Fixture

A handsome crowd were treated to a game fitting of the glorious sunshine this Sunday as Llantwit 13’s entertained Oakdale who made the long journey down to the Recreation Ground. It is often said that Llantwit teams are like spring flowers in that they have to wait for the warmer climate to blossom and the 13’d seem to be following in this trend. Having built up a little momentum in recent weeks, the home team were determined to make a strong start to continue their upward trajectory. Both teams started well as they tested each other’s defence but it was Llantwit who struck first. Having moved the ball with zip and guile Eli Hickman noticed space on the left and moved the ball into the wide channels for wing Bayley Hillberg to finish a good phase of team play. Llantwit added a second straight from kick off as Tyle Lee found a slither of space and sprinted in from 50 meters to put the hosts in good spirits. Oakdale however are no pushovers and having been jolted into life they soon put together several good phases to power over on the left. That score could have rattled the home team however they have changed their attitude since Christmas and they soon struck twice through Dylan Rees to open up a healthy lead. Oakdale struck back again to narrow the deficit and looked to be getting themselves back into the game. From the kick off, Llantwit chased hard and after forcing a fumble recovered the ball. After moving left, the broke quickly right and wing Lewys Gregson showed great strength to get over the line with would tacklers dangling off him. The half ended with another try apiece and Llantwit turned into the wind 34-17 in front.

Oakdale begin the second half strong and showed great character in going about reducing the home team’s lead. With the wind at their heels the visitors brought their strong runners into the game and they started earning hard yards before getting over the try line. An excellent conversion made it 34-24 and it was game on. As Oakdale pushed for more points, Llantwit defended resolutely as they tried to hold on to their narrow lead. Fantastic tackling throughout the team kept forcing mistakes from Oakdale who knew one more score could break the home teams resolve. As play started to break up Llantwit moved the ball left to Tyler Lee who didn’t need a second invitation to break clear and score in the corner. Lee added another try soon after and the home side started to think it was all over. Oakdale had other ideas however and still chasing a comeback score started to exploit the open spaces out wide. As the Llantwit defence started to narrow, the visitors threw to ball out to the right and scored an excellent try in the corner. An evening better conversation followed considering the swirling wind to bring the scores to 44-31. As both teams pushed for a final score mistakes started to creep in and the game ended with neither side able to make another breakthrough. An excellent game with both sides trying to play running rugby. With the 12’s playing on a pitch nearby it was fantastic to see the age group able to support itself with its own age grade players. A positive sign of things to come.