Match Reports

PENARTH v PENTYRCH - 21 JANUARY 2012
Pentyrch visited Penarth, who were still looking for their first league win of the season. The visitors played with a strong wind behind them in the first half, on what was a muddy and wet pitch. Although Pentyrch had most of the possession and territory they struggled to play their normal flowing game and at half time they held a slender 0-3 lead, through a penalty goal by Hywel Chatham.
Pentyrch didn't play with a great deal of vigour or desire in the first half and this continued into the second half. The home team took control of the game early in the second half and within the first ten minutes found themselves leading 6-3, as the Penarth No10 slotted two penalty goals. This gave the home side increased confidence and they slowly took control up front. They scored a try, following a passage of rucks and mauls near Pentyrch's try line, and the conversion gave Penarth a 13-3 lead. At this stage Pentyrch looked out of the game. Hooker, Richard Allen had struggled with a groin injury from early in the first half.

penarth away

 

As this worsened Aled Rees moved from prop to hooker and Tim Mullin came on to prop. This immediately strengthened Pentyrch's scrum and became the turning point in the game, especially, as soon afterwards, Penarth lost one of their props. As the visitors pressed harder they were eventually rewarded with a push-over try, scored by Rhys Thoms. The conversion failed. Trailing 13-8 Pentyrch continued to press and about 10 minutes from the end a slick three-quarter move saw Morgan Williams score near the posts. Hywel Chatham converted to see Pentyrch regain the lead. The visitors dominated the final 10 minutes and eventually ran out winners 13-15. This was the first back to back win of the season for Pentyrch and also their first double of the season.
There are no league games next Saturday as this is a Cup week-end. The 1st XV are hoping to arrange a friendly fixture. The 2nd XV will either hopefully play a friendly or a re-arranged league game. Due to the Six Nations beginning the next league game for the 1st XV is home to Dowlais on the 11 February. THe home game against Gwernyfed has been re-arranged for 18 February.

THe club will be supporting the WRU 'Join The Beat' initiative on Sunday, 29 January 2012. This is about trying to encourage more people to take part in the activities of their local rugby club. More information can be obtained from visiting the club's website

PENTYRCH v ST.PETERS 14th January
For the first home match of 2012 we had a dry day, with the pitch in good condition. Pentyrch were playing the league leaders and again the number of injuries and not availables, especially in the forwards, meant we fielded a light, young and inexperieced pack. From the very start the visitors played a quick tempo game, used their big ball carriers and put Pentyrch under a lot of pressure in the first ten minutes. The home side's defence remained solid and slowly Pentyrch brought themselves back into the game. At the midway stage in the first half the honours were fairly even. Unfortunately, a Pentyrch attack was halted on the half way line when the visitors intercepted a pass and were able to run unchallenged to score a try, which was duly converted. The home side kept to their pattern of play and, following pressure near the visitors line, the ball went wide. Marc Evans generated some pace into the movement and sent Morgan Williams over in the corner for an excellent try. Hywel Chatham slotted the difficult conversion to bring the scores even. Shortly before half time Chatham converted a penalty goal to give Pentyrch a 10-7 lead at the interval.

St Peters Home

Following a fairly even first half Pentyrch, playing down the slope, had most of the territory and possession in the second half. St. Peters had lost their influential No.8 in the first half and became more frustrated and indisciplined as the game went on. They received two yellow cards in the second half and this allowed the young and quicker home side to take charge of the game. Following a driving maul, near the visitors line, scrum half Tom Marley, who captained the side for the first time, burst through two defenders to score wide out. The conversion narrowly failed, but Pentyrch were leading 15-10. Further Pentyrch pressure resulted in two kickable penalties being missed. On a rare vist into Pentyrch's 22 meter line the visitors converted a penalty and again the game was anyone's for the taking. Following a long delay, due to an injury sustained by the Pentyrch right wing, there was a chance that Pentyrch's momentum could relax. This wasn't to be the case and during the final ten minutes the home side kicked well, ensuring St.Peters remained in their own 22. The final score was 15-10. This was a thoroughly deserved win for Pentyrch, following up last weeks show against Nelson, another team hoping for promotion. Again, it must be highlighted that a number of Youth players played for both the 1st and 2nd teams. Ellis Hodgson made his debut for the 1st XV at prop. This meant for the final quarter of the game the Pentyrch front row consisted of two 18 year old props and a 21 year old hooker. Great for the future we hope.

