Fixture

  Pentyrch RFC v Llandaff RFC – 2 September 2017

The new season began with Pentyrch’s fixture at Llandaff RFC being reversed and played at Parc y Dwrlyn. With several former players having returned, a new coaching set up in place and a couple of good wins against Division 2 sides in pre-season friendlies, the team looked to begin the new season in optimistic mood.

1. Llandaff arrived without a front row and the game started with uncontested scrums. The hosts got off to a flying start with Joe Paddison rounding off a slick move by touching down in the corner within the first minute. Pentyrch dominated play in the early stages and captain Tom Marley scored a further try after about ten minutes. The visitors began to get more into the game and midway through the half scored their first points through a penalty goal. Pentyrch’s brand of open rugby continued and they were rewarded with their third try, scored by left wing Garmon Roberts. In the final ten minutes of the half Pentyrch received two yellow cards in quick succession. Down to thirteen players the visitors took advantage and scored a converted try to make the score 15-10 at the interval.

Pentyrch continued to have more possession and territory in the second half but the Llandaff defence remained solid and they also produced several promising attacking moves. It was Pentyrch who broke the deadlock when right wing Nathan Williams crossed in the corner. This spurred the visitors to playing more attacking rugby and they duly scored an unconverted try mid way through the half. Pentyrch fought back and substitute Rhys Dickens scored a fifth try in the corner. Despite Llandaff converting a penalty goal centre Barry Topping-Morris charge down a kick to score the home teams sixth try just before the end. Pentyrch missed all six conversions and a penalty goal. The final result of 30-18 would have been much bigger had some of these kicks been converted.

A very satisfactory win to the start of the new campaign. The 1st XV is home again next Saturday when Fairwater RFC provide the opposition. Kick off is at 2:30pm.

It is hoped the 2nd XV will be playing several games this season, based upon the new ‘Social’ version of the game. The team competed in a ‘Golden Oldies’ festival and won all three games. Overall, a great start to the new season for the club.