Gethin wins Ospreys place
13/07/08
Junior member Gethin Cashmore has made an early mark for himself in the pre season build up. Our under 16 prop has been training hard with the Ospreys all summer and after recent trials has had his worthy reward – a place in the region’s Under 16 squad for the campaign ahead. He will still be able to turn out for Llanharan when the Ospreys are inactive. Well done Gethin!

Youth out in Numbers
6th July 2008

New coach Jeff Pick reports: "Youth training so far has been well attended with 28 players being seen albeit at different sessions, and many of last year's senior players yet to be seen.The older lads had a gruelling end to last season and not finishing till May 22nd deserved a longer rest.The sessions have proved we have a very committed group of highly skillful players coming through the youth set up over the coming seasons and myself and Mel believe many will go on to excel in the rugby.Training this week will be on Tuesday at the club at 7.00pm - please ring if unavailable.
Lastly I'd like to wish the lads going to Canada on tour next Friday the best of trips with a safe return injury free."

Youth coach Happy
11 June
New Youth coach Jeff Pick has declared himself very happy with his first training session.
Nineteen players turned up at Pencoed College last night to use the facilities kindly made available by Gareth Nicholas.
Says ex Ospreys man Jeff: “With many of our youth currently in the midst of exams we are just doing the one night a week.
“The emphasis is very much on core skills as they are so vital an area of development in age group rugby, such things as scrum halves passing out of two hands and hookers throwing in accurately.
“There were several new faces and a lot of enthusiasm”
The former Dairyfield coach and captain said that he was aiming for a quality squad of twenty five, with a rotation policy meaning that all will get good game time, and any new players are welcome to come along next week at Pencoed noting that it will be on WEDNESDAY (7pm).

A Step To Far 22 May 2008
Three games in six days proved a little too much as we narrowly lost the East District Youth Cup final 12 - 10 to Pentyrch this evening.
The game started cagily with both sides showing respect. After 12 minutes Llanharan were awarded a long range penalty which Tom Cross put just wide. Pentyrch then attacked and were rewarded with an unconverted try scored wide out on the left after 16 minutes.
Llanharan were further hampered when Curtis Stegers was yellow carded after 21 minutes but managed to hold out until his return. After 35 minutes Sam Pick received a yellow card. Nevertheless despite being down to fourteen men Llanharan rallied and scored a try deep in injury time by Lee Thorne converted by Chris Williams.
Half Time Pentyrch 5 -v- 7 Llanharan
Early in the second half Pentyrch went over for a converted try to regain the lead 12 - 7. Llanharan responded with a penalty from Williams after 49 minutes to make the score 12 - 10.
Further pressure brought a penalty for Llanharan in front of the posts near the half way line on 60 minutes. Despite a fine effort by Williams the ball drifted just wide.
With so much at stake the game became ill tempered and despite putting Pentyrch under increasing pressure Llanharan were unable to break the deadlock and obtain the vital score.
Final score Pentyrch 12 -v- 10 Llanharan.
Coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring praised the team for their fine efforts not only tonight but throughout the season. Well done boys. Pictures in gallery

Merit Table Champions 2008
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Llanharan gained a hard fought 26 - 13 over Pontypridd to become Taff Rhondda Merit Table Champions.
Pontypridd kicked off and from the take a 50 yard maul resulted in Llanharan establishing themselves in the Pontypridd half. Chris Williams then kicked a penalty for Llanharan followed by a further long distance kick by Harley Thompson. Pontypridd replied with a penalty with a further three points being added by Williams. Pontypridd were penalised with a yellow card before adding a further penalty to make the half time score Llanharan 9 Pontypridd 6.
Lee Thorne powered over for an unconverted try early in the second half followed by a try from a Pontypridd error by Rhydian Worgan converted by Williams. Llanharan then lost Karl Davies with a serious leg injury before Lee Thornes scored a further try to make the game safe. Pontypridd scored a converted consolation try late on to make the score 26 - 13.
Silverware at last for a very talented youth squad. No time for celebration howerver as it's onwards to the East District Cup Final against Pentyrch on Thursday (6.30pm) at Pontyclun.
News on Karl Davies is that he has a fractured ankle. He called back in the club later and whilst disappointed at not being able to play Thursday is determined to be out with the boys on Friday night and be there for the club dinner (31 May 2008)

Youth go to Final
May 15th
RHONDDA MERIT TABLE SEMI FINAL PAY OFF
LLANHARAN 27 GLYNCOCH 0
With a busy end of season schedule, Llanharan coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring made several changes but the team was still too strong for a promising young Glyncoch outfit.
The Dairymen will now meet Pontypridd in the final at Llantrisant on Tuesday, the Sardis Road side having knocked out Pontyclun in their play off.
Chris Williams opened the scoring with a penalty and then a storming run by captain and number eight Bill Carey opened up play for prolific try scorer Lee Thorne to add another touch down to his impressive thirty plus total for the season.
Telling kicks from outside half Tom Cross got Llanharan upfield, and although they lost possession, prop Rhys Haines somehow wrested it back and charged over for a try that Williams converted to make it 15-0 at half time.
The home team again rang the changes after the restart and a great run by second row Rhys Davies brought him his side’s third try, Williams again converting.
Then after Tom Worgan lost the ball going over the line, Carey capped a fine game with a burst for the line that brought the final try.
The Youth will also play Pentyrch on Thursday at Pontyclun in the East District cup final although efforts are being made to move it to Friday by invoking the stipulation that youth players should not play twice in forty eight hours.

Youth are Ready
15th May
The Youth had a good training session this week in preparation for tomorrow night’s Rhondda Merit Table semi final play off with Glyncoch at the Dairyfield. (7.15)
Twenty two players turned out and the good news is that prop Rhys Haines is back from holiday in time to play.
It’ll also be a big night for his fellow prop John Thomas who will be heading straight from the match to his own 18th birthday party – hopefully to celebrate!
The only fitness question mark is over three-quarter Dan Thorne who is still shaking off the effects of a knee in the back against Pontyclun.
The side will be without broken leg victim Dan Smith and Wales under 16 star Harley Thomson whom the Blues have held back for summer conditioning.
Coach Steve Thorne admitted a little nervousness in the camp as the squad is so near two trophies, the final of the East District cup coming up on Thursday when they play the winners of tonight’s Rumney v Pentyrch encounter at either Pentyrch or Glamorgan Wanderers.
Should they beat Glyncoch they will play Pontypridd who we hear have beaten Pontyclun in the other play off. This game will take place at Llantrisant on Tuesday.

