Spaniels Match Report.
By Team Coach Richard Byers.
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Llantrisant RFC Seconds 18–14 Llanharan Spaniels
A young Spaniels side narrowly beaten in the closing minutes!
Yesterday saw the Llanharan Spaniels make the short trip to Yorkdale Playing Fields in Beddau to take on Llantrisant RFC Seconds in the new Men’s Mid/East District League.
Once again, the weather was spot on for rugby and the Yorkdale pitch was in very decent condition. What followed was exactly the sort of game you want from a new league — competitive, entertaining and played between two very youthful sides who refused to give each other an inch.
There was also an added edge to the afternoon, with the local rivalry between Llanharan and Llantrisant making sure neither side needed much encouragement to get stuck in.
The Spaniels started well and opened the scoring through Jacob Williams, who took his try really well. Ajay Lewis added the conversion to give Llanharan an early 7–0 lead.
Llantrisant responded with a well-taken try from Joseph Danter, which went unconverted, before Ben Wilding put the home side ahead just before half-time with a penalty.
The penalty was straight in front of the posts and, with Ben able to slot them from pretty much anywhere, there was no doubt it was going over!
Llantrisant went into the break 8–7 ahead.
The home side extended their lead early in the second half when they were awarded another penalty, which was successfully converted to make it 11–7.
The Spaniels didn't take long to respond.
Around 15 minutes into the half, Ajay Lewis crashed over from close range for his second score of the afternoon before converting his own try. That put Llanharan back in front at 14–11 and gave Ajay another valuable contribution to what has already been an impressive season for him.
With just seven minutes remaining, Llantrisant found a way out wide to retake the lead. Aled Balman added the conversion to make it 18–14.
The Spaniels pushed right until the final whistle, but the home side held on to secure their first league victory.
While the result wasn't what Llanharan wanted, there were plenty of positives to take from a game that remained in the balance right until the closing stages.
Both teams fielded very youthful sides, and that was one of the biggest positives of the afternoon. There were players on both sides getting valuable experience of senior rugby, learning under pressure and finding out exactly what is required when games are tight and the result could go either way.
For Llanharan, Jacob Williams had an excellent game. His distribution was good throughout, he kicked well when required and he took his try really well.
At fullback, Rhys Newman produced another excellent display of running rugby. He seems to find a way through the first three defenders almost every time he gets the ball, and once he gets into open space there aren't many better. Another excellent performance from Rhys and a thoroughly deserved Player of the Match award.
It was also great to see scrum-half Keriron Thomas back in the black and blue of Llanharan. His return was a welcome one and he played his part in a competitive afternoon.
Another youth product of the club, Rhys Turner, made his first senior start. He put in a decent performance, carried well when called upon and certainly left his mark on the Llantrisant number 10! 😂
It was a big step for Rhys and another example of the young talent coming through the club and getting an opportunity to experience senior rugby.
Gerwyn Bloxsome also put in another decent performance. He listened to the advice given to him and, importantly, tried to apply it on the pitch. There's plenty for Gerwyn to keep working on, but he's showing good signs and has the potential to develop into a very useful player for the club.
Captain’s thoughts
Llanharan captain Rhys Newman reflected on the performance:
“I think the game was actually going pretty good considering the circumstances. Few injuries made it a bit harder as the game went on, especially because people were starting to get tired but not really showing it when it comes to defending.
“We lost a huge ball carrier to a heavy tackle, which was a massive blow for us, but the boys held out and fought for each other right until the final whistle.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t do enough in the attacking side of the game to get the W.
“I’m starting to like the attitude of the boys pre-game and in the early stages of the games. Just need to bring this same attitude every week and for the full 80 and we will get the results we want.
“I’m proud of the boys’ performances. I think we can be a real threat to teams if we take the training provided to us during the week out on the pitch on a Saturday.
“Uppa Spaniels!”
After the game, I caught up with both team managers to get their thoughts on what had been a really competitive afternoon.
Llantrisant team manager Alun David was pleased with his side's first league win but was quick to acknowledge the quality of the contest:
«“I thought it was a good game, really well contested, with neither side giving an inch. Loads of young players learning and developing and the game was in the balance until the last two minutes.
“Same for us. Better to play good teams and learn and keep improving. I keep trying to tell our boys that. Every game we've played in this new league has been a good standard to be fair.”»
Llanharan team manager Sam Garner also gave plenty of credit to the opposition, while highlighting the contribution of the young players coming through the Spaniels.
He said:
«“Firstly, credit to Llantrisant on their first win in the league. A tough encounter was expected due to the rivalry.
“Credit to Llanharan's front row, Ellis Dewar propped up by two 18-year-olds who didn't look out of place. Rhys Turner was rewarded his first start as well in the boiler house. Then the back row, Wints, Kelv and Dewi putting in the dirty work.
“Ajay Lewis continued his form with another try and two conversions. He extended his point-scoring lead in the league. Ross and Jacob were solid in the centre and Jacob picked himself up another try to add to his tally.
“Finally, the back three were consistent, with Snake Hips Newman probably covering the pitch four times over.
“Once again, credit to a dogged Llantrisant side. We very much look forward to the return fixture.”»
It's difficult to disagree with either manager.
This is exactly what the new Men's Mid/East District League should be about. Two young teams, plenty of players developing, a competitive game and a result that wasn't decided until the final few minutes.
Llantrisant deserved their win and the Spaniels will be disappointed not to come away with the points, but there is plenty to build on!
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