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On a bright afternoon of spring sunshine the First XV eventually overcome a well drilled Old Penarthians side to take the spoils with a 10-20 win at the Cwrt-y-Vil Playing Fields. Llantwit had done their homework and new that Old Pens were a decent side who perform well above their lowly standing in the league table; and the Penarth side did not disappoint as they raced into the lead with a quick unconverted try showing fast handling and some hard direct running to leave the Llantwit defence in tatters.

Llantwit though were soon back into the game themselves as the pack started giving scrum half Rhys Balmont some decent ball and he took the opportunity to ask questions of the Old Pens back row with some sniping runs. It was clear that Llantwit were intent on keeping the ball as tight as they could and find the correct field positions before releasing their back line. But has often been the case this season the idea was correct but the execution was poor in the early exchanges as passes went astray or they were sent retreating from penalties for over enthusiastic handling in the tackle area.
Eventually though they managed to push the home team back onto their own ten metre line where a well taken line out from Shaun Shea saw him charge forward gaining valuable yards and forcing the impressive Old Pens back row into the resulting ruck; this then gave the backs a chance to open up and quick ball was send across the three quarters with a lovely weighted pass from Josh Austin to Rhys Dixon on a crash ball brought Llantwit in touching distance of the try line as he was eventually brought down. The remaining backs were quick to react and did the rucking out to allow first number eight Jamie Lewis to have a go for the whitewash before blind side flanker and Man of the Match Dan Farrell barrelled over for a well deserved try, the resultant kick converted by outside half Dan Powell.
Llantwit continued in the same vein from the restart and began to take control of the game with additional control in the line outs and scrums and it wasn't long before Powell’s boot put over a penalty to extend their lead. But just as the travelling supporters were patiently waiting for another try as good field position was found, Llantwit's ability to self implode struck again as they were sent back for an infringement penalty and then given another ten meter retreat for back chatting to the referee. Then to make matters worse Farrell was then ordered off the field for ten minutes for a tackle violation as the official lost patience with Llantwit's petulance.
Old Pens as would be expected then threw everything at the visitors to take advantage of the yellow card and get themselves back into the game. And just before half time after several facets of play they managed to do so as some lovely short passes between some of their front five forwards saw them going over again for another try, which thankfully for Llantwit again wasn't converted by their kicker, the first half ending at 10-10.
The first period was pretty uninspiring as the two teams battled back and for across the ten metre lines as they wrestled for dominance. Eventually as in the first half Llantwit's hard running started to show dividends as they trudged upfield and a fine phase of play saw Llantwit's open side flanker Donovan Stoppel go on a great run towards the posts before being grounded, and unfortunately carried off with a subsequent injury for his efforts. Another penalty kick though by Powell extended the visitors lead but with a quarter of an hour to go this was too close for comfort. 
Llantwit though encouraged by some choice words from captain Huw Williams lifted their game once again and some good positioning play put them on the Old Pens 22 a couple of strong runs from Second row Tom Winter and replacement flanker Dan Bawden edged them closer to the line. A lovely move involving both backs and forwards then allowed hard working prop Geraint David to force himself underneath the defence tackles and over for a great team try. This was then complemented by a great conversion kick from out wide to put the result to bed for a much relieved Llantonian side.
A good win then for Llantwit against a good hard battling Old Pens side who were well drilled and caused them no end of problems at the tackle area. Further mention going to second row Shaun Shea who had a solid performance in the tight areas of the game, especially in the lines-out where his old head was controlling the encounters and tactically out thinking his opponents, like a fine wine he is getting better with age.
The next game is on Saturday with the visit of Wattstown to the Recreation Ground kick off at 2:30pm,  Llantwit will expect another tough encounter here as the Rhondda team have only lost twice since they beat them 10-24 earlier in the season and have the record of being the only team to beat league leaders Cefn Coed so far this season.