Under 15s Win Trophy

Llanharan under 15s nded their season in glory by winning the Rhydfelin tournament.
In their first game they fell behind to Pill Harriers, but three tries from Ben James, Jack Phillips and Jack Wensley gave them a 3-1 victory.
Against Rhydyfelin under 14s hey again trailed, this time by two tries, but again Llanharan scored 3 tries with Alex Hughes, Ethan Williams and Hywel Hardman crossing the line. The final encounter was against the Rhydyfelin under 15s knowing that a win would secure the trophy. However they struggled to find form and unsurprisingly trailed yet again to a try. Rhydfelin put more pressure on and almost scored a second, but with 5 minutes left Llanharan hit back and Ben James crossed the line. From the restart Rhydfelin knocked the ball on and the scrum saw Llanharan force the play wide for Ethan Williams to reach the line and win the game 2-1, and with it the tournament.

Youth so close to league Title
May 3
Llanharan Youth 15 Pontyclun 16
Llanharan Youth saw a difficult last second conversion attempt from Chris Williams come back off the cross bar and it meant that Pontyclun were Blues G district champions.
Their win gave the Badgers the double over their neighbours to make them worthy title holders in a game described by home coaches Steven Thorne and Mel Pring as a first class contest.
Llanharan built up a 10-0 lead by half time, second row Rhys Davies breaking from a rolling maul to get the try and the impressive Chris Williams adding the conversion and a penalty.
However, after the turn around it was Pontyclun who controlled things, moving 16-10 ahead before a dramatic finish, right wing Rhydian Worgan diving over wide out but Williams’s admirable effort failing by inches to win the game.
Llanharan though are still in with a chance of glory in the Rhondda Merit table and the East District cup.

Youth go Through
28 April 2008
EAST DISTRICT YOUTH CUP QUARTER FINAL
ST PETERS 7 LLANHARAN 35
This cup tie was all over as a contest by half time with Llanharan having run in four converted tries. With forwards and backs combining well, the Cardiff team barely had a look in against Josh O’Driscoll’s side.
Outside half Tom Cross scored the first two, and then Bill Carey and Lee Thorne added others, all converted by Chris Williams.
Coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring decided to make seven changes for the second half to give everyone worthwhile match time. Llanharan understandably lost some of their momentum, not helped by a spell when they were down to twelve men, two sent to the touchline for disciplinary reasons, the other an injury. Even so Chris Williams completed a high scoring night personally with his own converted try, but the home time gained some consolation with a late seven pointer of their own.
Bad news though for full back Dan Smith. He is out for the rest of the season with a broken ankle, after a very good game and will be missed for the final matches.The youth coaches and players wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

Ryan scores Three
Mini Rugby
Under 8
27 April
Tondu 4 Llanharan 4
Llanharan tries – Ryan Waters 3 and Ashley Bissett.
Player of the Match – Ryan Waters
Bryncoch 4 Llanharan 1
Llanharan try Ryan Waters.
Player of the Match – Ashley Bissett.
Under 9
Tondu 5 Llanharan 1
Llanharan try – Brandon Thrasher.
Player of the Match – Brandon Thrasher.
Details supplied by Rebecca Trigg

Fifteens just fail to get Result
UNDER 15
PONYTCLUN 22 V LLANHARAN 17
Llanharan Under 15s’ late pressure failed to rescue them from narrow defeat. Pontyclun scored two first half tries before the visitors made it 12-12 at half time thanks to tries from Hywel Hardman and Ben James with Shaun O’Connor converting one. The home team put on a lot of pressure after the restart and got two more touch downs before Llanharan responded with an Ethan Williams try and just failed to earn a result, going close in the final stages.
Details supplied by Richard Kelly

Team work Pays for Under 15s
20 April
LLANHARAN 34 BEDWAS 12
Coach Richard Kelly praised Llanharan’s good team work in accounting for Bedwas. Hywel Hardman went over to give the home side the lead after ten minutes, and although all the pressure was coming from Bedwas two Richard Lawrence tries and a Shaun O’Connor conversion gave Llanharan a 17-5 half time lead. It was the hosts’ turn to press after the turn around, Ben James, Alex Hughes and Shaun O’Connor touching down and Shaun converting his own try to cap a good performance.
Details supplied by Richard Kelly

Ashley scores Five!
April 20
JUNIOR AND MINI RUGBY
Under 7
Llanishen 4 Llanharan 3
This was the first time for Llanharan to field an under 7 team and it proved a special day for Chloe Gregory who earned the Player of the Match award in her very first game of rugby.
Llanharan tries – Ryan Waters 2, Ashley Bissett.
Under 8
Llanishen 6 Llanharan 2
Llanharan tries: Ashley Bissett 2. Man of the Match: Marcus Chard.
Bridgend Sports 8 Llanharan 9
Llanharan tries – Ashley Bissett 5, Ryan Waters 2, Natalie Jones, and Lloyd Gregory.
Man of the Match: Keiron Thomas.
Under 9
Llanishen 7 Llanharan 1
Llanharan try: Brandon Thrasher.
Man of the Match: Liam Stewart.
Rhys Morgan was taken to hospital after injuring his hand but happily X rays revealed no major damage.
Bridgend Sports 7 Llanharan 2
Llanharan tries Leon Evans, Geraint Brain.
Man of the Match – Geraint Brain.
Under 11
Bridgend Sports 34 Llanharan 36
Llanharan tries: Mark Walters 3, Graham Worgan 2, and Keiron Davies. Conversions 3- Mark Walters.
Man of the Match – Keiron Davies.
Details supplied by Rebecca Trigg

Youth on Course
19 April 2008
Tylorstown 7 Llanharan Youth 48
Llanharan Youth kept themselves on course for honours in both the Rhondda Merit Table and the Blues Group G league with this eight try crushing of the Rhondda team.
A string of penalties against and disallowed tries slowed their early momentum, but Lee Thorne eventually grabbed a try, Chris Williams converting. A brilliant piece of rugby brought the second, outside half Tom Cross using a tap penalty to send Harley Thomson on a ninety metres run before off loading to Thorne who finished the move.
Cross then added two tries of his own, converting one himself, and Llanharan held a commanding 24-0 half time lead.
Coaches Steven Thorne and Mel Pring rang the changes after the restart, but it was still one way traffic, Thomson was over the line almost from the kick off and more tries followed from Dan Thorne, Sam Pick, and Rhydian Worgan with two conversions from Thomson.

