Fixture

Our 16’s suffered another chastening defeat as their hosts Pontrydyfen powered passed them on their way to a 48-29 victory. The omens were cast early Sunday morning when a number of last-minute withdrawals left the travelling team with only 16 players and moving players into unfamiliar positions.

The old adage of not being able to play without the ball was true as Ponty set about maintaining possession with a series of strong running phases that left the visiting defence in tatters. It wasn’t long before the pressure told and after 8 minutes the home team run in 2 quick tries to lead 10-0. Llantwit then had their best period of the first half, when after finally moving the ball wide Ieuan Deere crossed to get Llantwit back into the game at 10-7. Eli Hickman then drew the scores level with a well taken penalty and there was a sliver of hope. This was soon extinguished as Ponty went back to the powerful forwards play that had was so successful as went back into the lead at 22-10. Having been drawn into a forwards arm wrestle they would never win, Llantwit finally looked to move the ball and this reaped rewards when Bayley Hillberg got the final score of the 1^st half to only trail 22-17 at the half.

This brief foray into attacking wise was soon forgotten, with the forwards seeming to be determined to try and outpower the superior opposition. Ponty gladly accepted the challenge and some loose defensive shape around the ruck was continuously exposed allowing the Ponty forwards to make easy yards. Already on the backfoot the defence buckled twice in quick succession and Ponty lead 17-34. Llantwit did manage two further second half scores through Dylan Rees and Zac Arthur but each time the home side responded with scores of their own to keep the visitors constantly on the back foot. The match was ended in a suitable fashion when following a quick tap penalty the Llantwit defenders seemingly offered an open invitation to Ponty to score and end the match. This was duly taken as the home side ran out comfortable 48-29 victors and sent Llantwit home to reflect on a difficult morning.