Match Reports
First Team
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
BEDDAU 53 LLANHARAN 8 (HT 10-8)
Llanharan will be glad to see the back of 2015 after this latest heavy defeat.
They ended last season escaping relegation only in the penultimate game, suffered a huge summer time exodus of players, and have yet to register a win this campaign as a young side withstands the worst of painful rebuilding.
Hopes of a turnaround in fortunes had come with recent forward recruitment, second row Kieran Martin the latest.
Moreover, it was the giant props Joel Ringer and Rhys Haines who had shown in their side’s last game that they could give the Dairymen a platform to play off.
Yet typical of the luck of an outfit struggling at the bottom, both were injury victims denying the away team what appeared to be an early set piece advantage.
Even behind the scrum too there was agony as young full back prospect Ben Burgess suffered a dislocated shoulder.
It was just 10-8 to Beddau at the interval, but the home side consolidated a highly satisfactory return to the championship by taking full advantage of their opponents’ woes, eventually running in eight tries through Hywel Chatham 2, Lewis Egal 2, Cody Baker 2, Jordan Odgers and Sam Withers. Kicks were added by Chatham (cons 3) and Withers (pen and cons).
For Llanharan Sam Edwards collected his third try of the season and Harrison Evans put over a penalty, but the damage caused by the injuries and the gale in their faces second half were just too much for a team which nevertheless did not give up the effort.
Llanharan try –Sam Edwards; pen – Harrison Evans.
Beddau scores: Hywel Chatham 2, Lewis Egal 2, Cody Baker 2, Jordan Odgers and Sam Withers. Kicks - Chatham (cons 3) and Withers (pen and cons ).
LLANHARAN:
15 BEN BURGESS
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS
13 CHRIS SHARKEY
12 SAM EDWARDS
11 GAVIN PARSONS
10 HARRISON EVANS
9 SCOTT JONES
1 RHYS HAINES
2 RHYS TAYLOR
3 JOEL RINGER
4 OWAIN HOWE
5 KIERAN MARTIN
6 RICHARD LAWRENCE
7 SCOTT MALONE (C)
8 TOM WILSON.
REPLACEMENTS USED:
16 SAM LLEWELLYN
17 SAM PICK
18 CARL LEATHER
19 PAUL WINTER
20 HUW RUSSELL
SSE Swalec Championship
LLANHARAN 14 GLYNNEATH 16 HT 14-6
Without a win and just a single bonus point all season, Llanharan were on course for a remarkable first victory with just two minutes of normal time to play.
They had performed with tremendous strength, ability and resilience against the second half wind to hold Glynneath at bay, leading 14-9.
It was a sad irony that when they eventually broke the territorial stranglehold and advanced to a position where they could have realistically held on, two kicking miscues brought the away team back on the counter, fullback Mathew Llewellyn rounding the scrambling defence to touch down under the posts and Craig Jones’s conversion winning the game.
Said head coach Colin Malone: “Great effort from the boys today after what happened last week and devastated to see the win snatched away at the death.”
Llanharan had made a mockery of their championship record with a first half in which they scrummaged strongly and attacked with neat combinations, much of it stimulated from the back row duo of Scott Malone and Tom Wilson.
The starting line-up was considerably changed from the previous slamming at Merthyr.
Props Rhys Haines and Joel Ringer added much needed bulk to the front row, while regular second XV performer Richard Lawrence came into the back row after a late non-appearance and worked hard.
Halfbacks Craig Burton and Scott Jones were doing well behind this platform, and from a Jones grubber to the corner the home side were able to drive at the line allowing Burton to get the touch down and his half-back partner to add two points for a 7-0 lead.
Unfortunately, a Jones penalty attempt then came back off an upright to give the Neath Valley men a reprieve, and they took advantage despite good tackles from Malone and Lee Edgecombe, presenting Lloyd Thomas with a penalty success.
A telling up field kick from left wing Gavin Parsons put his men back on the offensive and again the Wilson/Malone combination from the scrum ended with Morgan Williams taking Jones’s pass to score on the right.
