This 2nds fixture saw Llanharan take 16 players away to top of the table Tondu.
Llan weathered a first 10 minute storm from Tondu but settled quickly and began to take control of the first 40 minutes.
Unfortunately Carl Leather at no.8 took a heavy blow to the knee and left the field, being replaced by our only sub Dan Lee. Lloyd Thomas was to keep play in the Tondu half with excellent line kicking and from the resulting lines-out Evan James won more than our share of ball despite Tondu fielding 3 players 6 foot plus in their back 5.
With our share of good ball and good distribution from scrum half Bill Hanson the Llan mid field of Rhydian Worgan and David Hussey were able to probe and penetrate to good effect.
Our continued presence in the Tondu half gave Lloyd Thomas an opportunity to kick a neat drop goal to give Llan a 3 point lead. This stirred Tondu to up their game which gave them a rare visit to our line where they scrambled a try, converted it just before the half time whistle. Tondu 7 Lanharan 3.
Second half Tondu started to use their subs which helped them get to our line more often. On one of their visits they again scrambled a second try and converted it to lead 14points to 3points.
Llanharan played out the 80 minutes the way they started with heads-up enthusiasm and a none shall pass attitude. Captain Paul Winter playing out of position is to be congratulated in keeping his team on the front foot from whistle to whistle and making the table toppers Tondu fight for every yard and point.
Match Report courtesy of Randall Martin. The following was courtesy of Paul Winter who gave himself man of the match and went, tackled at least 30 players and made 10 clean breaks but is too modest to say....
Game update - Tondu away Second were pleased to field a side and have the luxury of having one sub on the bench, had to start with none contested scrums cos no hookers in the squad. Good feeling and buzz before the game despite the lack of coaches ( all away sunning themselves or something) so special thanks to Huw ‘huggy’ James, Randell Martin, Jeff North, Paul William doing all the back room stuff.
A fast following game with both sides trying to play expansive open rugby and were allowed to do so because for a change we had a ref who also wanted to see that.
The lack off hooker caused us problems in the line out also Tondus second row being 7 foot didn’t help.
Just before the break the score was 3-0 to Llan but Tondu finish the first half well with a try and conversion. 7-3 half time score Llan still every upbeat after the turnaround and continued to move the ball and attack the Tondu side, Tondu started bringing the fresh legs on which started to take its toll. Holes started to appear in the Llan defence which had been at its best all season (in my opinion). Even though we were on the back foot, our scramble defence and desire to make tackles kept Tondu from scoring. But all this had to give as Llan was running on empty as everyone had put in a great shift.
Final score 14-3 loss
Carl leather left the field injured, wish him a speedy recovery whilst Lloyd “reckless challenge “ Thomas was yellow carded at some point in the game.
Great performance shame about the result 👎🏻