The next league game for the 1st XV is away to Penarth next Saturday, 21 January 2012. Although Penarth are still to win a game Pentyrch need to ensure they do not take this game lightly and do not become complacent. The 2nd XV do not have a league fixture but will be looking to play a friendly. The seconds also played at home on the 14th, but lost 13-36 to a strong Rhiwbina team. It was, however, really good to see two senior sides take the field the same day, considering the number of injuries in the squad.

NELSON v PENTYRCH - 7 JANUARY 2012
Our first game of the New Year was always going to be a tough encounter, away to a team at the top of the league. Unfortunately, our spate of injuries, especially up front, had not improved and several players also had work commitments. This meant Pentyrch went away with only 15 players. We could not field two substitute front rows, which meant we were not allowed any subs.

Nelson away

Still, the 15 players who took the field did the club proud and we certainly were not disgraced. Although the home side had most of the possession in the first half Pentyrch took an 8-0 lead within the first twenty minutes. Hywel Chatham slotted a penalty and soon afterwards Maxi (Richard Allen) went over in the corner for an unconverted try. Pentyrch defended very well and although the scrum was under pressure the line-outs went well, with Tom Beard and Jo Annetts often stealing Nelson's ball. The Pentyrch defence was breached in the closing minutes of the first half when Nelson scored an unconverted try.
Early in the second half Pentyrch lost prop Sean Meredith with a rib injury. The game moved to passive scrums, with Pentyrch reduced to playing with 14 players. Although Nelson scored a converted try, to take the lead early in the half, Pentyrch fought back bravely to take the lead 14-12, through two converted penalties by Hywel Chatham. Pentyrch continued to play attractive rugby but the pressure of playing with 14 men eventually caught up with the team. Nelson scored another converted try about 10 minutes before the end of the game and, with Pentyrch going down to 13 men, when Hywel Williams injured his groin, another converted try eventually gave the home side the honours by 26-14. As outlined earlier, the team battled well and were not disgraced.

Next week the 1st XV are home to St.Peters. The 2nd XV are also home, hosting Rhiwbina. Both games kick off at 2:30pm.

The club hope all members and supporters had an enjoyable Christmas and wish everyone a Happy New Year. In next week's match programme the club will be reminding supporters about the WRUs Code Of Conduct. There are also notices posted in the clubhose. We ask all supporters to read this information and to kindly abide by it.

Pentyrch V Brecon RFC 17th Dec 

This was Pentyrch's first league game in three weeks and it was good to see several players returning from injury. Following heavy rain earlier in the week the ground was very heavy and cut up quite badly as the game progressed. To be fair, both teams tried to play expansive rugby and it was a very good game to watch. The home side played up the sloap in the first half and took the lead after approximately 15 minutes through a try by Barry Topping-Morris. Hywel Chatham missed the conversion but soon afterwards slotted a penalty to make the score 8-0. Brecon only ventured into the home side's 22 on about three occasions in the first half and each time they came away with points. Firstly through a penalty and this was followed by a converted try as the visitors took a 8-10 lead. Pentyrch returned to pressure the visitors and Jeff Steele crossed for a try, converted by Chatham. Right on the half-time whistle Brecon crossed for an unconverted try to make the interval score 15-15. This score certainly didn't reflect the amount of territory and pressure the home team enjoyed in the first 40 minutes.

Brecon Home

The second half continued in the same vain as the first, with Pentyrch camped in the visitors half and playing most of the rugby. Midway through the half the home side converted a penalty through the boot of Hywel Chatham. Soon afterwards, following several rucks inside Brecon's five meter line, Pentyrch moved the ball wide and Jeff Steele was on hand to score an excellent try, and his second. Pentyrch's lead therefore stretched to 23-15. Again, the home side continued to push forward and in the dying minutes were again encamped on the visitors line. Brecon's defence held out. As the ball went wide outside half Hywel Williams kicked wide for his left wing. Several spectators thought it was the wrong tactic but the ball bounced before the defence became organised. In a flash Morgan Williams pounced to collect the ball and dive over for an unconverted try. This was virtually the last move of the match, with Pentyrch being excellent value for their 28-15 win, bagging a winning bonus point in the process.

