Fixture

Bravo! Bravo! Sides Serve Up A Cracker.

The last game of the season and, for Llanishen, not much to play for. For Dinas, however, it would decide if they were promoted as champions or runners-up. A number of the Llantrisant boys turned up to watch and I'm sure they thought the Llanishen team might lack endeavour and go gently throughout the game.

The ground, despite constant watering throughout the week, scored 10 on the Moh scale and after two games in the previous week a lot of sore bodies could be found in the Llanishen dressing room.

Lewis, not Morse's sidekick was strolling around, prior to the warm up, listening to music to get in the zone. Pavarotti's Nessum Dorma, I enquired. Only to be told it was Draky-Laky. An unusual pre-game listen as he'd only just split from the Indie band, Chicken-Licken and the Acorns.

So to kick off and in front of the largest crowd of the season. It would be a crime if the boys didn't put in and I'm sure they had a Hart to Hart to ensure the maximum effort was put into the game.

A corridor of Llanishen and Leamington Spa Under 10s greeted the Llanishen team and from the kick off it was apparent that this was going to be a titanic struggle.

A well caught kick-off led to a ruck but the ball came out of the back of the ruck, to be pounced on by the Dinas back-row.

Usk Road Blues straight away? No, when the chips were down valiant defence kept the opposition out. The ball was cleared and it gave Llanishen a chance to launch an attack. Tom, fresh from moonlighting in London, saw a shaft of light and made a super break but the resulting breakdown saw the home side conceded a penalty.

Who was the prime suspect? It was hard to tell because they all looked like ...........Saints!

Dinas were throwing everything at Llanishen but couldn't cross the gain or shadow line. The scrum was under pressure but Lewis and Harry constantly retained the ball and, like the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang,  Llanishen were able to break from their 22 and set up scoring chances.

A few slips of concentration did, however, let Dinas into Llanishen's half and a penalty conceded let Dinas take the lead. Dinas seemed to raise their efforts and only tremendous deeds of last ditch tackling and a stubbornness of spirit kept them out.

This was exemplified when, similar to the Llantrisant game, five metre scrums and line-outs were defended without thought of the impact on the body.

George had to go off with an injury to his left ankle and Ben with a nasty cut above his left eye. The boys on the beat, sorry bench (Jay and Mike), continued to play with the same spirit and moving towards half-time Llanishen were awarded a penalty.

Rod's successful penalty brought the sides levels level and Llanishen then pressed forward through Swindlehurst younger and senior. A superb round the back flick by Josh was a highlight as was the running and covering displayed by Alex, Miles and Sam.

Half-Time - Llanishen 3 Dinas Powys  3

Verdict: A Cracker

You will be pleased to read that I hardly put pen to paper in the second half. The reason being to tense and physical nature of the spectacle on view. Crunching tackles by Mike and Frank (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?), along with the Bournmeister and Mike (scream into contact aside) didn't allow Dinas any space.

As the game went on it appeared Llanishen were getting on top but stout defence and the bounce of the ball meant the score remained level.

With few minutes to go and with Llanishen on the attack the Llantrisant supporters were promising rewards beyond the dreams of Midas but it wasn't to be. Dinas cleared to touch to win the league by a point.

The game ended 3-3 but was it was one of the most enjoyable games of the season. The commitment and obvious togetherness of the squad was wonderful to witness and the young side will be a force if they continue the upward progress witnessed over the course of the season. Like the Police they have taken Giant Steps.

Full-Time - Llanishen 3  Dinas Powys 3

Verdict: I predict a riot at the clubhouse - good job the squad forwards were dressing as cops and the backs robbers.

P.S.

Police and Thieves in the bar, oh yeah

Scaring the patrons with their pints and conversation.

It has been great fun, if occasionally frustrating, watching this year and the fun and pleasure the team has demonstrated towards playing has been great to see. The WRU really should investigate this and bring it to a halt as soon as possible. I mean, enjoying playing for your local side, sticking together in adversity and socialising together - it really isn't on you know!

The club really is on the up. This was exemplified when, after a bruising game, they formed a corridor for Llanishen and Leamington players to run through. Tom, Noah's dad, commented that this is an attitude/mind set that makes one proud to be associated with the club.

The Leamington Spa team left at 9:45 having had a wonderful game and I'm sure they had great fun at the White Water Rafting Centre on Sunday.

The players are obviously the vital ingredient but a great many people give a lot of time and effort to ensure the team is kitted and looked after. Thank you to them and also to the L.L.S. (Loyal Lion Supporters) who have travelled far and wide to urge the team on.

That's the end of the match reports for this season, no cheering, please! However, look out for the end of year report!

DON'T FORGET TO SUPPORT THE BOYS IN THE NINIAN STUART FINAL NEXT FRIDAY.

Llanishen RFC's Tour Bus 2017 /18

Driving Lineout practice in the car park

End of Season Photo!

Ian Burn's end of season look!

Harry Trelawney - caged ready for the start of next season

Llanishen Supporters - they were ok at the start of the season!