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The first round of the National Bowl brought opponents Fairwater to the Recreation Ground in a highly entertaining game. In start contrast to their last home game the players and a large crowd were soaked in gorgeous warm sunshine. Several changes from last weeks line up caused by injuries, player unavailability and babysitting duties meant outside half Robin Lock playing in an unfamiliar position of scrum half and new tight head prop Alex Bloomfield showing his versatility in moving across to loose head with senior stalwart Tony Burrows packing down on they tight. Dan Farrell making a start in the back row. Elsewhere Rhys Balmont moved from wing to fullback, Rhys David playing on the wing and Sam Vakacegu coming in to partner his brother Wise at centre.

Llantwit started the game facing up the slope against a strong wind to the Clubhouse End and early on showed their intent to continue their running game in a splendid taken try from a retreating scrum, quick ball handling in the backs leaving man of the match Wise in space to race over from an unconverted try. Fairwater immediately replied after some good forward pressure with a converted try of there own at the School End. Some bad discipline from Llantwit then giving Fairwater another three points from a penalty. 

As the game appeared to be drifting to the break and the players looked forward to a breather. Some good line out play by Llantwit returned order to the home team with another converted try under the posts. The move actually starting as the ball went out of play and coach Graeme Williams on the sideline showing lightening reflexes for a man of his age and stature in retrieving the ball. This seamed to spur the team on with good ball from the line out and a brilliant show of hands across the back line saw Charlie Neale break away on the right wing for a  converted try under the posts. A fitting moment for Charlie to mark his last game as he is moving to the Midlands. The club would like to thank him for his commitment over the years and wish him well in his new venture. The score at half time 12-10.

The second half didn't start well as some more indiscretions allowed Fairwater to take the lead with a penalty kick.  After a lacklustre period from both sides Llantwit then started to dominate field possession with them producing several attacks into the Fairwater 22. However time and time again for long frustrating periods the Llantwit packs drives over the Fairwater line were held up by a stubborn defence. Robin Lock eventually breaking the deadlock after some sound words of advice from the sidelines from the watching Blues star and local lad Josh Navidi. Lock seized an opportunity of space after some more set piece play, dancing his way through the Fairwater back row, releasing the supporting Rob Carter to run under the posts for a converted try.

Fairwater however again quickly responded and some good play from their impressive outside half gave them a well deserved converted try through some weak Llantwit defending. This led to some stern words from captain Huw Williams in the value of protecting their lead. The players eventually responding with an excellent move with forwards and backs combining to put the charging Dan Farrell over the line, converted by Dan Powell.

The players and crowd then had to endure a nervous ending as Fairwater attempted to grab the spoils with several attacks at the Llantwit line. But to their credit some stout defending by the home team none so more than the tireless work horse Donovan Stoppell denying the visitors, the game ending 26-20..

A tough encounter which Llantwit really should have taken more control of but another good win against opponents from a division above them and now through to the second round of the competition.

The action returns to the league next Saturday with another away trip to the Rhondda Valley with Penygraig the opponents k.o. 2:30pm. The players bus will be leaving the clubhouse at 12:15pm any supporters are welcome to travel with the team.