The conversion took the lead to 14-3, and although more thumping tackles from James Holmes and Ringer halted an opposition response, Thomas added a second penalty before half time.
If ever proof was needed of Llanharan spirit it came early after the turn around. Owain Howe seemed to be on the harsh end of a yellow from referee Dai Cambourne, but his depleted outfit denied Glynneath a single score, a seven-man pack actually pushing the opposing eight back on one scrum with Harry Griffiths and Parsons contributing useful play in the loose.
Ironically, once back to fifteen some poor decision making thwarted the Black and Blues’ effort and replacement outside half Craig Jones landed a drop goal with a penalty holding.
The Dairymen continued to thrive under pressure with turnovers and one huge line out steal by Howe at the front.
It had been significant that Glynneath had abandoned their efforts to drive .lineouts over the try line in the face of such ferocious resistance.
However, just when the bottom club looked to have done all that was necessary, came the vital lapses which deprived them of a victory that by sheer effort and character they certainly deserved.
But despite those final heart breaking minutes, Llanharan can take encouragement from this display as they make the long journey to Newcastle Emlyn Saturday.
15 BEN BURGESS,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 LEE EDGECOMBE,
12 HARRY GRIFFITHS,
11 GAVIN PARSONS,
10 SCOTT JONES,
9 CRAIG BURTON,
1 RHYS HAINES (TOM EVANS 55),
2 RHYS TAYLOR,
3 JOEL RINGER,
4 JAMES HOLMES,
5 OWAIN HOWE,
6 RICHARD LAWRENCE,
7 SCOTT MALONE (C),
8 TOM WILSON.
Unused reps: Sam Llewellyn, Carl Leather, Harrison Evans
MERTHYR
SSE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2015/16
Nov 28
L 99-0 HT 40-0
With a team decimated by withdrawals and injuries, we were on the end of a drubbing by 99-0 at Merthyr a club record defeat..
The situation required uncontested scrums and the line-up had a strange look about it.
Ender the rules, no replacements were available to us.
That hit us hard late in the game when Sam Edwards was injured and the home team ran in several more tries.
Despite the one sided score the boys who wore the colours never gave up trying, especially those whose normal environment was the Mid Glam league and those seriously out of position.
Merthyr tries: Ellis Benham 4, Andy Powell, Osian Davies 2, Rhys Downes, Ben Murphy, Tom Hiscock, Joe Page, Dan Parry, Martin Luckwell 2, Dean Gunter. Cons: Matthew Jarvis 12.
Team:
15 BEN BURGESS,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 OLLY SMYTH,
12 SAM EDWARDS,
11 CHRIS SHARKEY,
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 SCOTT JONES,
1 ASHLEY SHELLARD,
2 SAM LLEWELLYN,
3 CARL LEATHER,
4 HARRY GRIFFITHS,
5 RICHARD LAWRENCE,
6 ALED LLEWELLYN,
7 SCOTT MALONE(C),
8. TOM WILSON.
SSE Swalec Championship
Llanharan 0 Bargoed 74 HT 0-31`
Llanharan’s tale of woe continued against reigning champions Bargoed at the Dairyfield.
Various circumstances had necessitated several pre kick off changes while match time injuries added to the headaches,
The young and inexperienced home side was competitive for the first and fourth quarters, yet could not threaten a score. In total contrast, Bargoed, with a side full of capable and well-practised men, exploited the other sessions to run in no fewer than eleven tries.
There has never been a lack of spirit in this Dairymen’s outfit, hastily strung together after a whole raft of outward movement in the summer, some of it on the very eve of the season.
Indeed, without unavailable skipper Scott Malone they gave a good account of themselves in the early stages, moving the ball left and right in sequential phases, Tom Williams and Craig Burton prominent contributors.
However, a failed penalty to touch brought Matt Hurley to the tee to collect the first of his nineteen points tally, then accomplished centre Darren Humphries broke Llanharan control with a long range effort, second row Martin Morgan finalised lineout pressure and, despite one good tackle by Ben Burgess on prop Kieron Brown, another kick that failed to clear the touchline saw Dwayne Dyer cross.
