Fixture

The AmmoKnights fans could have been forgiven for thinking Halloween had come early as they witnessed a Horror Show at Gelligaled park in the first round of the under 14’s Blues Cup. Hosts Ystrad Rhonnda would have rightly fancied themselves as the scary monster that was about to rampage through the script leaving bodies in their wake. Unfortunately for the AmmoKnight die hard supporters unlike the traditional scary movie, there was no hero ready to battle against the fearsome foe. Indeed within minutes of the kick off the visiting players were hiding behind the sofa as the Ystrad rugby beast scattered the wafer thin Llantwit defence allowing a procession of simple tries to rattle up the score. Fans could have been forgiven for thinking Ystrad were issuing a “Borg” like threat as resistance was indeed futile with Llantwit tacklers now running for cover and playing hide and seek with their frightening opponent. Eight tries in 30 minutes disheartened even the most optimistic of the travelling fans that now looked at the watches wandering if they would make it home for the kick off to Ireland v Argentina.

At 48-0 and with only 6 minutes left in the first half, that early trip home was on the cards but for 2 glimpses of endeavour and spirit by the visitors. As the hosts went to break away, Ethan White ripped the ball form the Ystrad winger and sprinted 30 yards to cross for a Llantwit try which he duly converted.  Moments later novice winger Sam Williams scored his first try for the team with a well taken effort after finding some space on the outside of the Ystrad defence. This resurgence was cut short as the home team added another converted try just before the half time whistle with the score precariously balanced at 55-12.

The second half lasted a grand total of 46 seconds as the home team’s power told and they crossed and converted to complete a 50 point winning margin within 31 minutes of the game. Winger Sam Williams left the match having put in a good performance and showed glimpses of future promise.

The final score 62-12 and a stark reminder for fans of the sport of the gulf in class that exists within junior rugby. The AmmoKnights have some soul searching to do before a series of difficult encounters with teams from the Afan Nedd district starting with the visit of Bryncoch to the Recreation ground this Sunday.