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20 January 2019 / Club News

Match Report : Llanishen v Llantwit Fardre

The Strange Case of Jekyll or Hyde XV 
 
With Gary Spielberg filming the game it time for the boys to put on an Oscar winning performance. (The committee met after the game to award a film classification – PG was awarded – film contains language unbecoming a debutante and extensive physical content, well they weren’t playing netball!).
After the high of the Cilfyndd game and the subsequent low of the Barry game it time to see in which guise the Lions would turn up in. 
No London ‘pea-souper’ but an overcast January day, with minimal wind, meant ideal weather for a free flowing game.
Llantwit Fardre took the kick-off (they did say please before so doing) and after an initial intrusion into the Lions half the team went on the offensive.
With Diggy Diggy (to paraphrase The Undertones) controlling the game, mixing up a variety of kicks and running moves, the Lions had the best the opening period of the game.
On 10 minutes and after a series of forward drives by Lee, Shaun and Ryan, the ball was moved wide. Good handling by the backs gave Mike Rose a chance to score. He appeared to be held in his drive for the line but through determination and powerful leg drive he got over to score a fine converted try.
Llantwit Fardre were utilising high box kicks (Truss please, nurse) but these were dealt with aplomb (delicious with a spicy sauce) by Kieran and Tom-Tom.
Llanishen continued to attack but when the ball broke free it was hacked on a few times before a fine pick led to a try under the posts. All square after sixteen minutes but still positive signs in the way the Lions were playing.
Llanishen’s scrum was holding out well against a heavier pack and the pack enabled George to pick up and run from his own 22. He got to the Lion’s 40m line before kick into the opposition 22 (no tea for that lad). The attacking intent and intensity was plain to see and a welcome change from last weekend.
Another attack led to a Llanishen penalty which Diggy landed with a beautifully struck kick (reminiscent of his Father, Andy, when the game was played in black and white).
Sam, Harry and Tom were putting chop tackles and competing well at the breakdown and in open play and the side appeared comfortable. A penalty and kick to the Lion’s 22 led to a catch and drive, expertly choreographed, to bring Llantwit’s second try.
Four points down. How were the team going to respond? Well actually with attacking pressure causing a penalty to be conceded which Diggy kicked.
A few minutes later, however, Llantwit Fardre then scored the try of the match. Great inter-passing amongst the forwards with super support running and a final devastating change of angle brought the opposition’s third try. The kick in front of the posts was missed, was this going to be important at the end of the match?
Only a few minutes to half time but time enough for Llanishen. A stolen ball and swift passing, including a delightful take and give pass by Robin, gave Ross the opportunity to score in the corner. A superb conversion and half time whistle meant Llanishen were leading.
Half-Time Score: Llanishen 20 Llantwit Fardre 19
The first five minutes of the second half was typified by mistakes by both sides and the concession of penalties.
A great break by Tom Barr, with support running from Tom Vaughan, saw Llanishen drive deep into the opposition 22. Holding on allowed Llantwit to clear their lines and a few minutes later they were on the offense.
A knock-on gave Llantwit a scrum under the posts, finger nail biting time, but great resolve kept Llantwit out after four reset scrums. A great breakout led to the Lions being awarded a penalty 40 metres out. Mr Reliable, Diggy, put the home side four points clear.
With twenty minutes to go it was anybodies game (well Llanishen or Llantwits) and both teams were looking for attacking opportunities.
A superb jackal, by Ben Rookes (reminiscent of his Father Stuart – another memory in black and white) gave Diggy the chance to put Llanishen 7 points clear. A chance he took.
All hands to the pumps for the final five minutes as Llantwit strove for an equalising score. With the last play of the game, and despite dogged defence, Llantwit scored their fourth try. The conversion and final whistle meant a tied game which is fine if you are chess Grand-Masters but a downer for the home side.
So it was definitely a Doctor Jekyll performance and one which should fill the side with confidence for the final seven League games.
A stoic performance and no concert party so back to the Clubhouse to meet the gang who had entertained us, no music but plenty of laughter to see us on our way. 
So, ‘Move yerselves, move yerselves.’ (RIP Windsor Davies – you did make me laugh even if the humour is probably considered in appropriate now).
Final Score Llanishen 26  Llantwit Fardre 26
PS
Wonderful to see the new Lion Cubs, Under 7s and 6s, having their first game on the 3G against Llantwit Fardre. It is also great to see how many of the Senior Sides contain boys who played ‘Mini and Junior’ rugby for Llanishen. 
There is no truth in the rumour that the First team are going to be re-nicknamed ‘The 49ers’ even though 49 players have appeared for the Firsts so far this season. More people that on the cast list of Ben Hur (11 Oscars in 1959 including one for Best Actor for the gun totting Charlton Heston as the eponymous hero).
The Lions play Heol y Cyw next week, so let’s get as many people down there to lend our support and shout them on to a much needed win.

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