Match Report

On a day when the very windy conditions totally dominated the game, Penclawdd welcomed Amman Utd to Graig Y Coed and were looking to complete a notable double over their old rivals.With a strong wind at their backs Penclawdd made a very positive start to this encounter and opened the scoring through Rhys Williams who slotted an easy penalty after 3 minutes. Penclawdd 3-0 Amman Utd . Penclawdd exerted tremendous pressure in the scrum and capitalised on their dominance when the ball was moved wide to wing Max Tew who showed good pace to beat the cover defence for the first try of the game. Penclawdd 8-0 Amman Utd. The home side continued to dominate the game up front with the front row of Andrew Jackett, Tim Eynon and Tim Williams showing their scrummaging power. Good driving play by the forwards resulted in Penclawdd winning a penalty that gave Rhys Williams no problems. Penclawdd 11-0 Amman Utd. The strength of the wind was such that Penclawdd fullback Rhys Williams attempted two long-range penalty kicks from his own 10-metre line and was just wide with both attempts. However, Williams was successful with his third penalty of the game after good driving play by Leigh Ratti and Gareth Swistun.

The second half saw Amman Utd with the wind at their backs and they were immediately on the offensive just failing to score when Jonathan Tanner tackled their wing into touch a metre out. The visitors, to their credit, attempted to break through but were denied by a determined and well-organised home defence with Paul Isaac, Richard Deakin, Anthony Griffiths and Paul James to the fore. Rhys Williams also proved effective kicking into the strong wind. Amman Utd did finally manage to open their account with a penalty after the home defence had strayed offside. Penclawdd 14-3 Amman Utd. Penclawdd fought back and showed good continuity in the forwards who produced some excellent ruck ball for Paul James to release his three-quarters, particularly James Ratti who was a constant threat. Penclawdd scored their second try of the game with the best movement of the day. The forwards drove down the centre of the paddock through Richard Deakin, Anthony Griffiths and Tim Eynon to produce good ball for the backs. James Ratti linked well with Ceri Jones and Jonathan Tanner to send Paul James clear for the score ‘under the sticks’. Rhys Williams added the conversion. Penclawdd 21-3 Amman Utd Amman Utd however showed great spirit in fighting back and managed to score a consolation try at the death. The conversion was added to take the score to Penclawdd 21-10 Amman Utd.

After a couple of weeks without any action it was good to see the 1^st XV back on the field of play. Although this game was totally dominated by the weather, Penclawdd showed good determination in defence and excellent driving play from the forwards to grind out a comfortable league win and a further 3 points in the drive for promotion. While Paul Isaac and Anthony Griffiths were nominated for the ‘man of the match award’, James Ratti won the award for a solid performance in defence and some neat touches in attack.

Scorers:

 1^st XV Leading Points Scorers - Overall