The Dairymen were still lively and Williams led a counter supported by Tom Evans and Owain Howe, only for Nicky Coughlin’s converted try to give the away team a 31-0 half time lead.
The champions showed their pedigree with five quick tries after the turn around, Hutchion, Grant Rogers, Coughlin and Ross Coombes touching down in quick succession along with the all-telling penalty try to end the contest at 60-0.
Nevertheless, it signalled Llanharan’s clear resolve to stop further scores.
Outside half Scott Jones and Howe were at the heart of most efforts.
Praise too for James Holmes, working valiantly in an unaccustomed second row role and Gavin Parsons, admirably doing bench duty despite a nasty virus, but not letting the side down when he made an early entry from the bench after Lee Edgecombe’s injury.
However, Bargoed put the finishing touches, prop Kieron Brown and speedy full back Lee Pearson adding two more tries to the total.
With an away trip to Merthyr next on the list it doesn’t get any easier for the basement team.
15 BEN BURGESS,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 LEE EDGECOMBE (GAVIN PARSONS 25),
12 SAM EDWARDS,
11 HARRY GRIFFITHS,
10 SCOTT JONES,
9 CRAIG BURTON,
1 RHYS TAYLOR (SAM PICK 60),
2 SAM LLEWELLYN
3 TOM EVANS (PAUL WINTER 62),
4 TOM WILLIAMS,
5 JAMES HOLMES,
6 OWAIN HOWE,
7 CARL LEATHER,
8. TOM WILSON (C).
Bargoed tries - Lee Pearson, Kieron Brown, Matt Hutchion, Grant Rogers, Nicky Coughlin 2, Ross Coombes, Dwayne Dyer, Darren Humphries,Martin Morgan. Cons 8 and pen – Matt Hurley.
SSE Swalec Championship
NEWBRIDGE 50 LLANHARAN 3 (HT 24-3)
Unless the powers that be reverse the puzzling decision to reduce the championship to twelve clubs while enlarging the premiership to sixteen, Llanharan look doomed to a drop into Division 1.
After eight games, they are adrift at the bottom of the table with just a single bonus point for their albeit unquestionable efforts.
Newbridge were just above them going into the game, but ended with a full eighteen points advantage in the race for survival.
The fact of the matter is that for various reasons the side that battled well last campaign lost a whole pack of forwards late in the summer and have seen their plight worsened recently by serious injuries to Huw Thomas and Nick Theaker, arguably their best players.
The last thing they wanted on Saturday was a mud bound pitch and persistent rain, hardly ideal for a young lightweight pack.
There were bright spots, like the experienced Craig Burton coming in at nine and doing a commendable job, and a satisfactory championship debut for Pontyclun product Ben Burgess who appeared as a second half replacement.
However, the home team’s superior size up front and the numerous missed tackles behind in a misaligned defence saw Newbridge belie their lowly status with eight tries.
Both sides looked like chocolate soldiers after just a few minutes and the slime aided the home team’s forward drives as well as their ability to slip out of tackles.
In addition, in full back Lewis Hudd they had the man of the match as illustrated by his three tries and five conversions.
Llanharan were not overrun throughout, and after conceding four tries in the opening twenty-five minutes, took the game to the Gwent side though without really threatening their line.
Hopes of a miraculous revival were soon scotched after half time as the confident home team ran in three more quick tries, and although Llanharan showed indomitable spirit in once more pressing forward for much of the final quarter, a late pushover try said it all.
Kyle Taylor got his side’s first after a second drive from a line out and although telling work by Olly Smyth led to Harrison Evans penalty, right wing Gerwyn Davies popped up on the wrong side and then cut back in for the second.
Missed tackles were again costly as Davies got another, and then Hudd launched a big solo scoring run from long range which, with his own two conversions, made it 24-3 after 25 minutes.
Llan however began to get into the game, Owain Howe and Carl Leather combining to allow Morgan Williams to put pressure on the defence.
Nevertheless, despite a typical Sam Edwards break, it took good cover work from Burton to stop a Lloyd Peart try at the other end.
The start of the second half saw Llanharan condemned to heavy defeat, tries from Mathew Mc Govern and Hudd (2) helping the score to 45-3 with twenty five minutes to pay.
