By Alan Robinson

THE latest results for Penarth Wanderers Vets was a very mixed bag.

Back on the July 4, the team played a friendly against old adversaries Cardiff Academicals - a veterans team who had got us involved in the Wim Bode Tournament - which they hadn't played in a proper match for quite a few years.

It was a rare time that the Wanderers were considered the younger team!

Penarth Times:

Chris Rodd in an aerial battle

The match was played at Cardiff University Sports Fields in Llanrumney at a moderate pace, especially since we've been in stop/start mode.

The Wanderers welcomed three new players, Lee Reynolds, Anthony Pine and Andy Taylor into the squad.

All three settled in well with Pine playing central defence and Taylor bossing things in midfield.

Penarth Times:

Seren Averies in defence

Reynolds came on in the second half and managed to get on the score sheet.

As it was a friendly Penarth made use of a larger than usual squad with Mark Lewis, Billy Nolan, Dave Lewis, Mike Kean, Scott Ato, Scott Muir, Darren Scanlan, Wayne Herbert, Shane Rodd, Chris Rodd, Gareth Perkins, Cat Catany, Antonio Cersosimo and Ian Buckland all rotating.

The Wanderers had to come from behind twice but managed to run out 5-2 winners with Scanlan scoring two, Catany two and Renolds.

On to Sunday, July 18. Back to the Casual League's Charity Division and the Wanderers latest fixture against EC Dragons.

When the game was arranged it was highly unexpected that it would take place in the middle of a mini heatwave.

With pitch side temperatures in excess of 80 degrees it was just like playing in an oven.

Penarth were soon victims of heat and speed.

This time it was the Wanderers turn to be the elder statesmen - and there were times when they were in a state!

Initially going with an even bigger squad of 23, as it was thought they extra bodies would be needed, the numbers were slightly depleted.

But that's no excuse.

The opposition were young, under 30 maybe, and fast, most definitely and Penarth played right into their hands with a high defensive line which enabled their opponents to skip past on the counter attack.

Along with other defensive lapses and misplaced passes it all built towards a very difficult afternoon.

There were some creditable performances though in the second half with Reynolds and new boy Nick Blake trying hard to stem the flow.

Perkins played his usual solid game,

The heat did play its part in a bit of short temper from players and no little frustration.

This is one game that has to be put down to a very, very bad day at the office!

The Dragons eventually ran out 9-0 winners and to rub salt into the wound, Penarth have been drawn against them in the semi-final of the Division Cup!

Hopefully some lessons might have been learned.