HAT TRICK OF WINS FOR JUNIORS
Under 11
Llanharan 4 Llantwit Major 3
Llanharan tries – Mark Walters 3, Graham Worgan. Conversions: Cae Gregory, Graham Worgan, Mark Walters.
Man of the Match: Mark Walters.
Under 9
Llanharan 6 Llantwit Major 4
Llanharan tries: Brandon Thrasher 3. Jordan Bissett, Rhys Morgan, Ashley Nelson.
Man of the Match: Ashley Nelson.
Under 8
Llanharan 9 Llantwit Major 7
Llanharan tries: Ryan Waters 3, Ashley Bissett 3, Lloyd Gregory 2, Chris Osborne.
Man of the Match; Harry Prankhard.
In the under nines Llantwit player Alex parry had to be taken to hospital after a bad cut and all at Llanharan wish him a speedy recovery.
Details supplied by Rebecca Trigg

LLANHARAN FIGHT HARD FOR WIN
April 13
UNDER 15
LLANHARAN U15 28 PORTHCAWL U15 12
A try less first half saw both teams make mistakes and not take their chances, but in the second half Llanharan’s loan Thompson broke free from a ruck to get the opening touch down, converted by Shaun O’Connor.
Porthcawl came back and scored, but the home team’s Ethan Williams went over again. Once more the visitors came back to lead 14-12, but Llanharan grabbed two more tries scored by Jack Wensley and Hywel Hardman, Shaun O’Connor converting both for a hard earned win. Llanharan Man of the Match was Alex Hughes.
Match details supplied by Richard Kelly

Thrilling win for Sixteens
April 6
Under 16
St Joseph’s 25 Llanharan 26
This was Llanharan’s first match in 5 weeks and after a slow start which saw them fall 15-0 behind they hit back with two tries in quick succession from Fred White as a result of good team play and fine handling, converted by Scott Jones. Unfortunately just before half time Llan gifted them another try to trail 20-14.
With the breeze at their backs after the turn around, Llan went straight on the offensive and scored a fine try through Lloyd Glass after Rhys Haines had taken a quick penalty. It was converted by Harley Thomson to put them 21-20 up.
However with six minutes remaining the home side went back in front after stealing ball from a scrum close to the line, but crucially the conversion was missed. Llanharan went back on the offensive with time running out and from a tap penalty Harley Thomson forced his way over for the decisive score. The conversion failed and LLan played out the remaining time to record a fine 26-25 victory over a side that had beaten them comfortably earlier in the season.
Details from Colin Malone

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARYL!
April 6
Congratulations to Daryl Osborne, one of our young players, who today celebrated his 12th birthday. Have a good day Daryl.

Junior Results
APRIL 6
Under 11
Penygraig 6 Llanharan 4
Llanharan tries: Mark Waters 3, Nico 1. Player of the Match: Chesney
Under 9
Penygraig 2 Llanharan 5
Llanharan tries: Jordan Bissett 3, Brandon Thrasher 2
Player of the Match: Jordan Bissett.
Under 8
Penygraig 9 Llanharan 5
Llanharan tries: Ashley Bissett 2, Ryan Waters, Natasha Jones, Lloyd Gregory.
Player of the Match: Sophie Dancey, with a special mention to Scott Osborne who played well as a replacement.
Information from Rebecca Trigg

15s beat Rhydyfelin
April 6
Under 15
Llanharan 22 Rhydyfelin 17
Llanharan under 15s got back in to action after a long lay off and defeated Rhydyfelin after an inspired come back. The Pontypridd side went 12-0 up but touch downs from Hywel Hardman, Ethan Williams and Richard Lawrence, plus two conversions from Shaun O’Connor gave the young Dairymen a 19-12 lead. Back came Rhydyfelin with a third try but an O’Connor penalty secured the victory although the home team had to survive two yellow cards and one red in the closing stages after some unwise challenging of the referee’s decisions.
From report supplied by Richard kelly, coach.

Youth match ended early by Injury
Injury curtails Game - 05/04/2008 - Gilfach Goch

LLANHARAN YOUTH 31 GILFACH GOCH 3
Llanharan Youth were well on top when the game was abandoned fifteen minutes early after a serious injury to the replacement Gilfach wing. The youngster swallowed his tongue and it was thanks to the prompt action of Llanharan medics Rob Pontin and Beth Thomas that tragedy was averted. Thankfully, athough taken off to hospital it seemed as though the player had made a recovery.
April 5th 2008
It was 24-3 to the home team at half time. Prop
Rhys Haines got the first try, with Lee Thorne finishing off a wide attack soon after.
Tom Cross was next to touch down with a classy loop move and then Dan Thorne dived over in the corner.
Chris Williams, who had a fine game at scrum half, converted two, then went on to add the points to Lee Thorne’s second after the centre had dispossessed his opposite number.
Wales Under 16 cap Harley Thomson made an impressive debut for Llanharan.

Youth lose Crucial Game
29 MARCH
Pontyclun Youth 9 Llanharan Youth 6
This was a crucial loss for Llanharan who wanted to win so as to leap frog neighbours Pontyclun in the race to finish top of Blues District G in the play offs.
According to coach Steve Thorne it was very much down to his side’s own undoing. With the first half wind they failed to turn pressure into points. Overlaps were ignored and handling was poor.
After the turn round the Llanharan team let themselves down with poor discipline and Pontyclun were on top by the final quarter, the third of three penalties overhauling Tom Cross’s kicks that had given the visitors a 6-3 half time lead.
However, with four games to go, including one at home to Pontyclun, Llanharan are still in with a chance of the championship.

Youth's Big Game
25 March
There is a big game for the youth Saturday pontyclun away, they are in top spot at the moment and after our win Saturday we are now second. The players have got their disappointment of being knocked out of the cup well behind them,

so with a good squad to pick from Saturday we are felling confident. only 3 players not available Ross Pritchard,chriss Williams and Andrew cooper

the east district quarter final will be played away against the winners of st’peters /llantwit major should be played before 30 march

Youth Maintain Challenge
22 March 2008
Llanharan Youth 22 Treherbert 3
Llanharan Youth kept up their challenge for League honours with this clear cut victory over Treherbert, but their performance did not entirely please coaches Steven Thorne and Mel Pring.
In a poor quality encounter they criticised their players for being too selfish in possession and wasting chances.
Even so there was an impressive four tries haul for centre Lee Thorne, taking his total for the year to an amazing 36.
Tom Cross converted one and there was an outstanding individual display from flanker Carl Davies, the current Brynteg School captain.

