and turn of speed, leaving all the Bwl backs for dead.  Following the conversion Ynysybwl put the Youth under pressure which was soaked up well by a strong defence lead by Full back Seb Toms (usually a flanker) leading the first of many counter attacks .

The game swung back and forth for long periods mainly highlighted by The Blue and Golds' inability to take the final pass and cross the try line.  Ynysybwl did manage to get on the score board due to a silly penalty and a dropped goal but the Youth scored another superb try through back James Clark (Bargoed) which was again converted -  taking the score to 14-6 at half time.

Penallta started the second half strong but once again gave away a stupid penalty and with a quick "tap and go" scored an opportunist try which was unconverted.

The second half was the same as the first with Penallta applying pressure but unable to score .The Penallta coaches were able to give all the players a run out including the Bargoed boys (thanks Lads) whose own match was cancelled due to not having a ref.

With just a few minutes to go the visitors were awarded a penalty one metre inside their own half which was impressively converted by Squirrel back from his cameo appearance in "Home and Away".  When the final whistle blew Penallta's celebrations were lead by man of the match Luke Purnell who, for me, played his best game for Penallta so far.