It was to the away side’s credit that only Ethan Doyle’s pushover troubled the scorer from then on with Edwards and Sam Llewellyn making inroads, but Llanharan lacked the ability to threaten the line in any serious manner.
Llanharan score – Harrison Evans penalty
Newbridge scores – Tries : Lewis Hudd 3, Gerwyn Davies 2, Matthew McGovern. Lloyd Peart, Kyle Taylor; cons - Hudd 5.
Llanharan team:
15 OLLIE SMYTH,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 LEE EDGECOMBE (BEN BURGESS 60),
12 SAM EDWARDS,
11 GAVIN PARSONS (HARRY GRIFFITHS 60)
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 CRAIG BURTON
1 TOM EVANS (JAMES HOLMES 64),
2 RHYS TAYLOR (SAM LLEWELLYN 66),
3 ALED REES,
4 TOM WILLIAMS,
5 OWAIN HOWE (PAUL WINTER 66),
6 TOM WILSON
7 CARL LEATHER
8. SCOTT MALONE(C),
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
NARBERTH 40 LLANHARAN 15 (HT 21-10)
Plenty of spirit and intent from struggling Llanharan – but on their own, admirable though they were, such attributes were again not enough to put the side in with a hope of victory.
A hard working young side was once more exposed for its relative shortage of bulk up front, while a mature organiser behind the pack would undoubtedly tighten up defensive play and release more of the obvious attacking flair.
The club is not unaware of such needs and is working hard to turn things around.
Former captain and coach Jeff Pick has returned to the fold to assist Colin Malone and Jonathan Hooper, and one of the one-time tight head’s roles is player recruitment.
Whilst it is now no wins from seven starts, no one is throwing in the towel and this Thursday a development game has been arranged at the Dairyfield against Bryncethin as part of the work in progress.
Evidence of one of the clear under-strengths in the team came in the opening phases with the competent Richard Brace having no hesitation in awarding the penalty try as Llanharan collapsed the drive to the line.
Outside half Ianto Griffiths, converted and although Nicky Theaker pulled back three with a penalty the one time Scarlet hopeful was on target again after full back Johnny Morgan sailed through.
Llanharan were not giving in though, and good work by Morgan Williams down the right touchline ended with Sam Edwards powering his way over, Theaker’s kick making the leeway just four points.
However hooker Dan Smith strode through the middle for another converted try, and although their efforts took play into the home twenty two, the visitors finished the half 21-10 down.
The size advantage again told early in the second half as a second penalty try was awarded following a series of scrums, and as the match entered the third quarter, Scott Malone’s men lost possession in a good position and were punished by a length of the field counter, which produced a touch down for replacement back row Pat Roberts.
Away hopes were finally extinguished when from another strong scrum Morgan got his second, Griffiths supplying a straightforward conversion.
Even so, a rousing finale exemplified one quality, which Llanharan will need in abundance in the months ahead, when they showed fitness and determination to take the game to the Otters.
Young prop Tom Evans was involved in a couple of attacks into the twenty two, but it was fellow front row man Rhys Taylor who forced his way over, the Gilfach Goch product displaying a wry smile as the announcer credited the score to prop James Holmes actually off the field having been replaced earlier!
15 OLLIE SMYTH,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 SAM EDWARDS, (LUKE RUAL)
12 LEE EDGECOMBE,
11 GAVIN PARSONS,
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 NICKY THEAKER,
1 TOM EVANS,
2 RHYS TAYLOR,
3 JAMES HOLMES (SAM LLEWELLYN),
4 OWAIN HOWE (TOM WILLIAMS),
5 ROB JONES (CARL LEATHER),
6 JORDAN SENIAWSKI,
7 TOM WILSON,
8 SCOTT MALONE(C).
Llanharan tries – Sam Edwards, Rhys Taylor
Narberth tries: penalty tries 2, Johnny Morgan 2, Dan Smith, Pat Roberts.
Cons (5) – Ianto Griffiths.
