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The Blood and Blacks continued their impressive start to the season as they beat Llandaff 32-11 in a great game of running rugby despite a wet and heavy pitch. The game though was played in bright autumnal sunshine which no doubt enticed the good numbers in the home support; and they didn’t need long to wait before Llantwit had the scoreboard ticking over. Some early pressure from a line out seeing hooker Huw Williams cross from a driving maul within minutes of the kick off. And they had soon crossed for a second as from the kick off they made their way cautiously up field with some strong running and slick recycling then when the gaps started to appear they used the width of the pitch to spread the ball right and left gradually pushing Llandaff back. And with a lovely example of miss passing the ball was eventually released to wing Alex Parry to race over in the corner at the School End. And with the game not yet ten minutes old the home side were ten points into the lead.

Llandaff fielding a young side with several strong attacking backs soon battled back and were themselves asking questions of the home defence which was holding strong, but was then reduced to fourteen with number eight Rob Carter sin binned for going off his feet on the 22. Llandaff taking a penalty kicks in his absence to reduce the deficit. But as much as they battled there was still no way through to the try line with Llantwit’s defensive line just holding them out.

Llandaff then we’re themselves reduced to fourteen as their own number eight was sent to the skin bin to cool down after a spot of skullduggery after the tackle. The Llantonians quickly responding to cross for another try from a driving line out, this time flanker Rhys Hewitt was on hand to dive over in the corner. The third try like its predecessors not converted as outside half Loz Howley unusually having an off day with the boot. The last period before the break was all about Llandaff as they again battled back and gained some good territory only to be thwarted by the home sides organised defence, a further penalty kick their only reward but made for just a nine point difference of 15-6 at half tim.

The still tight score line despite three tries brought some harsh words from the coaching staff that Llandaff were still well in this game and that Llantwit needed to up their work rate and tighten the game up. And they certainly took heed as they flew at Llandaff from the off with several good charges, then a driving maul went for a run up field and when released wing Joel Thomas and centre Rhys Balmont combined well to take the move towards the posts and when stopped was quickly recycled out to Howley whose quick feet were to much for the last of the Llandaff defenders as he dabbed down next to the posts. And this time he couldn’t really miss to get his first kick of the day over with the conversion.

Llandaff did battle back again into the game again but nothing they tried would appear to go their way with two tactical kicks going dead summing up their afternoon of frustration. In the mean time Llantwit were happy to lap up any lapses in their defence and extended their lead with two further tries. The first was a real peach of a try as it was hard to work out who wasn’t involved with forwards and backs combining well with a combination of short passes, miss passes, off loads it really was the full monty as they raced through phase after phase before Howley once again finished things off. The second and last for the home side scored by love wire full back Josh Austin after brother Jack had done the damage in the centre of the field with a bullocking run.

The final say going to Llandaff as they finally crossed themselves after a kick and chase down the tram lines. A consolation try but fully deserved if only for their part in a highly entertaining game with running rugby galore.

Man of the Match was Jack Austin who led the defensive line which was so crucial to this performance. Another good display then for the Blood and Blacks who have had a great start to the season. Next up for them is another long road trip this time to Hirwaun to take on The Brocks, who haven’t had a great start to the season in not picking up a win yet but have been putting in big performances on their own patch in running all their visitors close. The Llantonians then will need to be well up to the task if they wish their unbeaten league run to continue into November.

The clubhouse will be open for all the remaining World Cup games with non members always welcome.

A.H.