News

Llanhilleth made the short journey to face local rivals Hafodyrynys RFC for the third occasion this season, having already recorded victories in the home league and away WRU Bowl fixtures, so they were sure that Hafod would be looking to reverse those results, therefore this was sure to be a hard fought derby.

The early exchanges were as expected a tight affair as both teams looked to get a foothold in the game and gain the upper hand on the other, Hafod playing down the slope in the first half kicked to the corner from a penalty and it appeared to all that the ball had gone out on the full as the home linesman didn’t signal a line out but the referee believed it to be the case and gave Hafod the five metre line out which they when over from to take an early 5-0 lead with the try scored by their right wing.

Llanhilleth though responded positively with well taken tries through second row and captain Richard Phelps which was followed straight from the restart by a cracker from left wing James Foreshaw both converted by outside half Kyle Sterry who also kicked an earlier penalty to lead 17-5, Hafod to their credit got back into the game just before halftime with their second try through their blindside flanker for a halftime score of Hafod 10-17 Llan.

The coaches though pleased with the halftime lead, stressed that the next score was going to be important and Llanhilleth stepped up a gear with eighteen unanswered points with tries through second row Daniel Crandon, No8 Iestyn James and a second for left wing James Foreshaw with outside half Kyle Sterry adding a further penalty for now an unassailable 35-10 lead, Hafod got a consolation try late on and a second for their right wing for a final score of 35-15. 

Players deserving a special mention go to young utility forward and loose head Prop for the day Leigh Taylor, blindside flanker and debutant Elis Price and pick of the forwards and man of the match second row Daniel Crandon. Also scrum half Conor Imms and Fullback Luke Morgan and pick of the backs left wing James Foreshaw.

All at Llan wish Hafodyrynys all the best for the remainder of the season and we look forward to meeting up again next season.

The coaches will now concentrate on getting the squad ready in training this week, as we look forward to the next league fixture this Saturday away to New Panteg RFC, for what is sure to be another stern test as both sides are coming off the back of good away victories and will be looking to push on in the league going into the second half of the season.