News

Llanhilleth made the short journey to hafodyrynys for the 2nd round of the WRU Bowl, after only recently crossing paths in the league at home when Llan ran out victors 24-13, we knew this was going to be another closely fought contest.

Llan started well through their forwards making good ground which led to an early penalty goal converted by outside half Kyle Sterry to take an early 3-0 lead. Hafod though responded following some good work by their forwards the ball broke to their left wing who crossed for their first try which was converted by their outside centre to take a 7-3 lead.

The Llanhilleth pack started to gain the upper hand at the set-piece and this led to a second penalty by Kyle Sterry to cut Hafod’s lead to 7-6. Llan finished the first half strongly claiming two quick tries through inside centre Dominic Bevan Jones and left wing Alex Davies both converted by Kyle Sterry for an halftime lead of 20-7.

The coaches reminded the players that the game was far from over and that Hafod would come out strong in the second half and we’d have to rally against that to claim the spoils.

Llan soaked up the early pressure shown by Hafod and extended their lead through openside flanker Liam Price who crossed for a try again converted by Kyle Sterry for a 27-7 lead.

Hafod cut the deficit to 27-12 when following another good break their left wing crossed for his second try out wide, Llan substitute Tighthead Prop Kaine Chivers was next on the scoresheet crashing over for his third of the season. Hafod’s Tighthead Prop wasn’t to be outdone and got the next try from some distance out to score under the posts converted by their outside centre to make the score 32-19.

Llanhilleth finished the scoring though with a well taken try through Kyle Sterry for a personal tally of 17 points, with Llan taking a hard fought but well deserved victory of 37-19 into the next round where they hope for a home draw.

Players deserving a special mention go to loose head Prop Terry Blackwell, second row Rhys Whitlock and pick of the forwards open side flanker Liam Price. Also halfbacks, scrum half Justin Breakwell and outside half Kyle Sterry and pick of the backs Dominic Bevan Jones.

All at Llan wish Hafodyrynys all the best for the remainder of the season and we look forward to the away league fixture later in the year.

The coaches will now concentrate on getting back to league action in training this week as we welcome local rivals Aberbargoed RFC this Saturday for what is sure to be another stern test as both sides are unbeaten in the league so something as got to give.