Match Report: Llanharan 8 v Tata Steel 67. 30-01-2016
By
RICHIE J
15 BEN BURGESS
14 RHYDIAN WORGAN
13 CHRIS SHARKEY
12 GAVIN PARSONS
11 ROSS JONES
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 NICKY THEAKER,
1 TOM EVANS,
2 RHYS TAYLOR,
3 JAMES HOLMES
4 OWAIN HOWE
5 KIERAN MARTIN
6 SCOTT MALONE(C)
7 TOM WILSON,
8 HUW THOMAS
Another gritty and determined performance by an under strength Llanharan side. Llan were further hindered by the loss of their full back, due to injury, at half time. The team started the game with uncontested scrums and the loss of the full back meant that he could not be replaced, so for the second half Llan were again reduced to 14 men.
The game started with Tata showing their intent by running the ball at every opportunity, Llan came back at them with some good drives by the forwards. These were set up by outside half Harrison Evans, who cleverly used the wind to gain ground. The game swung back and forth with Tata being able to diffuse the Llanharan drives for their line . After one of the drives Tata gave away a penalty and Harrison Evans converted from 22 meters out. Not to be outdone Tata came back with a sweeping movement for their second row, Danny Hockin, to go over under the posts. The try was converted by their outside half .
After a penalty against Llanharan, Ross Pritchard, the Tata No 9, made a clean break and quickly made ground towards the Llanharan line. The move was finished off with a try by Rory Morgan-Williams No 10, who also converted. Kristian Jenkins then scored another try for Tata, making the score 19-3
Llan came back with some good moves and a number of times were well within striking distance of the Tata line. One of these moves resulted in a yellow card for the Tata No.4.
From the penalty, Llanharan second row Keiron Martin broke through the Tata line and used his long legs to cover the ground and go over in the corner for a try. Llan continued to put pressure on the Tata line but were unable to break the Tata defence. The first half ended with the score Llanharan 8 Tata 19.
This was a good result for Llan. from a team that had fought well against the odds. There was some hope that this good performance would continue in the second half.
The second half started with Tata making full use of the wind and the loss of Llanharan's full back scoring three quick tries, which effectively put an end to Llan's hope of a comeback.
Under pressure and with 14 men the Llanharan players dug in and showed their determination. Again they made forays into the Tata half but were unable to turn the pressure into points. Tata continue to take full advantage of their numerical advantage and the wind and the game ended with them scoring 67 points.
The Llanharan players could not have put more effort or spirit into the game and should be proud of the way they performed against the odds.