Party pooping Llan  - 21/02/2009 - Penallta

PENALLTA 22 LLANHARAN 28
This was an auspicious occasion in the history of the Penallta club, their first game using their new pitch side clubhouse with their president Alan Rogers MP in attendance.
So Llanharan were the party poopers, denying the home club the victory that would have befitted the occasion.
But it was not for want of effort by the side that begun life sixty years ago as a colliery works outfit, Penallta rising to the challenge with a spirited performance that actually saw them in the lead with just ten minutes to go.
In the end they had to settle for a losing bonus point, but that in itself could prove invaluable in the Pitmen’s fight to avoid a return to division two after just one season at this level.
They had just two wins to their credit going into the match, but started well, only good work by Elliott Frewen, Ross Pearce and second row James Connors, back for his first game since joining Bridgend on dual contract this year, relieving the pressure..
However, after full back Pearce and opposite number Karl Rees had exchanged penalties Llanharan got the first of their three tries on the board. Scrum half Craig Burton initiated the attack which saw Lee Thorne finish off with one of his typical rampaging runs, his 9th league try of the campaign.
Rees replied with a second penalty before the visitors struck again , this time left wing Frewen launching the attack that was perfected by impressive handling, back row man Aled Llewellyn providing the touch down.
Pearce converted but Rees gave the side that has won successive promotions since 2005 in a meteoric rise from district rugby plenty of hope with two penalties.
The latter of the kicks came on the stroke of half time as referee Gareth Saunders sin binned Dairyman James Harris, although it was clearly a case of mistaken identity.
Llanharan made light of the disadvantage and Pearce stretched the lead to 18-12 with Pearce’s second penalty, but a Penallta resurgence was rewarded with a try from Geraint Thomas after outside half Merriman’s kick to the wing had caused problems
Rees converted and they suddenly found them selves 19-18 ahead, another Rees penalty really bolstering their hopes with ten minutes to play.
However Adrian Ford’s team responded well, the mercurial Frewen doing the foot work to send second row Lee Davies galloping in for the winning try.
Pearce added the conversion and there was just time for one more scare for Llanharan as Penallta again threatened, but a thumping Lee Thorne tackle stopped Steve Richards in his tracks.
Llanharan play another rearranged game on Saturday when Merthyr visit the Dairyfield.
Llanharan team: R.Pearce, A.Davies, D.Atkins, L.Thorne, E.Frewen, J.Harris, C.Burton, G.Jones, A. Ford (Capt.), J.Connors, L.Davies, J.Jones, J.Myatt, (N.Allen 63), A.Llewellyn.
Tries: Aled Llewellyn, Lee Thorne and Lee Davies. Con 2 and pens 3 - Ross Pearce.
Penallta try – Geraint Thomas. Con and pens 5 – Karl Rees.

« back