Youth Edged out by Treorchy
March 12th 2008
Taff Rhondda Cup Semi Final
Treorchy 11 Llanharan 10
Llanharan’s thirteen match unbeaten run came to an end at The Oval in the narrowest of defeats that put them out of the Taff Rhondda Cup at the semi final stage.
Treorchy had clearly done their homework on the opposition, noting the prolific scoring among the backs in a season that had hitherto seen just one defeat.
They quite unapologetically opted for a nine man approach, focussing on the retention of possession and clinging to their first half lead at the expense of all else.
Llanharan coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring equated it to “watching paint dry” and spoke of the frustration of being unable to get enough ball to get their backs in action.
However they took an early lead with a straightforward Chris Williams penalty, but a good bounce from an up and under led to a Treorchy try followed soon after by a penalty that gave the young Zebras an 8-3 lead.
The visitors hit back quickly, Lee Thorne crossing as they at last got the back line moving following quick ruck ball.
Williams put his side ahead with the conversion, but another penalty before half time sent the Rhondda outfit ahead and proved to be the final score of the proceedings.
Llanharan had the wind after the turn around but couldn’t get the ball, with Treorchy content to pick up and drive through countless phases, the ball rarely reaching their number ten even.
That they failed to add any points was largely down to Llanharan’s tremendous defence, with Ashley Dommitt in particular tackling everything that came his way.
There were still chances to snatch victory, a long Tom Cross penalty just fading away and then a late decision to opt for a scrum from a penalty inside the twenty two proving fruitless and perhaps the wrong choice.
Cross’s penalty arrived after a Treorchy red card and the home club will be anxiously awaiting a WRU assessment of the game having picked up two yellow cards as well.
To be fair even the opposition coaches felt the sending off was harsh but this was a game originally postponed because of Treorchy’s suspension for disciplinary reasons and they will be hoping they escape further sanction.
For the young Dairymen, it was obviously a disappointing night but they still have plenty to play for this year, sitting in third place in the league with games in hand and still involved in the East District cup.
It was also to their credit that they came so close to beating a side in Blues division B, several slots above their own G ranking.

Big scoring in the Juniors
JUNIOR RUGBY
UNDER 8
Llanharan 11 Valley Ravens 9
The under eights were on top form to win a great game of rugby at home, with Ryan Waters scoring no fewer than six tries and Ashley Bissett getting a hat trick. Lloyd Gregory and Ieuan Pring also crossed the line.
March 9th 2008
Player of the Match was Ryan Parsons.
UNDER 9
Llanharan 4 Valley Ravens 4
Mark Walters scored a hat trick in this exciting draw, with Rhys Morgan getting the other. Unfortunately Rhys’s day was spoilt somewhat by having to leave the field in pain after having his ankle stamped on. Jordan Tyson’s performance won him the Player of the Match award.
Next week the eights and nines are at home to Maerdy.
Information supplied by Rebecca Trigg

Ashley scores Six!
March 2nd 2008
UNDER 8
TONDU 6 LLANHARAN 8
Ashley Bissett gave a man of the match performance for Llanharan by scoring no fewer than six tries. Ryan Waters and Natasha Jones got the other two.
UNDER 9
TONDU 7 LLANHARAN 2
Jordan Tyson and Rhys Morgan scored Llanharan’s tries. Man of the Match was Brandon Thrasher.

Bright Future Ahead


Llanharan RFC
Mon 25 Feb 2008


Admin home > News item
Feb 25 2008


The future of the club is looking bright as several of the Under 16 side have received representative honours. Harley Thomson, son of former first team favourite Denver, has been playing for the Cardiff Blues North under 16 side all year and has recently been selected for the Wales squad. Sam Pick, the son of another first team favourite and former coach Jeff, has been playing for the Ospreys u16 academy. Robbie Davies and Andy Price have been in the Cardiff Blues South development side and Keegan Rees and Rhys Haines have played for Bridgend District as well as Scott Malone who has also been selected for the Scottish Exiles. Let’s hope that most of these boys remain in the club setup.
Colin Malone

Sixteens triumph in adversity
Feb 24 2008
UNDER 16
LLANISHEN 10 LLANHARAN 15
Llanharan travelled away to a side that had beaten them earlier in the season. They had the bare fifteen players but were in confident mood after some good recent displays. But a poor start was made and Llanharan found themselves 5-0 down after some poor tackling. However, the rest of the half belonged to Llanharan with the pack to the fore, and Lloyd Glass went over for a try making it 5-5 at half time. Unfortunately a painful arm injury brought his game to an early end leaving his side to play the second half a man short. To make things worse Llanishen decided not to enter into the spirit of the game by removing a player as the laws would have allowed. T o their credit the remaining seven forwards - Gethin Cashmore, Sam Pick, Rhys Haines, Robbie Davies, Andy Price, Dillon Layzell and Scott Malone - took the game by the scruff and an outstanding display laid the platform for Llanharan to push on and win the game against the odds. After they had gone 10-5 down early in the second half, a penalty kick by Keegan Rees reduced the deficit to 10-8 and then Gethin Cashmore went over for a try which Keegan converted to make it the final score 15-10 to Llanharan. This was another excellent result for Llanharan in adversity and again great credit must go to all the players.
Report by Colin Malone

All the results from the youngsters
22 Feb 2008
Our Under 11s got some rare action in and were unlucky to be squeezed out by Sports.
All the results|:
Under 8
Bridgend Sports 6 Llanharan 3
Llanharan tries – Ashley Bissett, Ryan Walters, Lloyd Gregory.
Player of Match – Ryan Walters.
Under 9
Bridgend Sports 4 Llanharan1
Llanharan try – Leon Evans.
Player of Match – Jamie Lee Brown.
Under 11
Bridgend Sports 22 Llanharan 21
Llanharan tries – Paul Walters 2, Graham Worgan. Conversions – Paul Walters 2, Cae Gregory.
Reports by Rebecca Trigg

Fine away win for Sixteens
Feb 17th
Under 16
Ynysybwl 5 Llanharan 13
Our under 16s travelled to a frosty Ynysybwl on Sunday hoping to make amends for a heavy loss to them earlier in the season and because of the conditions the match was switched from the main pitch. We started really well and held the upper hand for most of the half but were on the wrong end of some dubious decisions from the man in the middle and were unable to capitalise on this. Unfortunately, from a mistake at a line out in our own 22 gifted the opposition second row a try which was unconverted. This turned out to be the only score of the half as again Llan couldn’t turn pressure into points. The second half started as the first had ended, and after good work by the pack the ball was moved wide for Lloyd Glass to go in at the corner. Keegan Rees appeared to have slotted the conversion from the touchline and although the touch judge put his flag up the ref disallowed it. There were a lot of cheap shots being taken off the ball and it was no surprise when tempers boiled over and a fight ensued and an even bigger surprise that Llanharan had Scott Malone and Rhys Haines sin binned and the home team only had one player suffer the same fate. This left Llan down to 6 forwards for the next 10 minutes and they certainly rose to the occasion and battled superbly to deny the home team any points during this time. Upon returning to the full complement of players, we again gained the upper hand and in the last 5 minutes Keegan Rees kicked a penalty and Scott Malone scored a try to make the final score 13-5 to Llanharan. This was a fine result for the team and great credit must go to all the players.
Report by Colin Malone

Gethin trains with Ospreys
More evidence of the talent emerging from our younger ranks came this week with Gethin Cashmore spending an afternoon with the Ospreys under 18s. Gethin plays at prop or hooker.

