20 Questions: Aaron Penberthy – Ealing Trailfinders fly-half

Enjoyed the week off?
Yes, especially as we were given an extra day off after our win in Jersey on New Year’s Day. I stayed over as my girlfriend’s from there but I had to get back for some fitness testing on Friday.
Keen to make up for that home defeat to Cornish Pirates on Christmas Eve?
We didn’t play well that day and they deserved to win. They’re not a team that stand out but they’ve got a tight squad and we weren’t at the races on the day.
What worked in Jersey?
It was a very tight game but we got the rub of the green on a few occasions.
Not a bad day from the tee yourself?
I kicked 14 points in the end which I was really pleased about. Knowing the ground and the wind conditions helped me massively whether it was out of hand or from the tee. I even managed a cheeky drop-goal.
Did you expect to start 2017 in the top four?
I don’t think anyone did, even the players. But we’ve been playing really well and made Vallis Way a bit of a fortress, even if that game against the Pirates dented our record.
What a turnaround after nearly going down last season?
Very much so! We’ve been playing with a lot more pragmatism. We still like to run the ball but we’re doing so in the opposition’s half rather than from our own and putting ourselves under pressure if we concede the turnover.
Happy with your forwards?
They’re doing a great job to provide our exciting back line with some good ball. Their set-piece power also allowed us to score a few first-phase tries which is great. It’s a big change from Jersey where the backs never see the ball.
What needs to improve?
We beat Jersey on the road last week but our away form has let us down. If we can sort it out we’ll definitely challenge for a place in the semi-finals.
Is that the target?
It has to be. We didn’t expect to be here but we’re not going to take our foot off the gas and just settle for mid-table.
How big of a test will Irish and Doncaster be when the league resumes?
Irish are having a great season but they’re beatable and Richmond pushed them really close. Doncaster away will always be tough.
What about the British & Irish Cup?
We’re top of our pool with a massive game against the Dragons next week. We should be through if we win. The club’s never made it out of the pool so it’s huge for us.
Started the season in Spain, didn’t you?
I joined El Salvador last summer but was there for only two weeks as I quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I was supposed to stay at Jersey but just as the season ended I was released.
That must have put a sour taste after three good seasons there?
I was told I was going to be offered a new contract back in December and it was all but finalised but I never signed anything. Harvey Biljon kept telling me they were just sorting a few things out but three weeks before the end of the season they let me go. I was left in limbo, panicked and signed for El Salvador.
What was the plan when you left Spain?
I came back to Cornwall and was going to play for Redruth in order to stay match-fit. But I also had to earn money so I was looking at an apprenticeship and labour work.
How did the move to Ealing come about?
A week after coming back, Alex Codling gave me a call and told me Johnny Bentley tore his pectoral muscle. I jumped at the opportunity and it’s probably been my best season so far. A semi-final would now be the cherry on the cake!
Are you now planning for the future just in case?
I’m only 24 so I never thought I’d be so close from being forced out of rugby so early. I’m currently looking to learn a trade just in case something like that happens again.
Favourite cheat meal?
Has to be Cornish Pasties. There are a lot of fake ones in London – they tell you they are from Cornwall but the shape of them is giving it away!
Three dinner guests?
David Beckham, Will Smith and Muhammad Ali.
Best and worst banter at Ealing?
Curtis Wilson is the best but my roommate Sam Rodman is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Sam’s the worst again but captain Mark Bright looks good.