Fixture

It’s No Mystery, Its Epiphany!

Amidst the run up to, and during, Christmas the Lions had played well without converting their play into wins. So, on a calm and overcast day, could they beat one of the top sides in the division?
With no sign of three camels, or indeed Toyah Willcox, the side were going to have to do it themselves and against a side who had ‘taken us apart’ in the autumn. The intensity and concentration in the build up suggested there was hope (shut that box Pandora). Maybe time to slay a few naysayers, perhaps?
With NFL teams looking for a wide receiver in the draft, step forward Sam Williams to present his case. A well flighted kick off was beautifully caught, by the aforementioned Swills, and then taken forward by the irrepressible, Ryan Davies. The move came to nothing but the desire and intent of the side was obvious to the supporters.
With Ed throwing top darts (Llany Pally next year?) the line out was functioning really well and from one of them Gwion was able to break and the move only stopping for a Lions penalty. 
The first ten minutes belonged to the Lions but with no points on the board were they going to rue the fact as in previous games? Well we didn’t have long to wait because a great break off the back of the scrum, courtesy of AB, and pop pass to PC Milo brought the first try. Tom slotted the conversion and then, a few minutes later, decided to expertly counter-ruck. Has that lad ever played flanker?
Cilfyndd are not one of the favourites for promotion for nothing and with their first meaningful attack scored a fine team try. Good driving by the forwards created space wide which they utilised to send the winger over in the corner.
Deflation after the start would have been understandable but, in fact, it seemed to galvanise the team to greater efforts. With Sam Randall making repeated tackles and Shaun, Lee and Elliot ever willing ball carriers the side stormed forward.
A Tom Hannah penalty gave the side a cushion but after a superb catch by Lee, swift delivery by Harry and deft kick by Tom the ball bounced kindly (at last) for the team. The pick-up wasn’t easy but Bobby-on-the Spot, Milo, swept the ball up to run twenty metres for his, and the teams, second try. 
The converted try gave Llanishen a twelve point lead. To quote Sean Connery, “I must be dreaming!” The team continued to press with Ross running good lines and Tal directing play the side looked to add to their advantage. Welded to the attacking play was a steely desire to retrieve the ball and Ryan and Ed, along with Harry, looked to jackal in melee known as a ruck. 
Half time and a moment to contemplate as the team have been in this position before. Could they seal the deal and gain a much needed win.
Half Time Llanishen 17 Cilfyndd 5
The Cilfyndd coaching side tore into their players at the break and it was obvious a strong reaction was coming (No, not involving  HCl).
A facial cut to Miles (He’s still handsome El, in a rugged way obviously) leading to Robin to enter the fray.
The physicality and strength of running by the Opposition meant strong defence was required and the Lions side met fire with fire but gradually Cilfyndd’s power game was starting to click into place.
The scrum was starting to come under a little more pressure and from a five metre scrum a push over try was conceded.
Llanishen still had attacking opportunities but they were becoming less and less frequent so it was time to send on the fire starter, otherwise known as Mike Rose, who was quickly upping the intensity of the tiring Lions defence.
The pressure from ‘Cil’ was ratcheted even higher as they sought an equalising try and with less than ten minutes they scored a converted try to bring the sides level.
Dear reader, we have been at this point numerous times this season and I feared that history was about to repeat itself. Could the lads hang on for a draw?
Draw? No they refocused and a number of driving runs left the ball to be moved to the left. A streak of white (Quote from Owen Davies our favourite St Peter’s member) in the gathering gloom (George’s new boots – why aren’t rugby boots black?) and an inside pass gave Al Sams just enough room to break through the defensive line to score under the posts.
There was still time for Cilfyndd to launch attacks and the game ended with Cilfyndd held up over the Llanishen try line.
A mighty effort by the squad and a display that rewarded the commitment to play entertaining rugby and every member of the squad fully contributed to the result.
Full Time Llanishen 24 Cilfyndd 17
A ‘New Year’ and the team’s first win on the new pitch, a much needed one, against a team looking to gain promotion to East Central 1. 
Special mention to Cilfyndd supporter, Tanya (partner of a Cilfyndd forward), who liked the programme (wise) and got most of the Lion’s Picture Quiz correct, with a little help from her friend and people in the ‘Lion’s Lounge’.
The Second’s also won their top of the table clash, against Dinas Powis, so a great start to the second half of the season for the senior sides. 
There are tough games ahead for both teams but the desire to stick together, after some of the last minute losses for the First’s and against ‘Strong’ Second’s teams, means the Lions Spirit/Force in the Senior Sides is strong (expect a visit from Yoda soon)