News

With the Firsts playing on the new 3G pitch the Seconds played their game on Llanishen Park.

The home side opened the scoring early on with a Liam Barnard penalty and, midway through the half; wing Jack Marshall kicked a loose ball on to cross for the first try of the game.

Rhiwbina replied, however, with a penalty shortly afterwards. Momentum swung the visitors way after Tom Vaughan was given a yellow card, harshly many felt, to reduce the home side to fourteen.

After another harsh decision, this time against Marshall for what the referee perceived as obstruction, Rhiwbina opted for a scrum and a mix-up in defence allowed the visitors centre to cross under the posts, the try was converted to give a half time score of Llanishen 8 Rhiwbina 10.

Words of encouragement from captain, Paul Dolan, at half time galvanise Llanishen and they started putting more pressure on the visitors. They regained the lead with another penalty from Barnard.

Having a strong bench meant that fresh legs could be introduced when required and the benefit of this was shown at the end when a driving maul from a line-out, with replacements Sion Morris, Harri Duffy, Sean Dunne and Liam Bufton to the fore, ended up with backs joining in. Centre, Rob Ford, peeled away to score in the corner.

With a lead of six points the Llanishen side were well aware that a converted try would win the game for the visitors, but determined and strong defence kept them out.

A penalty awarded to Llanishen, for holding on at a breakdown, enabled Barnard to clear to touch after which the referee blew the final whistle.

A hard fought 16 - 10 win for the home side in a match that was a credit to both sides.

D, Miller