Report Ystrad Rhondda 13 March

Penallta are not renown for their mid week performances so the Penallta faithful could be forgiven for facing the trip to Gelligaled park with some trepidation. Injuries to several key players meant it was all change again on the teamsheet and also gave three players the opportunity to play their first Division One rugby for Penallta. Steve Davies dropped back to full back, leaving the centre position open for player/coach Alan Lucas' debut and Rhys Hallett (on permit) was named on the wing. Huw Stevens was recalled to the second row & Gareth Edwards was called up to the first team bench.

Penallta went into the game having won 3 out of 3 over Ystrad Rhondda, the last two encounters having been very even matched affairs. The Ystrad supporters were confident of a bonus point win on this occasion having now apparently cemented their new position in Division One. However, this game was also to prove evenly matched with both sides attempting to play some open rugby, but it was the boot of Ystrad regular Jervis who drew first blood with a penalty after 15 minutes when Penallta were penalised for offside.

Ystrad added to their lead 10 minutes later when Jervis found his way through the Penallta defence towards the corner. The ball was recycled and the Ystrad centre ran in under the posts & Penallta found themselves 10 points down. Penallta had their share of the possession but were unable to turn it into points.

The Pitmen are not known for letting their heads drop & started to exert some pressure on their opposition. With the referee playing a penalty advantage from a scrum, Howie Walsh switched direction with a beautifully weighted pass out to Rhys Hallett who offloaded for Keiran Mahoney to power over the try line in the corner.

With full back Steve Davies converting, the half time whistle blew – leaving the half time score Ystrad 10 Penallta 7.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first with both teams jockeying for possession and territory. First blood again went to the boot of Jervis and their lead was extended after a second converted try. With 10 minutes left to play Penallta were staring at an eleven point deficit but once again sheer determination won through. The Penallta forwards repeatedly drove up the field from a lineout before releasing the speed of the backs. Outside half Joe Merriman spun through the Ystrad defence and passed out to Hallett who found his way outside the defending backline to score a well worked try.

Fullback Davies slotted the conversion to bring the Pitmen back into bonus point range – 20 points to 14.

With time almost up, the travelling Penallta supporters (those of us who hadn’t jetted off for the Italy game) held their breath as Ystrad were awarded a late, kickable penalty. However, it was relief all round as the ball sailed wide of the posts and Penallta came away with a well deserved bonus point and a creditable performance. Young Rhys Hallett slotted in well on the wing and worked well with Davies who looked comfortable at full back. Walsh & Merriman are developing into a solid half back partnership belying of their years. The Penallta pack gave a solid performance with Dale giving his usual captain’s performance of leading by example.

Penallta now have a well earned two week break for the Six Nations. Next up is Bargoed away on March 28^th and with recent results not going Bargoed’s way - it is a game that Penallta surely must target if they are to remain in Division One.

Scorers
Tries
Keiran Mahoney
Rhys Hallett
Convs
Steve Davies (x2)