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 16 TATA STEEL 30 (HT 11-6)
Despite plenty of effort, Llanharan suffered their sixth consecutive defeat of the season as they found the visitors’ forward muscle a bit of a handful.
The pressure caused led to many penalties and two yellow cards, and given such advantages Tata must be asking why they only outscored the opposition by three tries to two.
In addition, just when it looked like the home side were beginning to see a strengthening of their squad, it was bitter blow to see powerful number eight Huw Thomas leaving with what looked a serious ankle injury just twenty minutes after the start.
The game had not reached the final quarter when second row James Beaton became another casualty.
Even so, coach Colin Malone saw plenty to be encouraged by in his team’s performance, commenting: “There were a lot of positives to take from the game although the injury to Huw Thomas was a big loss followed by James Beaton. The first twenty minutes of second half, when we had the two cards is when the game got away from us and the penalty try was a big blow. The scrummage started well and finished well but they dominated during the middle part, not all of it legally, and they played the ref well. Defensively we were a lot better today and we have given ourselves a good platform to build off. I’m really proud of the efforts of all the boys.”
Llanharan even enjoyed the luxury of a half time lead and held that 11-6 advantage until ten minutes into the second half.
It was down to the outstanding Nicky Theaker who performed heroically often on the back foot. After landing an early penalty, he seized onto a loose ball before haring away from near the half way line. His angled run found new left wing Harry Griffiths running an admirable support line and his touch down under the posts gave the scrum half an easy conversion.
The Pontyclun product added a second penalty on the half hour only for Tata outside half Steve Lewis to contributetwo of his own before the interval, the second after prop Aled Rees had been carded.
Hooker Rhys Taylor was next in the bin and Tata duly earned a penalty try against a depleted scrum.
Lewis converted, added a penalty, then supplied the extras again as wing Lloyd Rodgers won a kick and chase, granted the try by referee Rhys Thomas even though his arm appeared to be under the ball.
The game finally went away from the Dairymen when a lineout drive ended with wing forward David Griggs crashing over, Lewis supplying a good conversion.
However, the spirit was still there as Sam Edwards showed what perhaps could have been had his side had more possession by surging through the midfield.
It led to what many thought was a perfect touchdown only be ruled as held up, but Llanharan kept up the pressure and were rewarded for their never say die attitude as the impressive Theaker wriggled out of tackles for a corner try, the final action of the game.
Llanharan tries – Harry Griffiths, Nicky Theaker. Pens 2 – Theaker.
Tata tries – penalty try, Lloyd Rodgers, Davies Griggs. Pens 3, cons 3 – Steve Lewis
LLANHARAN
15 OLLIE SMYTH,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 LEE EDGECOMBE,
12 SAM EDWARDS,
11 HARRY GRIFFITHS,
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 NICKY THEAKER,
1 TOM EVANS,
2 RHYS TAYLOR,
3 ALED REES,
4 TOM WILLIAMS,
5 OWAIN HOWE,
6 JORDAN SENIAWSKI,
7 SCOTT MALONE(C),
8 HUW THOMAS.
Replacements used
16 JAMES HOLMES
17 SAM LLEWELLYN
18 CARL LEATHER
19 JAMES BEATON
Unused Replacement
20 GAVIN PARSONS
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PONTYPOOL 60 LLANHARAN 18 (ht 25-8)
Another heavy defeat for Llanharan – but again the away team gave clear evidence of what it could achieve with further strengthening.
Not least, an inspired spell in the middle of the game when the Dairymen scored three good tries.
While victory was an unrealistic aim, they looked odds on for a bonus point before a strong Pooler outfit eventually launched a late assault, which kept a gallant Llanharan penned on their line and brought four more tries in just over quarter of an hour.
Crucial factors were some close scoring attempts, particularly one by Nick Theaker who was stopped agonisingly near after an exhilarating burst from halfway, and Huw Thomas’s yellow card harshly awarded early in the game, as referee Stuart Kibble came down heavily on what seemed at worst a marginal late challenge.
The adverse try tally could easily have been halved on another day. Thomas’s dismissal brought two tries, one significantly a push over against a pack without it’s strong number eight, two more came from missed penalties to touch, then near the end with a man clearly seriously injured and both sides understandably coming to a halt, Mr Kibble shouted play on and Tu’ipuloto with ball in hands was the first to react, strolling over for a gift try.
