Worthington’s Malcolm Thomas Cup Final: Penarth win

PENARTH wrapped up a successful season with silverware as they defeated rivals Llanharan at Glamorgan Wanderers to lift the Worthington’s Malcolm Thomas East District Cup.

Sam Sully, George Roberts and Joe Roberts all scored unconverted tries in the first half as Penarth took a 15-7 lead into the interval. 

Llanharan were on the scoreboard either side of half time; first through Richard Byers – converted by Lewis Cogbill – and then Teirion Jones went over unconverted. 

But ultimately Penarth proved too strong and further tries from Leon Appiah, Matt Allen and Mike Lang wrapped up a comprehensive six tries to two victory for Matt Bolton’s men. 

Owen Rees added the extras to Allen and Lang’s tries. 

Penarth powered their way to cup glory (Image: Mike Jones/Replay Images)

This was the final act in what has been a campaign to remember with both clubs having already secured promotion from Three East Central, while Llanharan narrowly pipped Penarth to the title by just two points.

It was an enticing encounter at the Glamorgan Wanderers ground (Image: Mike Jones/Replay Images)

There had not been much between the two sides in their two league encounters either, with both running out victors by a five-point margin over the other in their respective home league fixture. 

This occasion though – and the cup – belonged to Penarth, albeit both sides rung the changes and were far from at full strength.  

It also marked a happy return to old familiar surroundings for Penarth head coach Bolton, a former captain and coach at Glamorgan Wanderers. 

“We played really well,” he said. “It was a mixture of second and first team boys for us, but the boys who came in from the seconds worked hard and were very good. 

“We moved the ball around and made it difficult for them to cope with us.”  

Scorers: 

Penarth: Tries: Sam Sully, George Roberts, Joe Roberts, Leon Appiah, Matt Allen, Mike Lang; Cons: Owen Rees (2). 

Llanharan: Tries: Richard Byers, Teirion Jones; Con: Lewis Cogbill.