Younger Players Shine
LLANHARAN YOUTH 20 TREHERBERT 6
Treherbert sportingly stepped into this fixture after Pontyclun dropped out through a player shortage and quickly took a 6-0 lead.
However, in a game where both sides blooded younger players, Llanharan began to take over.
Their first try went to wing Ross Pritchard, his effort down the touchline earning him the nickname of Joma Lomu from his team mates.
Dan Thorne added another before half time and here were tries after the turn around for John James, who capped a fine game with a powerful run down the blind side, and outside half Tom Cross.
Coaches Steven Thorne and Mel Pring were impressed with their younger contingent, particularly praising Man of the Match Rhys Haines at prop and scrum half Dan Burton.

Youth pack too Strong
Feb 11 2008
EAST DISTRICT CUP QUARTER FINAL
Llanharan 25 Rhiwbina 7
Games are won and lost up front, as Rhiwbina found in this East District Youth cup quarter final at the Dairy field.
There were four tries for the home side, and coach Steven Thorne was quick to praise the work of his front five – Andrew Cooper, Zach O’Driscoll, Tom Worgan, Gareth Witts and, particularly, John Thomas.
They laid the foundations for all four scores with powerful rucking and mauling that caused the tall and athletic Rhiwbina eight no end of problems.
A large crowd saw Thomas (2) and skipper Josh O’Driscoll cross while Lee Thorne was a second half scorer, putting the seal on an effective centre partnership with brother Dan. Chris Williams kicked one penalty and Tom Cross added a conversion.
If there was any criticism it was for a little over eagerness, with backs coach Mel Pring fretting as his impetuous side twice ran easy penalty chances.
However, Llanharan did the job in style despite a surfeit of the whistle in the early stages especially, and they were well in command with a 15-0 half time lead.
Although the Cardiff team scored an excellent try themselves after the break, there was only going to be one outcome, a Llanharan win.

Four for Ryan as 16s Treat the Crowd
Feb 10 2008
UNDER16
Llanharan 58 Llantwit Major 5
On a nice sunny day at the Dairyfield Llanharan entertained Llantwit Major and they treated the crowd to some entertaining running rugby, scoring ten memorable tries in the process for a resounding win. Try scorers were Ryan Griffiths (4), Keegan Rees (3), Lloyd Glass, Ryan David and Dillon Layzell with Keegan Rees kicking 4 conversions.
Report Colin Malone

Depleted Fifteens show Fight
FEB 10 2008
UNDER 15
Llanharan 20 Llantwit Major 37
Llanharan went away with only thirteen players and again made silly mistakes allowing Llantwit to score two quick tries. Unfortunately, Llanharan were depleted even further as Alex Hughes went off. However, they showed great strength to come back, and Ethan Williams scored two tries in five minutes, the second converted by Shaun O’Connor to add to a forty metres plus penalty kick. It was just 18-15 to Llantwit at half time but they scored three more tries before Shaun O’Connor had the final say for Llanharan with a good touch down. Coach Richard Kelly chose Jack Wensley as Man of the Match, praising him for tackling everything that came his way and putting his body on the line.
Report Richard Kelly

Happy Birthday Ashley
February 7th 2008
Many happy returns of the day to Ashley Dommitt. Ashley, who is a member of our under 8 team, is eight today. Have a great day Ashley!

Blues call up Zak
5 Feb 2008
WELL DONE ZAK O'DRISCOLL YOUTH HOOKER BEING INVITED TO TRAIN WITH THE BLUES U18. LOOKS GOOD FOR THE CLUB, ZAK IN THE BLUES ,SAM PICK IN THE OSPREYS, 2 QUALITY HOOKERS IN THE LLAN CAMP!
Steve
Youth coach

Youth on cup trail Monday night
05/02/08

Our successful Youth XV are in cup action on Monday night at the Dairyfield when they take on Rhiwbina in the East District cup, kick off 7pm. It's eleven without defeat so far for Josh O'Driscoll's side and cup progress is high on the agenda.

Mixed day for Jordan
Feb 3rd 2008
JUNIORS
UNDER 8
Llanharan 5 Llantwit Major 3
Llanharan tries scored by Ashley Bissett 2, Chris Osborne, Lloyd Gregory and Ryan Walters.
Player of the Match: Natasha Jones
Llanharan 2 Taff’s Well 2
Llanharan tries scored by Ashley Bissett and Ryan Walters
UNDER 9
Llanharan 7 Llantwit Major 4
Llanharan tries scored by Leon Evans (4), Jordan Bissett, Rhys Morgan and Geraint Brain.
Player of the Match: Jordan Bissett.
It was a mixed afternoon for Jordan who ended up in Casualty and was diagnosed with an ankle sprain and damaged ligaments. All his team mates and the coaches wish him a speedy recovery.
Llanharan 1 Taff’s Well 6
Llanharan try scored by Leon Evans.
Player of the Match: Adam Goslin
If you'd like to play for the under 8 or 9 team, then turn up for Tuesday night training at the Welfare Ground (6pm) where you'll be made very welcome.
Reports by Rebecca Trigg

Fifteens delight large crowd
Feb 3rd 2008
Under 15
Llanharan 12 Rhydfelin 7.
Both sides played well with the ball being passed from one side of the pitch to the other, but silly mistakes by both sides meant that for about the first 20 minutes or so the game was still level. Then came the first try from Llanharan which saw Adam Tilley go over for his second try of the season. Then in the second half Llanharan kept the pressure on and it was not long before they went over for another try which saw Hywel Hardman go over, also for his second try of the season which was converted by Shaun O’Connor. However, Rhydfelin came back after Jack Phillips was sin binned and with only 3 minutes to go Rhydfelin went over for a try which was converted.
Report by Richard Kelly

Promising Prop
30 Jan 2008
Well done to John Thomas who will be on the bench for the Ospreys u18 tonight against the Scarlets. BEST OF LUCK FROM ALL THE YOUTH BOYS steven

Coaches miss the coach!
Now you might think that being a coach in our set up, especially if your side is a winning one, would give you a bit of status. So imagine how Steve Thorne and Mel Pring felt as they struggled out of the Llantrisant clubhouse with the kit bags after another successful afternoon’s work to see the tail end of the youth team bus disappearing into the distance without them. Suffice to say that the Hon Sec is being sent for retraining!