This was without doubt Pentyrch's best display of the season to date. It was a great team performance with everyone showing a great deal of commitment and desire. Let's hope this win will provide the confidence required to win more games during the second half of the season.

Following the Christmas and New Year break the 1st XV are away to Nelson on 7 January 2012. The 2nd XV do not have a dedicated league fixture on this day. They will hopefully either play a re-arranged league game or organise a friendly.
 

FAIRWATER v PENTYRCH - 26 NOVEMBER 2011
This was a wet and windy day, with the pitch resembling a mud bath. Not the type of day the visitors wanted to play their brand of open rugby. Despite the conditions Pentyrch tried hard and applied themselves very well but the heavier home pack was always going to be a telling factor. Pentyrch played with the wind advantage in the first half and took the lead through a penalty goal by Hywel Chatham. Much of the first half was quite even, despite the visitors receiving a red card (2 yellow card offences) midway through the half. Fairwater scored an unconverted try to make the half time score 5-3.
Although Fairwater scored a further three tries in the second half (two converted) it certainly wasn't all one way traffic. Pentyrch fought well and put together several phases of play and attacks, which unfortunately came to nothing. . The Fairwater No.10 also received a straight red card in the final quarter of the game for punching a Pentyrch player from behind. By then the conditions and the heavier home pack had proved decisive and the game was lost 24-3.

Due to international and cup matches the 1st XV are not in action again until 17 December, when Brecon visit Parc y Dwrlyn. The 2nd XV have no league fixtures before Christmas but are looking for friendly games on the 10th and 17th of December

LLANISHEN v PENTYRCH - 19 NOVEMBER 2011

Pentyrch travelled away for the first of two consecutive away fixtures against a team riding high in the league. Pentyrch were still without several key players due to injuries but again gave of their best in going down 34-3. The visitors were again light up front but despite Llanishen having most of the possession and territory the Pentyrch defence was resolute. After about 60 minutes Pentyrch were only 15-3 down but early second half possession and territory for Pentyrch allowed them to attack the home line on several occasions, without success. Had Pentyrch taken one of their chances they would have been back in the game. Unfortunately, the home side scored next and eventually ran out comfortable winners.

PENTYRCH v LLANTWIT FARDRE - SWALEC CUP (Plate Competition) - 5 NOVEMBER 2011

This is the fourth consecutive year these teams have drawn each other in the first round of this competition, but the first occasion Pentyrch has had the home advantage. Pentyrch's injury list continues to grow, with 15 players unavailable for the match through injury and several other players playing out of position. As the Youth XV game was postponed 3 of that side were utilised on the bench, all making their first team debut for the 1st XV - Adam Scanlon (No 8), Will Adam-Jones(Wing) and Jordan Hughes (Flanker). The club also welcomed the return of Ceri Llewellyn at full back. He has agreed to Dual Register for the season from Glamorgan Wanderers.

The visitors played down the slope in the first half and after 5 minutes were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which they missed. From the re-start the referee awarded a dubious knock on against Pentyrch on their 22 meter line. From the resulting scrum Llantwit moved the ball to the blind side and their winger scored in the corner. The conversion went wide. Llantwit continued to press and midway through the half were awarded another penalty, which was converted, making the score 0-8. Pentyrch started to put a few moves together and eventually came back into the game when Hywel Chatham put over a penalty. Despite their weakened side Pentyrch held up well in both the scrums and lineouts but overall the first half had very little pattern to it, with both sides unable to put together a succession of phases. Before half time the visitors extended their lead to 3-19 by adding a further try and two penalty goals.

Pentyrch introduced their young substitutes early in the second half and they brought with them new enthusiasm and desire. Overall, Pentyrch had much the better of the second half and frequently found themselves camped on the visitors line, only to find Llantwit's defence too good to breach. Pentyrch scored the best try of the game when Andy Watson picked up a loose ball near the half way line. He split the defence with a diagonal run before passing to Morgan Williams who cut inside to score near the post. The conversion was missed. The only time the visitors threatened the home line in the second half was when they intercepted a pass on their own 22 meter line to run the length of the field and score a converted try. The final score being 8-26. Despite this defeat, to a Division 2 side, Pentyrch were in no way disgraced. It is only hoped some key players can return from injury soon.

