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19 February 2019 / Club News

First XV run in six tries in 45-8 win against Tonyrefail

 

The Blood and Blacks turned on the style as they recorded an emphatic win against a strong Tonyrefail side. When this group of Llantoninas click they really do click and why their league ranking shrouds a team which is far stronger than their mid table obscurity shows. Llantwit had done their homework on their opponents who had a big heavy pack and a good kicking game so they new they had to be quick out of the blocks and rely on high temp rugby to tire out their opponents. And the Llantonians kept to the script perfectly as they scored three tries in the first quarter to race into a 21-0 lead.

The first try came straight from the off as Llantwit playing towards the clubhouse received the ball from start set about obtaining good field positioning by setting up platforms with strong runs and then gradually pinning back their opponents with some fine kicking. So in no time they were on the Tonyrefail 22 and with some more powerful runs edged forward until big tighthead prop Dave 'The Rock' Taylor went hunting for the whitewash as he broke through and showing some lovely footwork for a big man left two further defenders in his wake as he steamed over. The conversion added by outside half Loz Howley.

The second came from some good field positioning and then when awarded a five metre scrum on the Tonyrefail line the pack again showed they were more than a match for their big opponents as once the ball was secured at the back they dug deep pushing them back and when the scrum was wheeled under the pressure, number eight Rob Carter taking the opportunity to pick the ball up from the base and dive over the whitewash. Howley adding the two points.

The third try followed as the backs decided they had had enough of the big boys stealing the limelight. The move started as hooker Huw Williams seized a spilled ball from a Tonyrefail attack just inside their half and with lovely hands offloaded to centre Josh Austin who made good ground until brought down. Brothers Rhys David at openside flanker and captain Geraint at prop then combined well to keep the move flowing towards the Bowling green corner. The next phase though quickly changed direction as the ball was whisked back across field and centre Austin was again on hand to gain crucial space in spotting a mis match in mid-field as he stepped inside two opponent forwards before releasing partned centre Joel Thomas who stuck his strwberry blonde head firmly down and charged through two desperate cover tackles to go over for another converted try.

With the scoreboard rattling up you would think this was one way traffic for the hoem side but this couldnt be further from the truth as the visitors were battling hard and playing plenty of football themselves but they just couldnt mange to gain many opportunities of their own and break the Llantwit defensive line. They did however mange to claw back first three points when some good pressure gave them a penalty in front of the sticks and then before the break gave themselves hope as a period of forward dominance in the Llantwit 22 earned them a well deserved unconverted try. The half time score 21-8.

Llantwit though were the first back on the scoreboard as they took advantage of some early pressure to extend their lead with a penalty kick. The next period though was all about defending as Tonyrefail threw everything they had at Llantwit to get back in the game. The game deadlocked for some time as the packs tore into each other and both tens battled for field position with big kicks out of hand. The stalemate broken by a scrum deep in Llantwits half which the home side sensing their bigger opponents were beginning to tire went for a nudge and were dually rewarded as hooker Williams took one against the head. The ball quickly taken blind to replacement centre Matt Roberts who gave a lovely weighted pass to wing Evan Holloway who first bumped off his opponent before jinking inside and then set off on a long sprint to the line, his speed no match for the covering defence as he rounded them and went in behind the posts.

Tonyrefail again battled back and came close on several attempts as Llantwit were camped on their own line but the Blood and Blacks held tight and then came the killer blow as turn over ball close to their own line by Llantwit was spread wide and again centre Roberts and wing Holloway combined. This time Roberts gave a lovely example of drawing and givinga pass as he tied up two defenders before releasing Holloway who went off on a similar huge run, this time adding some good vision by stepping inside the last cover defence to go in under the posts.

This was really the end of any fight back by Tonyrefail as they were now out on their feet with their once powerful scrum in disaray and having to opt for passive scrums added with some ill discipline late on saw them finish the game with just twelve on the field. Llantwit taking the opportunity to cross for the sixth try to round off a solid display.

A great win then for Llantwit especially as Tonyrefail were a much better side than the scoreline shows and will be no doubt be a tough prospect on their own patch at the end of the season. They just faced a side which clicked and held strong to the game plan something they havent always maintained during the season and why the table placing tells no lies. Man of the Match was scrum half Ryan 'Evo' Evans who was looking sharp and in control throughout. Further mention going to Howley who had another good day with the boot with his place kicking and out of hand which kept turning the big opponents. And both wings, Holloway with his two tries and Steff Godwin who was putting himself about and made good ground with finfing space in the tight areas.

Llantwit now have another fortnight off with the Six Nations again taking priority before they travel to the capital to take on Llandaff. The clubhouse will naturally be showing the internationals this weekend with both bars and function room open. Non members welcome.

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