The Boys take on the Valley Ravens.
27 JAN 2008
Under 8
Valley Ravens 6 Llanharan 4
Llanharan tries – Ryan Waters 2, Ashley Bissett, Marcus Chard.
Llanharan man of Match – Ashley Bissett.
Under 9
Valley Ravens 5 Llanharan 1
Llanharan try – Leon Evans.
Llanharan Man of Match – William Osborne

Report by Rebecca

Mixed day for Jordan
27 Jan 2008
Under 16
Beddau 24 Llanharan 12
Llanharan tries - Lloyd Glass and Jordan Jones; conversion by Scott Jones.
Llanharan travelled to Beddau with a few regulars missing and with a some playing out of position to take part in a hard fought local derby. After a slow start they turned round 17-0 down at half time, but they came storming back in the second half, tries by Lloyd Glass and Jordan Jones and a conversion by Scott Jones cutting the lead to 17-12. Unfortunately they then lost Jordan Jones to injury and trying to move the ball out of their own 22 near the end of the game they turned the ball over and Beddau scored to make the final score 24-12. It was a good effort from the boys who turned up for Llanharan and if it wasn’t for some dubious decisions it could have been a different story. It has been confirmed that Jordan has cracked a bone in his ankle and is currently in plaster, and all the boys and coaches wish him a speedy recovery.
Colin Malone,
Coach

Three for Ethan
27th January 2008
Under 15
Llanharan 27 v Bedwas 29
Both teams were missing players and the game started with 14 aside. Llanharan, who have not played a game in 7 weeks, were the first team to score then Bedwas replied and it was end to end after that with Ethan Williams collecting a hat trick. The game was a great one to watch.
Llanharan tries - Jack Wensley, Alex Hughes and Ethan Williams (3). Conversion - Shaun O’Connor.
Keep your heads up boys. Richard Kelly u15 coach.

Best of the Year for Youth
LLANTRISANT YOUTH 0 LLANHARAN YOUTH 27
Coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring described Llanharan‘s performance as their best of the season.
This league victory was built on the foundations of a tremendous forwards effort, nowhere better illustrated than by hooker Zach O’Driscoll taking four heads and second row Gareth Witts stealing a glut of line out ball.
Tom Cross‘s control was another factor and the outside half deservedly collected his side’s first try.
Three more came before half time, despite playing up the Llantrisant slope - Ashley Dommitt, Gareth Witts and Lee Thorne claiming the honours.
Chris Williams converted one and Llanharan were well in command with a lead of 22-0.
Credit to Llantrisant, despite the battering they were receiving, they made a real go of it after the restart, but it was Llanharan who wrapped up the league points with the powerful Lee Thorne crashing over for the final score.
It was an impressive team display from the visitors with prop Tom Worgan man of the match and other outstanding contributions from Bill Carey at number eight and skipper Josh O’Driscoll in the back row. The coaches' policy of blooding young players was again in evidence with Rhys Haines stepping up from the under sixteens as a second half replacement.
Another prospect, prop JohnThomas, is also gaining recognition, having been called into an Ospreys under 18 training session this week.

Rhiwbina Pull Out
16th Jan
Saturday's Youth cup game at home to Rhiwbina has been postponed. The Cardiff side has pulled out after a mix up over its dates - apparently this is a weekend when several of its players are committed to schools' rugby. A replacement fixture is being sought.

Hat tricks for Mark and LLoyd
13th January 2008
JUNIOR RUGBY
V BRYNCETHIN at home
The mini and junior teams were in action today, with two wins and one defeat against Bryncethin.
Under 8
Llanharan 4 Bryncethin 3
Llanharan tries - Lloyd Gregory 3, Ryan Walters.
Under 9
Llanharan 1 Bryncethin 4
Llanharan try - Leon Evans
Under 11
Llanharan 24 Bryncethin 17
Llanharan tries – Mark Waters 3, Graham Worgan. Conversions – Graham Worgan and Tai Gregory.
Reports by Rebecca Trigg.

Youth concede draw to Late Score
12 Jan 2008
LLANHARAN YOUTH 17 GLAMORGAN WANDERERS 17
Llanharan Youth seemed to have the game in the bag with a 17-3 lead but had to settle for a draw which meant both teams extended their unbeaten runs to ten games.
Good build up work along the touchlines paved the way for both Llanharan’s opening tries, Tom Worgan and Tom Cross touching down.
Cross ‘s intelligent reading of the game was always in evidence and his up and under saw the Wanderers spill the ball from Aaron Pincher’s hit, allowing Lee Thorne to collect his 21st try of the season.
Chris Williams converted, but a length of the field try got the visitors back in contention before sharing the spoils with a converted try at the death.

Sixteens entertain - and Win
7th Jan 2008
Llanharan u16 travelled to Gilfach on Sunday for their first match of the new year and in muddy conditions played some entertaining rugby which resulted in a resounding 40-0 win. Llanharan try scorers Lloyd Glass 2, Jordan Jones, Tom Sanders, Ben Merry and Scott Malone with Chris Williams kicking 5 cons. Next week we travel to St Josephs, Cardiff hoping to gain revenge for defeat earlier in season.
Reoport by Colin Malone

From the Under 15 Coach
6th Jan 2008
Happy New Year to you all and it would have been nice to get a game but again the weather played its game and the game was called off. I would like to thank all the parents who made the trip to ystrad only to find out when we got there the game was called off having been told eariler that the game was on, sorry for any inconvenience. Richard Kelly U15 Coach

Youth pick up the Points
LLANHARAN YOUTH 27 TYLORSTOWN YOUTH 0
Llanharan Youth, who last season sometimes struggled to field a team, ended 2007 on a high note, this big victory over Tylorstown their ninth in a row, and their tenth in eleven games.
The Thorne brothers in the centre dominated the scoring, Lee touching down for three and Dan grabbing another. A fourth try came from prop John Thomas while Aled Jones added one conversion.
Conditions were appalling the heavy rain beginning before kick off and continuing unabated, and home coach Steve Thorne praised both teams and the referee for seeing the game out.
It was also a special day for wing forward Jordan Jones, the product of Llanharan’s junior system making a second half debut as a replacement in this league win.

News of Gareth
19/12/2007
Some encouraging news about Gareth Witts who was stretchered off to hospital during Saturday's Youth game. Coach Steve Thorne says: "I spoke to Gareth today and he has been back to the hospital and may only be off for 3-4 weeks. The crack in his bone was a old injury and he has some ligament damage, so it's not as bad as first thought."

Welsh trial for Harley and Sam
18th December 2007
In the junior section Harley Thomson and Sam Pick have been selected for a Welsh trial. Fullback Harley is in the Blues Academy and Sam is with attached to the Ospreys. Older supporters will, of course remember their fathers, Denver and Jeff respectively who wore the Llanharan shirt with distinction, Denver also making a mark at Cardiff.
Best wishes go to both these promising young lads.

