Penclawdd started the game brightly and put their opponents under pressure through Anthony Griffiths in the lineout and Paul Isaac at No.8. However, their efforts were to go unrewarded for the first 20 minutes as both sides cancelled each other out in a dour encounter.

After 25 minutes Trebanos opened their account. Despite good defensive work from Phil Sage, Gareth Swistun and Jon Tanner, the home team managed to score wide out on the right. Trebanos 5-0 Penclawdd

More Trebanos pressure saw Matthew Tucker under pressure on his own line after a good attacking kick. From the resulting scrum the Trebanos No.10 slotted a neat drop goal to take the score to Trebanos 8-0 Penclawdd.

After good lineout work from Anthony Griffiths, Penclawdd conceded a penalty in front of the posts that was duly kicked. Trebanos 11-0 Penclawdd

Penclawdd fought back through prop Andrew Jackett who charged into the home defence. Trebanos conceded a penalty after good work by Max Tew and Paul Isaac and Jon Tanner made no mistake from the 35 metres shot at goal. Trebanos 11-3 Penclawdd

Unfortunately for Penclawdd poor defensive alignment in midfield saw them concede a ‘soft’ try under the sticks that was easily converted. This took Trebanos into a deserved half time lead.

The second half saw Trebanos continue to dominate despite the efforts of Paul Isaac, Jon Tanner, Anthony Griffiths and Paul James. The lead was extended when pressure from their forwards resulted in their third try of the game. Trebanos 23-3 Penclawdd

To their credit Penclawdd fought back well and put tremendous pressure on the Trebanos line through Paul James, Andrew Jackett and Leigh Ratti. However, the home defence held firm.

The introduction of Stuart John and Spencer Bessant improved the Penclawdd play. Stuart John was highly effective with his tight driving play and made a number of important ‘hard yards’ for his team. Spencer Bessant also improved the mobility of the forwards and rucked aggressively.

Even though Penclawdd pounded the Trebanos line it seemed that this was not their night as the home defence proved to be as solid as a rock. Salt was thrown on the wound when Trebanos broke out of defence and went the length of the field to score a try by the post that was converted. That sealed the game and gave Trebanos a thoroughly deserved win.

This was a very disappointing performance from Penclawdd that could prove to be vital in their promotion bid. They will now travel to Loughor on Saturday for a ‘must win’ encounter with their local rivals. Good performances for Penclawdd came from Stuart John, Steve Isaac and Spencer Bessant but Anthony Griffiths won the Man of the Match award for a great performance in the lineout and committed loose play.