Fixture

Llanishen RFC | 1st Team 15 - 22 St Peters RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
03 December 2018 / Team News

Llanishen RFC V St Peters RFC 1st Dec 2018

 

Lions Push Rocks (Clever Beasts)

With a lot of clubs having to call games off due to waterlogged pitches, or else reaching for the adze and saw, it was reassuring to know that it was ‘Game On’ at the Llanishen Lions Bowl.

There are some games that you look forward to, there are games that whet the appetite a little more and then there are games you wish you could still play in. 

Local derbies are such games and on Saturday the runaway League leaders visited the newly opened 3G pitch. The first ‘First XV’ fixture and it certainly wouldn’t come any harder.

A light drizzle (not the culinary kind, enjoyed, by celebrity chefs, and not quite rein dear) and strong breeze was going to make for difficult handling conditions.
So to kick off and, if I’m honest a slight trepidation on your reporter’s behalf, but fear not old man the boys were up for the fight.
A great break by Alex Edwards and pop to the support runner, Tom Hannah, gave great go-forward ball. The forwards got involved in driving the ball towards the opposition line, with Lee, Shaun and Elliot to the fore.

The pressure ratcheted up and resulted in the conceding of a penalty, which Tom converted (Oh, where were you last week?). Two minutes into the game and we wee 3-0 up.

The first scrum was going to be informative and, unfortunately, the information confirmed the rumours of the powerful ‘Rock’s Scrum’ were not wrong.

The penalty, conceded at the scrum, was kicked into the Llanishen 22 and a catch and drive brought the first try of the evening. The conversion was missed, the kick moved around like a reeling sailor, hitting the left upright.

Tremendous defence was the order of the day, encapsulated by Sam ‘Smasher’ Randall, and this kind of resolve permeated to all of the players.
Noah then took off (no it wasn’t that windy!) and accelerated towards the St. Peter’s line. What a dasher he is, a pop pass was spilled and the chance went begging. Annoying but also uplifting as ‘The Lions’ looked dangerous as an attacking force.

A good attack resulted in another penalty for Llanishen. Was it kickable? Well it was straight but the wind caught the ball and it appeared the ball was spinning in mid-air.

The Llanishen defence was still superb but training and a nasty bump saw Adam Nyhan leave (he’s been a wonderful addition to the team since returning from his studies in Loughborough. Hope the Aldi customers weren’t too upset with appearance!).

Who came on? Mike Rose, an absolute Tojan! Could he impact the game? Well 100%. He injected new vigour in the ruck and maul and enjoy convivial exchanges with St Peter’s Number 8.

With five minutes of the half remaining a penalty, caused by a collapsed scrum, gave St Peter’s a chance for 3 points. It was going to be difficult but the ball was struck sweetly and sailed through the middle of the posts.
Chance for one more attack by Llanishen, perhaps? A counter attack by Jonny D put the boys on the front foot. The ball was moved to Al Sams, who put a great kick into ‘The Rock’s’ 22. 
Pressure was applied to the defending players and as the ball came loose a pass to the marauding Noah allowed him to streak under the posts. Tom kicked the conversion and Llanishen were back in front.

One minute to half time, enough time for St. Peter’s to attack and, whilst Mr. Rose and the Rock’s Number 8 were getting better acquainted the ball was driven over the line. The try was converted to end the first half.

Donner and Blitzen, along with other less pleasant oaths, were to be uttered but there was also hope that this was a game we could win.

Half Time Llanishen 10 St Peters 15

Time for a breather and a chance to calm down, me-thinks? No thank you this was a proper game.

The second half began much like the first. A good counter attack forced St Peter’s to concede a penalty, which was kicked into the 22. The attack amounted to nothing, but further demonstrated the threats the Lions offered.
Shortly afterwards, Ryan Davies left the field. He joined the Club this year and his efforts to get fitter have reaped great rewards. This was his best game for Llanishen. No backward steps and a willingness to put in the hard work. 

Ed came on and carried on in the same vein, he’s also a new recruit this season and someone who has fitted in really well.

Gwion then left the field, another player who shirked away from nothing, and was replaced by William Evans. He introduced himself to the game with a superb tackle around the ankles, another young recruit with great potential (got to learn the lineout calls mind).

With Harry imploring the side forward and Miles smashing into the St Peter’s defensive line the Llanishen supporters started to believe an equalising score might be possible.

Step forward James Airey. As the ball was moved along the backs he hit a great angle. He accelerated away, like an arrow from Cupid’s bow, to score a great try. A comet indeed and the conversion made it 15-15.

With time running down it looked as if Llanishen were going to be the first side to stop St Peter’s winning. It wasn’t to be, however, as a fine driving maul gave them back the lead and the conversion made it a seven point gain.

 

The team pressed but it wasn’t to be. A kick to touch brought the final whistle. St Peter’s doing what good sides do, finding a way to win. East Central 1 is beckoning.

Full Time Llanishen 15 St Peters 22

P.S. What to say? Well there were no Prancers today. Every player strove hard and flinched nothing, a proud day for those watching and a benchmark for the team. 

Miles needed to get away quickly and was aided and abetted by, his very own Vixen, El (thankfully recovering from a nasty injury to her ankle).

After the game we heard that the Seconds had beaten close neighbours, Rhiwbina, 16-10. The Youth had earlier beaten Dinas Powis in a Cup/League double and along with the point gained by the Firsts, not a bad day overall.

It would be remiss not to praise the Dinas Powis couching team and players. Our cup game was called off at 10 am and they managed to get to the ground and play by 12:00. An awesome effort and much appreciated by the club.

No Rudolf in our teams but a few red nosed after a long night at the office.

 

 

 

 

 


 

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