This coming Saturday the senior teams return to league duty, with the 1st XV at home againt Gwernyfed and the 2nd XV away to Llandaff. Both games Kick Off at 2:30pm.

TONYREFAIL v PENTYRCH - 29 OCTOBER 2011
 
Pentyrch travelled to Tonyrefail looking for their second win of the season but this was going to be a tough call, especially as half of the regular 1st XV were injured. The weather didn't favour a flowing game as it rained throughout and the pitch was a mudbath, with large pools of water rendering the pitch dangerous. Nevertheless, the game went ahead and the visitors took an early lead. Pentyrch worked their way deep into the home 22 and a strong scrum resulted in one of the home players kicking the ball out of the scrum. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try. Hywel Chatham added the conversion. Pentyrch played down the slope in the first half and continued to press the home line. The pressure resulted in the referee awarding a penalty to Pentyrch. Hywel Chatham slotted the kick, making the score 0-10. The home side gradually got themselves back into the game but the Pentyrch defence was resolute. It eventually cracked when Tonyrefail scored a converted try. Captain for the day, James Cashin, was yellow carded for a technical offence leading up to the try. Before half time the home side converted a penalty to make the score 10-10 at the interval.

Conditions deteriorated in the second half and the home side, playing down the slope, enjoyed most of the possession and territory. It was mainly ten man rugby from the hosts who kicked for field position most of the time. Rolling mauls were used to good effect. Although Pentyrch's defence held out three converted penalties were landed by Tonyrefail to extend their lead to 19-10. A kickable penalty was missed by Pentyrch and any chance of a bonus point was put to bed when the home side crossed for a converted try at the end of the game, making the final score 26-10.

The 2nd XV were at home to St.Peters but they went down 10-12 in a closely faught game.

This coming Saturday, 5 November, the 1st XV host Division 2 East side Llantwit Fardre in the first round of the SWALEC Cup (Plate). Kick Off is 2:30pm. The 2nd XV are also playing at home, against Llanishen, and Kick Off at the same time.

Don't forget, this coming Saturday is Bonfire night. Gates open at 7:00pm, with activities beginning at 7:30pm.

PENTYRCH v RHIWBINA - 22 OCTOBER 2011

Pentyrch hosted Rhiwbina who have lost only one game since being promoted from Division 4 at the end of last season. Both teams set about playing expansive rugby and it turned out to be an excellent game to watch. The home side took the lead midway through the first half when, following some great play by both backs and forwards, hooker Richard Allen (Maxi) dived over midway between the posts and touchline. Hywel Chatham slotted the conversion, despite a stiff breeze, to make the score 7-0. Unfortunately, whilst diving over, Maxi injured his leg and had to be replaced by Sean Meredith, with Aled Rees moving to hooker. During the second quarter Rhiwbina began to insert more pressure and they were eventually awarded a penalty, which was converted. Soon afterwards Pentyrch lost their captain and No 6 following a shoulder injury, to be replaced by Rhys Thomas. The pressure from the visitors continued to be applied and this eventually led to an unconverted try, making the half-time score 7-8.

Tyrch's V Rhiwbina

At half time Pentyrch lost their scrum half, Kyle Price, due to another injury. He was replaced by Hywel Williams. The visitors began the second half as they finished the first and extended their lead to 7-15 through a converted try. This signalled Pentyrch raising their game and several flowing moves were repelled by Rhiwbina. One did, however, result in Pentyrch being awarded a penalty, which Chatham converted to reduce the deficit to 10-15. Rhiwbina scored another unconverted try to make it 10-20 but the home side continued to press and Chatham slotted another penalty to make it 13-20. Further pressure from Pentyrch saw them cross the visitors line, only for the ball to be lost before it could be grounded.There was no further score, the game ending in another narrow loss but at least a loosing bonus point was gained. The 2nd XV game was cancelled.

Many thanks to Cardiff Demolition (and Phil Farnham) for sponsoring this game and for their continued support of the club.

