Ceri (Sweeny) Davies opened the scoring for the home side after five minutes with a superbly taken penalty from 35metres, however Cardiff responded within five minutes with a well-taken unconverted try by centre Richard Larkin. This is how the score remained for a further 30 minutes as Cardiff asserted themselves having the majority of the possession but incursions into the Penclawdd 22 were continually met by a solid defence, and some excellent tactical kicking by Rob Richards and Ceri Davies. Eventually Cardiff broke through, with a penalty, however Penclawdd were awarded another penalty two minutes before half time, and Ceri slotted another goal taking the score to 6 - 8 at the break.

In the second half Cardiff dominated possession and territory, but were continually repelled from the 22 by some fine tackling and sheer determination in maintaining defensive lines. Although Cardiff was beginning to show they were a well-drilled side, it was Penclawdd who made some exciting breaks. With 10 minutes of the half gone, Cardiff had won posseion from a line out and were presssing hard in the Penclawdd 22. The ball was being fed quickly out to the backs, and as it came to the Cardiff wing Penclawdd centre Andrew Nichols intercepted the pass and made a break up the field chipping the defending Cardiff fullback. It was only the frantic defending of the back three from Cardiff that diffused this attack.

Finally in the closing minutes two late tries from Cardiff, scored by outside half Dean Watkins and lock Jeff Steel changed the complexion of the game. Putting it beyond reach of the brave Penclawdd team, however there was time for William Stuckey to break from his own 22 and show his blistering pace. Taking on his opposite number one to one, he was eventually closed down on the half way line, again Cardiff's back three had to turn tail and fend off a possible scoring move.

The final score does not reflect the closeness of the game, and Cardiff returned to the big city with a lasting reminder that the minnows of West Wales can still put together performances which are worthy of wider recognition. It was a pleasure to watch a thrilling game of rugby, which was closely fought out by two talented sides. Penclawdd youth were a credit to rugby, and one supporter can be directly quoted "it was an excellent advertisement for the game". Around 150 spectators saw a real rugby treat, and Cardiff youth will remember the reception at Penclawdd RFC both on and off the field for a long time to come.

Dorian Caudy and Brian Thomas