Penallta Youth played their first "Webb Ellis" cup game but unfortunately it was their last one for this season as they lost to Carmarthan Quins 13-5 in a close but injury packed game.  From the kick off the Quins put Penallta under pressure for several minutes which was comfortably absorbed by a Penallta team that this season  had lost a dozen players through age, transfers and two members emigrating.  (Good luck Squirrel and Cud).

Whilst this loss in numbers would have caused some sides to fold, the strength in depth and numbers in the "Blues and Golds" was on display today with some strong defending and countering.  The Quins showed that they intended to kick for territory as often as possible, which allowed Penallta to try  some good running moves but, after ten minutes centre Seb Toms was taken off to hospital with concussion which called for some positional changes by coaches Steve Richards and Brian Corns.

With the game being evenly matched the Quinns were able to go ahead with a couple of penalties but Penallta came back with several attacks but were  unable to take the final pass to cross the try line.  Carmarthan cleared their lines during one of these times and scored a breakaway try which was converted making the half time score 13-0.

The first twenty minutes after the break was much the same with the B and G's forwards, lead by captain Luke Purnell, driving  the home side back but were unable to turn possesion and territory into points.  With centre Ross Edwards and flanker Blane Rogers both having great games, the game was halted for twenty five minutes awaiting the arrival of an ambulance for Carmarthan's winger and try scorer who was knocked unconsious for several minutes after making a tackle.

After the restart Penallta turned up the pressure scoring a well deserved try through centre Dale Jones which he failed to convert.  With the score at 13-5 Carmarthan were pinned on their line but managed to prevent any further scores despite the visitors throwing everything at them.

The Penallta Youth squad should be very proud of themselves, none more so than Craig Bourne and Rhys Powell (young Pouchy - yes another one! ) both making their youth debut and showing they have what it takes to be Penallta players.

After low pre season numbers in training it was very pleasing for the coaches to see how many players want to play for Penallta Youth.  The first division beckons and the challenge will be taken up!

Tries
Dale Jones