News

Penallta finished off another season in style with two cracking away wins.

After the final second heartbreak at the Principality Stadium the boys responded in typically entertaining Penallta fashion, scoring 19 tries across two games against Brecon and then relegated Blackwood.

The score against Brecon was 17-48 before poor Blackwood were routed 7-76 this weekend.

Against Brecon the try scorers were Andrew Jenkins, Elliot Keep, Aeron Bidgood, Lewis Barnett and the returning prodigal son Joe Scrivens, who scored a stellar hat trick. Lloyd Rowlands kicked three conversions whilst, ahem, veteran hooker Gregg Haines slotted a conversion too, to prove he isn't just a smiling face,

The try scorers against Blackwood were Matthew Flanagan (2), Jonny Wright (2), Rhys 'KFC' Stephens (1), Andrew Jenkins (2), Joe Scrivens (2) and Elliott Keep with yet another hat trick. Matthew Brewer kicked eight conversions.

The results meant Penallta finished in second spot in Division 1 East, behind the mighty Bedlinog, who completed their own amazing hat trick of titles on Saturday with a crushing win over Porth Harlequins in the Silver Ball. Big congratulations to them.

Second spot is a proud defence of the title by the former champions. The huge amount of bonus points Penallta won throughout the season will see Penallta finish just twelve points behind the Foxes. If that mud-caked 6-3 loss away in Bedlinog had fallen differently back in October it would've been very tight indeed. Especially as one of Penallta five league losses was in the week prior to the Swalec Plate final, when Penallta rested a dozen players against Nelson.

So near, yet so far, just like in the Plate final. The small margins are what settle the big titles and the Pitmen gave it their very best shot. Bedlinog not only showed great ability but also great nerve and they are deserved champions.

Second spot is very much in vogue this season at Penallta. The Troopers, reigning champions in their league, lost their title to Bargoed RFC 2nds, and also finished in second place. And meanwhile the Youth Golds lost their league title to resurgent Caerphilly Youth, also finishing in second spot.

You can't win them all! The boys have given it a great shot, it's been a wonderful season to be a spectator and now it's time for the boys to have a deserved summer break.

On Saturday Penallta will be hosting a presentation dinner at the club to award the trophies to the boys for individual achievements across the season. 

Final word needs to go to Rhys Clarke and Chrissy Thomas, newly crowed Premiership champions with Ebbw Vale. What a magnificent achievement by the two former Penallta players. Both Clarkey and Chrissy are Penallta mini and junior products and have gone on to achieve wonderful things in the sport. Well done to them.

It's over and out from me. See you on Saturday.