The Clayton Gullis factor was another influence on the margin of defeat, the full back’s trusty boot adding fifteen points to the home team’s tally.
In fact, with another pre match withdrawal forcing back row Like Rual into the centre where he did a good job, and the introduction of three new signings Jordan Sienawaski, James Holmes and Henry Griffiths, Llanharan were often commendably competitive against the team that had caused an upset against Merthyr the previous week.
In addition, they made an encouraging start against a parkland backdrop resplendent in its autumn foliage. Thomas led the charge, Griffiths tidied up nicely, and in the fourth minute, Harrison Evans struck a deserved penalty.
However, Gullis soon cancelled it out and wing Josh Hurley finished on the right after a break through the middle.
Thomas’s sin binning came after fifteen minutes, and skipper Jamie Jeune struck first against depleted Llan as Pooler returned a mishit touch penalty, and then was at the heart of his pack for the pushover try against a struggling seven following another errant penalty that was returned with interest, Ben Sparks supplying the final touch.
20-8 down, the Black and Blues could ill afford to concede the next score but a penalty at the scrum saw left wing Nathan Brooks cross.
However, far from signalling a collapse it spurred the visiting XV to even greater efforts. Lee Edgecombe and Tom Williams played their part in the build-up and it was a delighted Sam Llewellyn, a man who began the campaign as Second XV captain, who drove over.
If Theaker’s amazing effort had got the try it deserved, Llanharan would still have been in touch at half time, but the score remained at 25-8.
Nevertheless, inspired by the efforts of skipper Scott Malone, they enjoyed their best spell of the game, the back row man hammering over the line through a defender from ten metres out shortly after the restart.
Unfortunately, scrum half Aeron Quick replied almost instantly with Gullis converting, but it did not deter Llanharan’s resolve, Malone making the telling burst to the right before full back Olly Smyth touched down to make it 32-18.
Sheer will power was keeping Llanharan very much in the running as several turnovers were secured by the pack, but against the bigger and stronger Gwent men, the tide began to turn in favour of the one-time giants of the game, still watched by legends like Graham Price, their president.
The cracks began to appear and brought them four tries in the last quarter.
Quick scored again from a tap penalty, Sione Tu’ipuloto went over from a similar ploy, adding another with all around him stationary after second row Tom Bell’s serious injury, and Sparks also got a second after a drive through the middle.
Pontypool are destined for the premiership while for Llanharan it is a case of survival.
However, the rebuilding process is continuing in earnest after a crippling late summertime loss of players, and coaches Colin Malone and Jonathan Hooper will be looking to build on the positives seen at Pontypool park when Tata Steel arrive at the Dairyfield on Saturday.
Team|:
15 OLLY SMITH
14 GAVIN PARSONS
13 LUKE RUAL
12 LEE EDGECOMBE
11 HENRY GRIFFITHS
10 HARRISON EVANS
9 NICKY THEAKER
1 RHYS TAYLOR
2 SAM LLEWELYN (JAMES HOLMES 63)
3 TOM EVANS
4 TOM WILLIAMS
5 OWAIN HOWE (JORDAN SIENIAWSKI ht)
6 TOM WILSON
7 SCOTT MALONE (C)
8 HUW THOMAS (CARL LEATHER 70)
Pontypool tries – Ben Sparks 2, Aaron Quick 2, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Jamie Jeune, Nathan Brooks, Josh Hurley.
Llanharan tries – Sam Llewellyn, Scott Malone, Olly Smyth. Pen – Harrison Evans.
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 19 CARDIFF MET 58 (HT 0-34)
Llanharan’s troubled start to the season showed no sign of abating as they lost heavily to the students at the Dairyfield.
Beleaguered coaches Colin Malone and Jonathan Hooper must wonder when they are going to see a glimmer of light, their preparations again disrupted by late injuries that necessitated significant changes up front and behind before kick off.
