TONDU
WELSH RU PLATE ROUND ONE 2016/17 oct 8
LLANHARAN 22 TONDU 8
Two seasons previously Tondu came to Llanharan in a WRU cup game and stole a late victory as a last kick penalty allowed them to advance in the competition on tries count after a dramatic 22 all draw.
Both clubs were then in the National Championship, Tondu to suffer relegation that year and Llanharan the season after, by which time the Waterwheelers had gone straight down to Two West.
However, each outfit had been displaying vibrant revival signs this time round in their respective leagues.
Our promising start was halted though by three successive defeats as the reconstructed squad suffered numerous withdrawals with a number of serious injuries, a sprinkling of non-availabilties another hindrance.
But we welcomed back several important players for this Plate game and this time there was to be no late drama as Llan recorded a solid win against a Tondu outfit that was strong in all the basics.
Head coach Jeff Pick was understandably pleased with the win: “Tondu were a good side as we expected from their season to date, but we kept our shape against them, stuck to the game plan, and when danger threatened defended well.
“We were pleased with the contribution of the returning players – Richard Hart had an outstanding work rate and Gareth Dyer went well after recovering from a bad case of flu.
“The main thing is that we are through to the next round giving morale a boost.”
One man who would have been particularly happy with his afternoon was Paul Winter, a loyal servant since Youth, but one whose days had been mainly spent as a stalwart of the Second XV.
The season before saw the back row man elevated to the senior team for several outings and he had remained part of the leading squad again this campaign.
He turned 37 on the eve of the match and celebrated by scoring Llanharan’s first try, taking an inside ball from Lloyd Thomas, another Seconds regular for a few years.
Two other tries were scored – Rhydian Worgan also showing he could crack it at First XV level, and Chrissy Poole, flying down the wing and again confirming his class at this level.
The dependable, Gavin Parsons, yet another to rise from the lower ranks as part of the coaches’ “one club” philosophy, added two conversions and a penalty.
Team
GAVIN PARSONS RHYDIAN WORGAN (LIAM UNION 60))GARETH DYER STU GRIFFITHS CHRIS POOLE LLOYD THOMAS CRAIG BURTON RHYS TAYLOR GETHIN CASHMORE (SAM LLEWELLYN 50) JOEL RINGER (M PHILLIPS 60) RICHARD HART KEIRON MARTIN PAUL WINTER (TOM BUCKLE 68) HUW THOMAS CAPT RICHARD LAWRENCE (M GRIFFITHS 50)
Tries: Paul Winter, Rhydian Worgan, Chrissy Poole. Cons 2 and pen - Gav Parsons Tondu try Shane Kinsella
Report by Hugh Smith. Photos by Richie Jenkins