Fixture

Aberdare RFC | 1st Team 14 - 33 Llanishen RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
04 September 2018 / Team News

Roaring Lions Win Opener

After a summer of lounging in the bright Savanna sun it was time for the Lions to rise to the challenge of their first game against Aberdare. The last four games against ‘The Snakes’ (Aberdare’s nickname) have seen Llanishen heavily defeated by a skilful and well-organised side. It was, therefore, with a little trepidation that your reporter walked onto the pitch.

A snap of twig and rustling of nettles, the pride gathering before the battle perchance, alas no it was the boys taking a late ‘comfort break’ before the kick off. A concentrated warm up suggested the pride were up for the game and so it proved as straight from the Llanishen kick off tackles and running lines were committed to fully.

However, an Aberdare scrum and an Aberdare penalty, déjà vu anyone? Good defence and a turn over allowed Llanishen to set up concerted attacks, involving forwards and backs, drew Aberdare offside. Tom Hannah duly converted the penalty and one could see the determination in the team’s demeanour, could the fine start be maintained?

The ensuing kick-off went straight out and from the scrum Alex Edwards made a fine break, linking up with team mates, which moved the side into the Aberdare 22. A knock-on gave a scum to Aberdare but, hold-the-phone, they were driven off their own put in. Take the points, no thank you.

The penalty was kicked to the corner and, after a clean catch, the driving maul moved inexorably towards the try-line. The maul was pulled down and before the Aberdare defence had set, a quick tap and Llanishen had scored their first try of the season.

The kick-off  was caught magnificently by ‘El Capitano’ and off he went bounding in the opposition half. An infringement at the next ruck allowed Aberdare to clear their lines and set up an attack off their own.

The next five minutes were to demonstrate the commitment the boys have put into training this summer as wave after wave of offense were met with great connected defence.

Llanishen were finally able to gain the upper and after a number of driving mauls, interspersed with good handling, a conceded penalty was successfully kicked to give Llanishen an 11-0 lead.

A penalty and yellow card for Aberdare allowed a kick to the corner and from the line out  series of powerful surges from Mike, Bournemeister and young Lynch created space which Milo broke through to score Llanishen’s second try.

To quote Mr Bond, “I must be dreaming”.

Could the half get any better? Well indeed, yes.

A superb passage of play, involving forwards and backs, drove Aberdare towards their line and a well timed pass, by Gwion, put George clear and he raced over the line. Tom’s conversion put the ‘cherry on the top’ as the half time whistle sounded.

 

Half Time Aberdare 0 Llanishen 23

 

Could the second half continue in the same vein I hear you ask (the dustbins on the side of my head do come in handy on occasion). Again yes, with our version of ‘The Incredible Family’, Elliott and Lee driving forward combined with swift passing creating just enough space for Miles to break free (Matt Monro really should have made that his follow up to ‘Born Free’).

The conversion from in front of the posts gave the Lions a 30-0 lead with a bonus point in the bank (unless we bank with the TSB).

Time for pride to take over and Aberdare really upped their game. Impressive passing and support running created space out wide which was used to score an excellent team try.

With the wind in their sails Aberdare continued to exert pressure on the Llanishen lion, helped by a lack of discipline and correctly awarded penalties to some extent. Indeed Llanishen seemed fortunate not to concede a second try after a defence mix-up.

Aberdare were instead awarded a five metre scrum which Llanishen won allowing them to clear their lines.

Sam Randall and Adam Nyan then came onto the pitch with 15 minutes to go, just in time to see our esteemed leader leave following a yellow card. This allowed Adam Payne to come on and all would be needed as Aberdare’s confidence grew.

It really couldn’t go as smoothly as it appeared it would as with 10 minutes to go Milo received a yellow card 13-15 anyone? Aggressive defence from Harry, Swills and Rob kept the home side out before numbers told, coupled with super passing, giving Aberdare their second, well deserved try.

With Llanishen back to 15 for the last five minutes they drove into Aberdare’s half and were awarded a penalty, which Tom kicked.

A very good opening game, hopefully heralding a successful and enjoyable season for ‘The Lions’.

 

Full Time Aberdare 14 Llanishen 33

 

P.S.

Credit must go to all of the coaches. The team looked fit, enterprising and played with a high level of skill.

Thanks also to Lockie, a lot of what he does is unseen, unlike his rallying skills when driving the mini-bus, without which the team couldn’t function.

With the Seconds recording a handsome win the old saw, ‘You get out what you put in’, seems most appropriate.

 

Phil

 

 

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