The University too have experienced an unusually difficult start with no win in their four games played, albeit in some tough fixtures. Chris Davey, a former coach and captain at Llanharan, has had his own team problems having to contend with a large turn over as over half last year’s side departed on graduation.
Nevertheless, in this battle at the bottom it was the former Wales Under 21 coach’s team that showed most hope for the future, a strong scrum and the traditional fleet footed alertness bringing ten tries and a decisive victory.
Even so, after a disastrous first half when then Met crossed their line six times, there was some encouragement to be derived from a battling half hour after half time as Llanharan swapped try for try with the visitors, just failing to claim what would have been an amazing bonus point.
Throughout the team is a sprinkling of very able players and some younger ones still a work in progress, and strenuous efforts are being made to broaden and enrich the squad with some competent players to help bind the parts into a more cohesive whole.
However it was clearly going to be a tough afternoon as they fell behind in the first minute, a turnover allowing number eight Max George to gallop away and Simpson to convert.
Home scrum problems brought a pushover try ten minutes later, but with the rugged Huw Thomas and livewire Nicky Theaker doing their utmost, Llanharan spurned three kickable penalties, only to allow technical errors thwart their try seeking attempts each time.
It allowed the Cyncoed outfit to get themselves back on course with a four try burst in twenty minutes, a sequence that effectively ended the game as a contest.
Left wing James Beal came in nicely on the open side of a maul, Alex Harrison converting, and although John Dawe lost possession with the line at his mercy scrum half Myles Churcher dummied over soon after for try number four.
A strong Morgan Williams tackle prevented a further score down their left wing, but the ball was recycled to the opposite touchline for George to get his second try.
Centre Miles Moorhouse added to the rout, and although Tom Evans, Malone and Theaker were at the heart of some determined reaction, it was all over at 34-0 as the teams trekked to the changing rooms.
Even so, the home side came out with clear ambitions of at least a bonus point and got an early reward with speedy wing Morgan Williams obstructed in his chase after his own kick and referee Jonathan Hardy signalling a penalty try which Harrison Evans converted.
Unfortunately, despite what appeared a clear knock in at the outset, Cardiff Met grabbed a length of the field try from speedy flanker Dawe to restore the gap before Skipper Scott Malone demonstrated that his side were not going to lie down and surrender, the back row man rounding off things after a typical Theaker quick penalty.
The end-to-end fare continued as the Met managed to get the ball away after a try stopping Tom Williams tackle and Churcher claimed his second of the afternoon.
Simpson converted, Beal got a second try, and the tit for tat proceedings continued, a good tackle by Ollie Smyth on Sior Pearce allowing his men to turn the tide with Evans’s long penalty to the corner which allowed young prop Tom Evans to power over, brother Harrison adding a difficult conversion.
However, the undergraduates had the last say as Corey Whane sneaked around the blind side and Simpson converted with the final action of the game.
It does not get any easier for the Dairymen who Saturday travel to Pontypool, impressive away winners at Merthyr last weekend.
Llanharan tries – penalty try, Scott Malone, Tom Evans. Cons – Harrison Evans 2.
Cardiff Met tries – Max George 2, Myles Churcher 2, James Beal 2, Miles Moorhouse, John Humphreys, John Dawe, Corey Whane. Cons –George Simpson 3. Alex Harrison.
15 OLLIE SMYTH,
14 MORGAN WILLIAMS,
13 LEE EDGECOMBE,
12 GAVIN PARSONS
11 SCOTT MALONE(C)
10 HARRISON EVANS,
9 NICKY THEAKER,
1 TOM EVANS,
2 JACK HAINES, (RHYS TAYLOR 65)
3 TOM HARRIS
4 JAMES BEATON, (TOM WILLIAMS 60)
5 OWAIN HOWE,
6 TOM WILSON,
7 CARL LEATHER
8 HUW THOMAS.
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 8 BEDDAU 48 (HT 8-20)
Llanharan’s tale of woe showed no signs of relenting as neighbours Beddau inflicted a heavy defeat on them with a very competent display.
The Mount Pleasant boys were led by Glen Slater, one of several in their ranks who have actually pulled on a Llanharan shirt in their time, and are back in the SSE Swalec championship after winning One East Central, this performance suggesting they are back to stay.