Under 15s Give Their All
16th Dec 2007
LLANHARAN U15 15 LLANTWIT MAJOR 39
TRIES SCORED BY RICHARD LAWRENCE AND 2 BY SHAUN O'CONNER IT WAS A GOOD GAME EVEN THOUGH WE LOST. THE BOYS HAVE NOT PLAYED FOR 4 OR 5 WEEKS AND GAVE IT EVERYTHING, BETTER LUCK NEXT WEEK.RICHARD KELLY U15 COACH.

Bitter Sweet day for Gareth
16th December 2007
Llanharan Youth 21 Treherbert Youth 8
Llanharan made it eight wins in a row and progressed to the next round of the Rhondda Taff Ely cup with this win and earned the praise of backs coach Mel Pring who said the team had “dug deep” to secure victory.
However it was a bitter sweet occasion for outstanding forward Gareth Witts as, just after scoring a text book try from a tap penalty, he was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury.
After a long delay, Llanharan eventually got going again and secure their place in the next round with two more tries, Lee Thorne crashing over and Gareth Jones finding a path to the line from the back of a ruck.
Chris Williams converted all three and there were promising debuts for youngsters Dan Butler and Ross Pritchard.

Youth Ready for the Cup
The Youth are all ready to take on Treherbert in the Rhondda Taff Ely cup at the Welfare on Saturday and extend their long unbeaten run.
Said coach Steve Thorne:"We had a good turn out for training last night (18 players) and ran through a lot of moves. Things are looking good for the cup on the weekend with all players available. Also we signed up 2 u16s players, young Burton and Pritch. Both hope to have a run Saturday but we will have to see how the game goes. Good weather and lots of support and we're in for a good Saturday."

u15-oFF!
Message for the u15 - game called off again due to the weather fingers crossed we might get a game before christmas. hope to see you all Tuesday. Richard Kelly U15 COACH.

Mascots are Back
Saturday (Maesteg Celtic) will see a welcome return of First XV mascots. Leon Evans and Ashley Bissett will lead the team out against Llantrisant. They will also act as ball boys for the day along with Ashley's brother Jordan and Jamie Lee Brown.

Youth Off.
The Youth game at Pontyclun on Saturday has been called off as we have too many players unavailable. A new date is being sought.

Josh leads by Example
Llanharan Youth 32 Ynysybwl Youth 7
Despite the bad conditions, both sides served up an entertaining game of rugby with home skipper Josh O’Driscoll outstanding in a convincing win.
He led the way with a try whilst another who caught the eye, Ospreys starlet Jamie Murphy, also touched down.
Brothers Dan (2) and Lee Thorne also ran in tries as did scrum half Aled Jones, with Murphy converting one.
This was the side's seventh successive win and the score line would have been even bigger but three times Llanharan lost the ball over the line.

Under 15s Off
JUST TO LET THE UNDER 15 KNOW THE GAME ON SUNDAY HAS BEEN CALLED OFF DUE TO CARDIFF COUNCIL CANCELLING ALL GAMES SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENINCE CAUSED SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY.RICHARD KELLY U15 COACH.

16s go down in hard fought encounter
Llanharan u-16 entertained a strong Tondu side who have not lost a game all season and in atrocious weather conditions which resulted in the match being played on the Welfare both sides produced a hard fought encounter which Tondu won narrowly by 17-5. In the first half Tondu played with the elements and at half time had built up a 12-0 lead. In the second half Llanharan came storming back with the forwards to the fore and got it back to 12-5. They were then encamped in the Tondu 22 but couldn't get across the whitewash and near the end turned the ball over on the Tondu line, the visitors then producing a fine handling move to go the length of the field for the decisive score. A lot of credit must go to all the players for their efforts in awful conditions and a big thank you to Steve Thorne for refereeing. Llanharan try scorer Jordan Jones. Next up is Ystrad Rhondda away next Sunday.
Report by Colin Malone

Seven in a row for the Youth
Llanharan Youth made it seven wins in a row as they accounted for a useful Treherbert side in this league game. The home side kicked a lot of possession into the visitors’ hands and it was usually returned with interest by a disciplined team. Centre Tom Cross opened their scoring with a corner try, well converted by excellent portside half Chris Williams, but the try of the match came six minutes later. Again Llanharan ran a loose kick from their own twenty two, Cross and Lee Thorne exercising a scissors for Thorne to race up field where flanker Ashley Dommitt was on hand to touch down, Williams once more converting.
Treherbert responded strongly with an early try after the turn around and then Williams put over a penalty after referee Mr Conway, who handled the game well, punished the home team for a high tackle on Dan Smith. Llanharan put the seal on it with another counter attack which gave Cross his second try and Williams converted.
Llanharan have drawn the Rhondda side at home in the cup, the game to be played before December 22nd.

Results Round Up 14 Nov 2007
Under 8's
Llanharan 25 Llantrisant 25
Llanharan tries by Ashley Bisset 3 Ryan Wall 2

Llanharan 25 Valley Ravens 20
Llanharan tries - Jack Teisar 1, Ryan Walters 2, Lloyd Gregory 1, Ashley Bisset

Under 8/9
Llanharan 3 Valley Ravens 3
Llanharan tries - Ryan Walters 2, Ashley Bisset 1

Under 11
Llantrisant 35 – Llanharan 17
Llanharan tries - Graham Worgan 2, Tom Harris 1

Under 15
Llanharan 45 Pill Harriers 5
Llanharan tries Richard Lawrence 2, Corey Miller, Ethan Williams, Alex Hughes, Jack Phillips, Jack Wensley. Con Richard Lawrence 5.
Details by Bethan Thomas

Five Tries ., Five Wins
Llanharan Youth31 St Albans 5
Llanharan Youth fell five points behind early in the game but a hat trick of tries from full back Tom Cross, two before half time, put them in command.
Chris Williams, looking useful in the outside half berth, converted all three.
It was a pretty dour affair but the home team ensured victory, their fifth in a row, with further tries from full back Dan Smith and scrum half Aled Jones.
Coaches Steve Thorne and Mel Pring remind players that they will be training on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s league game at Treherbert.

Home on Saturday
The game away to Bonymaen has been postponed and we are now home to St. Albans.

Saturday game for Youth
We are playing Bonymaen away Sat 10th - the bus leaves at 1pm.
Hope that we have a good turn out as this will be our first away game of the season. it will also be Gareth Jones' first game of the season - he was sent off in the final last year and now knows foul play does not pay.
Steve Thorne

Youth Off
Saturday's game with Beddau is off as they have a cup commitment. Not sure at this time whether a replacement game will be found.

