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The First XV put last weeks disappointing result firmly to bed with an impressive 29-3 bonus point win at home against Caerau Ely RFC. Some strong words from both players and coaches during the weeks training sessions as to their unacceptable attitude and performance at Penygraig reaped rewards as Llantwit started the game at a ferocious pace. Several big tackles and charges being made, one such run by flanker Rob Carter deep into the Penygraig 22 leaving a string of defenders in his wake and one hand-off more adept to the nearby boxing gym than the Rec.

Not surprisingly with such a good start they were soon on the score sheet with a Dan Powell penalty. Robin Lock then showed his class in taking a quick tap and go penalty inside his own half, spotting a gap in Caerau’s retreating defence he raced away and in rounding the covering fullback scored a great individual try at the Clubhouse End. Bringing some early cheer from the supporters soaking up some surprising sunshine in the Pat Aston shelter. The try then accompanied by an excellent touch line conversion from the boot of Powell.
The match calmed down for a period from the frenetic start as Caerau came back into the game with their big pack making the Llantwit front five work hard at scrum time. A Llantwit sin-binning for a dangerous tackle tested their resolve which they came through admirably in not allowing any score during the ten minute period.
Then when they returned to the full complement Llantwit scored the try of the game; some quick ball from the forwards gave the backs a chance to spread the ball wide but a bad pass meant the ball going to ground. However man of the match wing Rhys David was quick to react in scooping the ball up and making a brilliant break through a maze of defenders, the backs then combining to put opposite wing Lee Wood in at the corner for an un-converted try. Caerau briefly came back scoring a penalty as the game finished the first half at 15-3.
The half time talk though was not of praise as coach Dean Bunting and captain Huw Williams laid down the law that the performance needed to be upped again and not slackened.
The players duly responded with some fine rugby in the second half, some supporters commenting they had never seen the the team handle the ball so much. Caerau to their credit played their part in the game with long periods of possession as they attempted to claw back into the match. But Llantwit were just too strong with the back row always looking to turn over ball and then outside half Powell either making good use of the slope in relieving kicks or setting off the hard running centres Stuart Edbrooke and Jack Austin.
Llantwit's next try coming from a bit of luck when a speculative up and under kick appeared to be going know where when Lee Wood plucked the ball with a juggling fingertip catch and then must have thought Christmas had come early when he found himself in acres of space to race away for a converted try at the School End.
The bonus point try was soon too follow as excellent handling between Powell and Edbrooke put the ever supporting Carter over under the posts for another converted try.
The last period of the game was the most impressive aspect for the coaches. Caerau threw everything they had at Llantwit as they looked for a consolation try but the Llantonians were not to be undone and battled hard in defence for long periods to keep the score to a well deserved 29-3 win.
Next week sees the return of the National Bowl cup competition and the 2nd round with Canton RFC again visiting the Recreation Ground k.o. 2:30pm. The previous league game a few weeks ago ending with a 30-10 win to Llantwit. The feeling though was that score probably flattered Llantwit and a tough game is anticipated.