Fixture

Match Report Llanishen v Aberdare  15th December 2018

With the rain coming down like the proverbial stair rods it was a question of no room inn the covered replacement bench. Found within the confines of said cover was, however, three wise (?) men: Frank ‘Incensed’ Dacey, George ‘Gold’ Ivins and Myrhhvelous Mike Rose.
Could the Lions bring some festive cheer to their followers? 
Well, with the wind blowing up a hoolie, and Llanishen playing into it, it was important that a good start was made. It was the ‘Snakes’ (see programme for the explanation of the nickname) who seemed up for the game.
Llanishen then had a good period of possession in the Aberdare half but when that broke down Llanishen gifted Aberdare the first try of the match, which was converted.
A superb catch by Lee, from the Lions’ kick off gave them good field possession. A number of phases kept possession but made few yards when, from the middle of a maul, Noah broke and sprinted from the half way line to score a fine individual try. Tom’ conversion, into the wind, was beautifully struck and judged, all square on the new scoreboard.
An Aberdare kick gave them excellent field position on the Lions five metre line. Our throw was straight and true but unfortunately went straight to an Aberdare back row forward who went over for gift try number two.
Enough of the goodwill I hear you say but with the wind and an earful of rain water the boys couldn’t hear you. A simple kick on and no cover defence led to the opposition’s third try (to paraphrase Culture Club – Make Mistake Number 3, Yeah – gift number 3). 
Llanishen then started to apply a little more pressure and a conceded penalty was kicked. Without playing particularly well the team were still in the game but a charged down kick on our line gave the Snakes a bonus point try.
Half Time Llanishen 10 Aberdare 26

With the wind at their backs could the team take the points? To do so they needed to score first but it was the powerful running opposition who scored the best try of the match.
A good line break and fine inter-passing, especially with cold hands, gave Aberdare a fifth try. The missed conversion gave them a 21 point lead with 25 left to play.
The replacements, especially Mike Rose, gave a greater urgency and dynamism to the Lions and they then had their best period of the match.
The scrum parity meant attacks could be launched off the back of the scrum and a pick, drive and twist, by Lewis, gave Llanishen a try under the posts.
Was there time to gain something from the day? Well the side tried very hard but to no avail.
The best side certainly won but it was yet another game where the team didn’t do themselves justice.
Tis the season to be jolly, well yes, but it will probably be a lot jollier at the club house tomorrow for ‘Super Sunday’.
Full Time Llanishen 17 Aberdare 31
If you’re Driving Home for Christmas, or not, have yourself a Wonderful Christmas Time.