Fixture

Llanishen RFC | 1st Team 38 - 34 Cardiff Quins RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
11 September 2018 / Team News

Madness! Complete Madness! Nutty Boys Win in Mayhem

Llanishen 1st XV v Cardiff Quins:

In a match that could give those of a frail disposition a cardiac arrest the Llanishen team held on for a bonus point win.

On a blustery, but thankfully dry day, it was impossible to contemplate the events of the second half.

The match began in the usual manner, someone kicked the ball, and quickly Llanishen’s dominant pack created plenty of possession for the backs.

A bulldozing run by Alex Bourne, not unlike the rhino in Jumanji, gave the home team a platform, in the Quins half, on which to build pressure. The Quins conceded a penalty, which was kicked to the corner.

A good catch and driving maul seemed sure to bring the first score but stout defence kept the Lions out. From the following scrum, a rare sight indeed, as the Lions drove the Quins back forcing a penalty try to be awarded.

With possession approaching 70% it was important that chances were taken and when George made a good break a series of phases were set up. The last phase involved slick passing by George and Mike, who released ‘The Try Machine’ (Milo) to burst through to score. The conversion gave the team a 12-0 lead and it seemed that a relatively straightforward win was in the offing.

Oh silly me! Llanishen started to concede penalties and the dangerous opposition backs were able to use their fine handling skills and pace to open up the home team’s defence. A fine outside break, brushing off two or three tackles, allowed the Quins to score their first try.

Llanishen still had the Lion’s share of the ball but errors were creeping in and when the Quins broke the line it appeared an equalising score was on the cards. A superb covering tackle meant the scoring pass was forward and from the scrum Llanishen were able to clear to touch to bring the half to an end.

 

Half Time Llanishen 12 Cardiff Quins 5

 

Lesson learnt, one hoped, but, alas straight from the kick off the Quins strung numerous phases together before scoring under the posts. All square, was this to beckon in a bizarre second half?

Yes in-deedy! A superb counter attack by Jonny, a pass to Bournie and a scoring pass put Swills in for a try.

To my embarrassment I was finding it difficult to keep up with the scoring and no sooner had one got back to the half way line when a penalty was awarded to the Quins. The successful kick brought the away side within two points.

Time to exert some control, methinks and methinks would be correct. A super series of forward tries allowed a pass to Adam who bulldozed his way over the tryline, leaving carnage in his wake.

Bonus point secured and a nine point lead, happy days! I’m afraid you’d be wrong, however.

The destructive and skilful Quins backline broke clear to score a fine try and what’s this? Two minutes later the Quins repeated the trick and had gained the lead and secured a bonus point.

With mayhem all around it was time to reassert control and a great scrum allowed Llanishen to reretake the lead, following Swills conversion.

Changes were then made but a fine break through the centre of the field gave the Quins a score in the corner.

Breathless and with time running down Tal put a fine kick into the Quins 22 and after a lineout Llanishen gained the ball. A scrum and a series of drives allowed the lively replacement, Sam Randall, to score a try. The conversion meant Llanishen had rereretaken the lead and were four points clear.

One minute to go. What could go wrong? A mix up and the kick off and a penalty meant the Quins were five metres out from the Llanishen line.

Desperate defence kept the line intact but pressure continued to build. Play was then stopped to deal with a nasty head injury and began again with a scrum to the attacking side.

Ryan had to come on for Sion and a great drive pushed the Quins pack backwards. They managed to salvage possession but a knock on gave Llanishen the opportunity to kick the ball dead.

A barking made game with eleven tries and tears from the defence coaches.

The Quins have a good young side with attacking backs and I’m sure the return match will be a humdinger.

Time to retire to the ‘House of Fun’ but hopefully not the same kind of fun as last week!

 

FullTime Llanishen 38 Cardiff Quins 34 (maybe 36)

 

A change of match report theme as a second ‘song’ has know been added to the boys’ repartee. The team certainly felt the heat and needed to move their feet.

ONE STEP BEYOND

 

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