Having at least half a dozen players not available due to injuries, Penallta Athletic were again forced to make a number of changes to their side for this much awaited Rhondda and East Glamorgan Premier League clash against local rivals Abertridwr.  There was a debut for new boy Ben Harding in the second row, flanker Bobby Evans played his second game of the season on the wing, and there was a welcome return for old stalwart Darren Hooper at full back.

 

Displaying plenty of bark off the field prior to the game, Aber were not good enough to deliver the bite on the field when it mattered. Although big and physical up front and aggressive behind they always struggled to contain the skilful running of the Penallta backs with fullback Hooper and Dafydd Morton on the wing giving them a torrid time. Daniel Barwood commanded the game from his favoured scrum half position, and Penallta showed up well in defence with flankers Rhion Hollister and Scott Horton, and wing Bobby Evans putting in some big hits on their opposition.

 

Hollister scored a first half try, and Barwood kicked a penalty, against a penalty for Aber which saw Penallta lead 8 - 3
at half time.

 

The second half mirrored the first with Penallta having the better of the game and had it not been for numerous handling errors and over elaborate moves they may well have run away with the game. Further tries were scored by centre Steve Smith and scrum half Barwood, Barwood converting one of the two tries to bring the score to 20 - 3.  In the dying minutes, but with the game already in the bag, Aber managed a consolation try and conversion to bring the final score to 20 - 10 to Penallta  - who have now won three out of three of their league matches.

 

Coaches Steve Tucker and Leighton John must be delighted with the continued good performances of the Athletic side. Having not yet had the luxury of fielding the same or a more settled side the Athletic continue to produce the results highlighting the strength in depth of their squad. With the return of the injured players in the next couple of weeks - things can only get much better.

 

Prop Nick Gould made a welcomed return for the Athletic in the second half against Aber. Having played the past couple of seasons with Bedwas and Caerphilly lets hope this is a permanent return for this Penallta old boy.

 

Next Saturday the Athletic continue their League campaign away to Beddau 2nds, kick off 2.30pm. This is always a very difficult fixture and they must be at their best to maintain their un-beaten league form. The coaches are requesting a good turn out at this weeks training sessions.
Man of the  Match - Dan Barwood