A Grand Day Out!

After a sterling silver effort by the gardening crew the pitch was passed fit to play on but if you were a top of the ground player your stamina was going to be called into question.

One end of the pitch, nearest the changing rooms, was in a worse state than the other, despite the efforts of the sand throwers and pitch-forkers, and Llanishen found themselves playing in the swamp in the first half. Time for the kick off - let the fretting begin!

Gilfach's forwards were in front of the kick off and Llanishen opted for a scrum, a brave decision considering we conceded two penalty tries in the away fixture. The scrum was solid and the ball was moved to the blind side and a series of phases ensued but, as was to be happen on a number of occasions, the ball was knocked on.

The line outs were also going well (a matter of loaf and death, sorry lift and drive) and a catch and maul from the Llanishen 22 seemed to be going well but when it collapsed Llanishen were penalised and the successful kick put Gilfach in front.

The kick off was caught and a series of phases drew a penalty which was kicked to within ten metres of Gilfach's line. With no need for 'Techo-Trousers' the ball was caught and having got themselves organised a drive culminated in Lee going over for a super forward oriented try. The conversion giving Llanishen a four point lead. Could they build on it?

Gilfach then had a sustained period of pressure which Llanishen's defence did well to hold firm. A penalty, for holding, allowed Llanishen to clear to touch and set up camp in Gilfach's 22. It looked as though Llanishen were going to score a second try but a knock on gave Gilfach a scrummage and a chance to clear their lines. 

A fantastic kick from Finn put Llanishen into the opposition's half and with a not straight line out a scrum 40 metres out. You can't score from first phase? Well a fine move, bringing Josh on a penetrating angle, followed by a series of inter-passing allowed Lewis to surge (I'm being kind!) over the line. A successful kick put Llanishen two scores clear and two tries away from a bonus point. Brilliant teamwork lads!

A series of basic errors, including the conceding of penalties, allowed the Gilfach kicker to strike a fine penalty from 40 metres.

A scrum on Gilfach's 22 gave Lewis a chance to pick up and pop to Harry who passed to Tom who passed to Harry who passed to Josh who surged forward before passing inside to Sam to score Llanishen's third try (Wow Pulitzer Prize reporting - as if you were there, NOT!).

It's no good prevaricating about the bush a fourth try would be very welcome. It didn't take long for it to arrive as a series of driving mauls, utilising the blind side, allowed Harry to dive over (not from a great height you understand!).

With the half now entering its third day Llanishen were penalised and the kick to the corner gave Gilfach a chance to narrow the deficit. A catch and drive and panda-monium as Gilfach scored in the corner. It looks like its going to be a close shave if we're to win it. Gromit, they surely aren't going to blow this are they? If they do a little bit of ..... collective brain alteration may be needed!

Half-Time - Llanishen 24 Gilfach Goch 11

The team retreated into the sumptuous changing room - come on, "It's a bit dingy at present but it's surprising what a lick of paint'll do isn't it?"

It's time to check what's in the team's drink at half time because they came out and had clearly lost the bounce in their bungie.

Gilfach were the dominant force and after a short line out and series of forceful drives they scored a try under the posts. The conversion brought Gilfach to within six points (time to start biting nails again!).

The kick off was caught by Gilfach but holding on at the subsequent ruck gave Llanishen a chance to extend the lead. The successful kick eliciting an audible sigh from the Llanishen supporters.

A series of not straight line outs gave Gilfach the chance to exert sustained pressure and from a scrum a surging run took Gilfach's number 11 clear. The Llanishen defence scrambled back but a dummy and acceleration took the player clear enabling him to score a superb individual try. Game on again.

The weather seemed to mirror the home team supporter's mood as rain and hailstones fell from on high. What's up dog? Too many errors and a lack of concentration me thinks.

But no! A tremendous kick from Finn pushed Gilfach back into their 22. After a number of half-breaks and phases a deft pop pass gave Nigel an opportunity to skip through and, though tackled, reach out to score under the posts.

The sixth try Llanishen scored was probably the pick of the bunch. A break down the blind side and good inter-passing allowed Finn to score a superb try. The obvious pleasure the team took from the score was evident - they really are a great group of boys - even if they put their supporters through the mincer each game they play! They, apparently, have got patent pending on this style of torture!

"That went as well as could be expected, didn't it, Gromit?"

Full-Time - Llanishen 41 Gilfach Goch 23

P.S.

The senior players had their photographs taken after the game so they can be used on the website and in the match day programmes. The mud splattered look is all the rage in Paris this year and the mud-packs certainly will help the team's complexions (people pay spas a lot of money for this type of treatment, apparently). Say 'Cheese' - what no gorgonzola!

I'm sure the boys were in the mood for food but no cheese and crackers unfortunately!

Well done to the Gilfach' left wing on his senior team debut - look forward to seeing you play next season.

The game was Nigel Gumbleton's last for Llanishen for the foreseeable future. He has played outstandingly well this season and is going to be a great loss, not only for his rugby skills but also the manner in which he conducts himself off the pitch. The future looks good for Nigel as a trip to Australia will be followed by a new job in Kent. He has given a lot to the club and I'm sure everyone wishes him the best of times in the upcoming years.

Oh, tidy! What's occurring?  Well, Ness, our next game is Barry away so don't forget your bucket and spade. A repertoire of 'Gavin and Stacey' quotes would also be splendiferous.

P.Ivins esq