Next Saturday, 29 October, the 1st XV is away at Tonyrefail whist the 2nd XV will be home to St.Peters. Both games kick-off at 2:30pm

Friday 14^th Oct Pentyrch v Aberdare

Due to the world cup fixture for Wales both clubs agreed to play Friday evening and with both sides endeavouring to play open rugby and after 10mins the visitors scored a converted try to keep a lead until a 14^th & 22 min Pen by reliable No 8 H Chatham saw the visitors lead by 1 point at half time, our cause was not helped by having a yellow card in both half’s and coach Evans is disappointed that the young Tyrch’s are not firing on all cylinders at present, a bit of handling magic by fullback B Topping Morris saw centre T Marley cross for an unconverted try 11-10 with 15mins to go but the visitors had not given in either and a drop goal and a late penalty saw them win at the end 11-16. With the Tyrch’s playing some 15% of the match with 14 men we need to improve for the home fixture next weekend against high flying Rhiwbina.

Our youth played at home on Saturday against a strong Bonymaen side in a friendly with the visitors coming out strongly and the young Tyrch’s were out played in the first twenty min’s being 3 try’s down to nil but after gathering his squad together coach Marley saw the home side score 3 try’s to 7 try’s against.

Next weekend sees Pentyrch 1^st at home to Rhiwbina our 2^nd XV are also home to UWIC in a mallet cup fixture with the youth away to Dinas Powis in a league fixture

Dowlais v Pentyrch 8th Oct 2011

Pictures

Dowlais match

DOWLAIS v PENTYRCH - 8 OCTOBER 2011

A short report this week, reflecting the very low score and poor quality of the game. Although there was a blustery wind blowing across the field, coupled with the fact the referee didn't leave the game flow with the constant blowing of his whistle, both teams made too many mistakes and seldom constructed many flowing moves, on what was a very narrow pitch.

There was no score at half time but Pentyrch took the lead midway through the second half with a penalty by Hywel Chatham. Dowlais equalised through a penalty of their own and Chatham had an opportunity to put the visitors back into the lead with a late penalty, virtually from the same spot from which he converted his first. Unfortunately, the wind dragged the ball just right of the upright. Dowlais forced themselves down towards the Pentyrch line, with their forwards beginning to take charge. The Pentyrch defence proved resolute and after nine minutes of injury time the game looked as if it would end in a draw. No-one was sure why the referee was playing so much injury time but with the last kick of the game Dowlais took the honours 6-3 through a drop goal. That proved to be the last kick of the match as the referee blew for full time.

Pentyrch  v  Penarth 1st Oct 2011

ST. PETERS v PENTYRCH - 24 SEPTEMBER 2011

Pentyrch travelled to St. Peters expecting a tough game as the hosts were top of the league, having won all three previous matches. Due to injuries and the unavailability of players several different faces began the game compared to the players who played the previous week. The first quarter of the game was evenly balanced with Hywel Chatham slotting a penalty in response to two converted by the home team. The hosts extended their lead when they added a further penalty goal and just before half time they crossed for an unconverted try, making the score 14-3. Despite the scoreline Pentyrch played some good rugby in the first half and they certainly didn't look out of the game. Just on the break the visitors put a good move together which saw Nick Gill cross under the posts. Hywel Chatham added the conversion to make the half time score 14-10

Playing up the slope Pentyrch continued to play their expansive game and the bigger home team looked as if they were getting tired. Another flowing backs move saw the ball reach Morgan Williams on the right wing. The home defence held their structure but Morgan chipped over the defence on the half way line and beat two defenders to score an excellent try in the corner. Chatham added the conversion and Pentyrch were leading 14-17. The game continued to remain tight but two poor and inconsistant decisions by the referre saw the home side score two tries (one converted) within five minutes to take a 26-17 lead. Although Pentyrch continued to make a game of it St. Peters added a further unconverted try and a penalty to extend their lead. The visitors never gave up and scored the final try of the game, on the final whistle, through Hywel Williams. Chatham added the conversion to make the final score 34-24. This was Pentyrch's best display of the season, especially by the backs, and Pentyrch now look forward to hosting Penarth at home on 1 October.