News

Llanhilleth welcomed local rivals Blackwood Stars RFC to the Park for our second League encounter in the space of 4 days, following our keenly contested away victory on Saturday we were looking to complete the double but were expecting another stern challenge.

The game was played in perfect conditions for running rugby but was tight in the first half with the Blackwood Stars forwards giving as good as they got, competing well in the scrums and line outs and their backs looked to use the ball they had.

Llanhilleth though did manage to get on the scoresheet through an early penalty by Fullback Kyle Sterry who also converted a try by second row and captain Richard Phelps for an halftime lead of 10-0.

During the halftime team-talk the coaches reinforced the game plan but told the players to stop forcing the play and let the ball do the work and the points would come.

Llan took this on board and were much better both in attack and defence in the second half and started to get on top of the much bigger Blackwood Stars pack as they started to tire. This allowed Llan to attack from all areas of the field and points then started to come at regular intervals with 6 further tries from No8 Iestyn James (2), left wing Alex Davies, replacement inside centre Dominic Bevan Jones, scrum half Conor Imms and a penalty try, with 3no converted by Fullback Kyle Sterry and 2no by outside half Chris Stevens for a final score and win of 50-0.

Even though all of Llanhilleth’s starting fifteen and replacements played their part, Players deserving a special mention go to hooker Liam Brown, Captain and second row Richard Phelps, openside flanker Alec Teear and pick of the forwards No8 Iestyn James. Also outside half Chris Stevens, outside centre Chris Hastings and right wing Alex Davies who were the pick of the backs.

Total credit and respect to the Blackwood Stars team who never gave up and kept going until the final whistle, we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

The coaches will now concentrate on getting the squad ready in training this week, as we look forward to our next league fixture this Saturday at home to Aberbargoed RFC, for what is sure to be another stern test. Where we will look to keep our current good league form going into the business end of the season.