Junior Results v Penygraig - 9s Win
Under 8s
Llanharan 10 Penygraig 35
Llanharan tries scored by Chris Osborne and Amy Henson.
Under 9s
Llanharan 15 Penygraig 10
Llanharan tries scored by Kai Gregory 2 and Jamie Lee Brown 1.
Under 11s
Llanharan 10 Penygraig 15
Llanharan tries scored by Graham Worgan 2.
Their coach congratulated the boys on their performance and their improvement since they last played us around three weeks ago - training is paying off.
Bethan Thomas

Good training session for Youth
Last night we had a training session on the Dairyfield, a session combined with the Second team to give both sides some opposition to train against. Both sides were very happy and enjoyed what went on. The Youth side were able to try out some different line outs and defence structures that we had from the Cardiff Blues open session. It proved to be a very physical session and very constructive for ourselves and Dai Martin. We finished off with a semi contested game and every one that took part thought it was a brilliant session, and would love to do it again. We would like to thank Dai Martin and Ian Davies for the constructive help that they gave to the future of Llanharan RFC and may things like this continue.
Steve Thorne & Mel Pring
Youth Coaches

Sunday games
Our younger players are in action on Sunday with the 8-11s home to Penygraig with a 11 oclock k.o.

Mixed injury news for Youth
Just a up date on the injuries - Aaron Pinchers is ok, but Reece Davies has a broken finger (he has no luck). Good thing we don't have a game this week.
Steve Thorne

No action for Youngsters
No rugby this weekend - under 15s were cancelled Sunday morning, Maerdy/Ferndale pitch water logged. 16s cancelled in the week. Little ones have the week off because of half term. Update on Tesco vouchers - 1,350 and still counting!
Beth Thomas

youth selection problems

We have cancelled the game for next Saturday due to the number of injuries that we have. Working with a small squad (19) is getting hard on the players
Dan Smith (ribs), Andrew Cooper (calf), Dan Thorne ( hamstring), Mathew Harris (finger), Bill Carey (shoulder and Osprey commitments), Ashley Dommitt ( ankle) and now from the game yesterday we have Reece Davies (finger) Arron Pinchers (elbow ) all out.
We are very thankful for the help we get from the u16s to keep us going.
Steve Thorne
Coach

Weekend results - Mini's/Juniors
Under 8s Drew 4 tries each with Bridgend Sports. Llanharan tries Ryan Waters 2 and Ashley Bissett 2.

Under 11s
Skewen 0 Llanharan 21
Tries Graham Worgan, Kai Gregory and Nico Chick. ( Graham Worgan one conversion).

Under 11s
Bridgend 21 Llanharan 7
Try and conversion - Graham Worgan.

Under 16s - see seperate report.

Under 15s cancelled against Ystard Rhondda.

Under Sixteens convincing winners
Llanharan u16 entertained their counterparts from Llantwit Fardre at the Dairy today in what were wonderful conditions for rugby. After a good start which nearly produced a score Llanharan then found themselves on the back foot and conceded a converted try.For the rest of the half Llanharan dominated possession and by half time had moved 17-7 in front thanks to try's from props Gethin Cashmore and Ben Merry after good work by the forwards and one by full back Fred White,Scott Jones converting one.
In the second half Llanharan stepped up the tempo playing down the slope and the visitors had no answer to some fine flowing movements involving both backs and forwards which resulted in five second half try's.Full back Fred White with some powerful running scored four more taking his personal tally to five for the game and the other coming from centre Ryan David.Harley Thompson converted three of them to make the final score 48-7.
Next up is St.Josephs Newport at the Dairy next Sunday

Youth show good Attitude
Llanharan Youth 25 Aberdare 12
Llanharan showed a good attitude against a strong Aberdare outfit to record a pleasing victory.
Tom Cross went over early on and then under 16's product Andy Price, on for hamstring victim Dan Thorne, came inside off his wing for a superb try, Cross converting for a 12-0 half time lead.
Lee Thorne’s try took it to 17-0 before Aberdare got into the game with two touch downs to make it 17-12.
However, Llanharan saw off the threat, despite the loss of full back Dan Smith with a rib injury, and tries form Lee Thorne and Curtis Davies with a fine effort from half way, made the game safe, Cross’s late penalty the final seal.

Youth Cup Tie
The Youth will play Rhydyfelin at home NEXT Saturday in the first round of the Rhondda and East Glam cup, replacing the scheduled Pontypridd game.
This weekend Aberdare are the opposition at the Welfare.

Youth coaches slam Attitude

“Reece Davies returned to training to night, that's the good news. All the players were spoken to about the talking back to the ref and they seemed to take it on board. But they think that it is a meeting place on a training night and not a training session. The attitude of some of the older players is starting to stink and the only boys with a professional attitude are the players from the u16s. We are not there for a joke around. There’s got to be a rapid change of attitude.”
Steve Thorne, Melvin Pring

Sunday Fixtures - Juniors
Weekend Fixtures to date:
Under 15, home, Ystrad Rhondda.
Under 16, home, Llantwit Fadre.

Weekend Round up of Results
Sunday 14 Oct 2007
Under 11s
Llanharan 0 Bryncethin 8 (tries)
Under 8s
Llanharan 4 Bryncethin 4 (Tries Ryan Waters 2, Ashley Coombs 1, Kevin Jarvesto 1)
Llanharan Under 11s
Llanharan 7, Penygraig 51 (Llanharan try Graham Worgan)
Llanharan Under 8s
Llanharan 2 tries Penygraig 4 tries
(Llanharan Tries:Ashley Coombs 2.)

Update on sports equipment for clubs. 650 tokens to date, but still looking for more, remember every little helps!!!!!

Information supplied by Bethan Thomas

Youth Pick up the Points
Llanharan Youth 22 Llantrisant Youth 15
Llanharan coach Steve Thorn was pleased with the league points in a good game of rugby, but still felt his side didn’t play to its full potential.
Victory owed a lot to the hat trick of tries scored by centre Lee Thorne, though the big mid field man also suffered ten minutes in the sin bin for challenging the referee, a trait all too prevalent in the team for the coach’s liking.
His first two touchdowns and one from Ashley Dommitt, Chris Williams throwing in a conversion, gave Llanharan a 17-8 lead at the turn around, Llantrisant keeping themselves in the game with an interception try.
Llantrisant narrowed the lead with a second try, but with man of the match hooker Zak O’Driscoll helping the cause by taking four heads, victory was ensured as Thorne went over for his final try that came from a ruck five metres out.
There were also good performances from scrum half Chris Williams and lineout ace Gareth Witts.