The Dairyman, on the other hand, seemed to have their strongest line out of the season available, but even before a ball had been kicked coach Jonathan Hooper again had to step in at full back after a late withdrawal, and then by half time they had also lost hooker Rhys Taylor and centre Sam Edwards, the former for perhaps six weeks with ligament damage.
The main bright spot for the home team was the loose play of the forwards, which gave the team a competitive edge for extended spells.
However, while their lineout was reasonably sound the pack often struggled and the defence left too many inviting gaps.
Beddau were well equipped to take advantage. In centre Ashley Coombes they had a runner who fully exploited every opening for a hat trick of tries, while in Sam Withers they possessed an exceptional kicker, the outside half recording a 100% success tally with all six conversions and two penalties.
His eighteen points ensured momentum was maintained while Harrison Evans could only succeed with one of his attempts, a first half penalty.
Beddau also showed their set piece capability as Simon Grainger went over at the head of a lineout drive. Other tries came from scrum half Tom Marley, also once a black and blue, and James Cashin, reflecting strength on the bench as the replacement made the most of Llanharan losing possession in their attempt to get some late consolation from the game.
It was 20-8 to the visitors at half time, Llanharan’s try coming from the ever-alert Scott Malone as Owain Howe suppled ball at the front of the line.
With the try tally at just 2-1, home supporters still hoped that their team could challenge in the second half, but they faced a resolute defence and some incisive attacking play.
There were solid individual displays for the losers, Rob Jones a hard-working back row man and Jon Hooper running himself into the ground after his late inclusion. Morgan Williams too strove to find openings in attack as he ventured off his wing, but Llanharan generally know they will have to strengthen their squad if this is not to be a long season of struggle.
Beddau tries – Ashley Coombes 3, Tom Marley, Simon Grainger, James Cashin. Cons 6 and pens 2 – Sam Withers.
Llanharan try – Scott Malone; pen – Harrison Evans.
15 Jonathan Hooper
14Morgan Williams,
13 Lee Edgecombe,
12Sam Edwards (Gavin Parsons HT)
11 Ollie Smyth,
10 Harrison Evans,
9 Nicky Theaker,
1 Tom Evans,
2 Rhys Taylor,(Tom Harris 25)
3 Aled Rees,
4 James Beaton, (Tom Wilson 53)
5 Owain Howe,
6 Scott Malone (C)
7 Rob Jones, (Luke Ruall 65)
8 Huw Thomas.
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgend Athletic 29 Llanharan 10 (HT 12-0)
Llanharan’s traumatic start to the season continued with the Athletic, heavily defeated themselves in their opening fixture, recording a bonus point win.
Dairyfield coaches have rarely been confronted with such a disrupted manpower scenario, eight changes to the starting line up saying much about the problem caused by a large turnover further exacerbated by injuries and unavailability.
It was clearly illustrated by backs coach Jonathan Hooper starting as full back, a decade after first featuring in a Llanharan XV.
Yet there were paradoxical glimmers of hope, though the critical turning point came fifteen minutes from time as the Athletic ran in two tries in succession against the run of play to make victory certain.
Until then, and indeed in the remaining playtime, Llanharan were more than a second half match for the home team.
They had started the game very much on the back foot, conceding tries from Sean Williams and Dan Apsee, Scott Govan converting one to put them 12-0 behind in the eleventh minute. Athletic’s kicking to the corners and employing the catch and drive strategy was serving them well.
The Llanharan dilemma became even worse as the game entered the second quarter, debutant Thomas Howells limping off to be replaced by Huw Thomas. Thomas himself was only on bench duty following a calf strain the previous week, but he came on to play a major part in his side’s revival, skipper Scott Malone having to move out to the wing with no backs replacements in the squad.
The Dairymen battled well after the early scores and kept the home side at bay despite being on the back foot for long spells.
After half time it was time for Malone’s men to ask the questions, and a good forward drive ended with Nicky Theaker twisting over the line from close quarters.
However, Lewis Evans struck a penalty to make it 15-5 and then all Llanharan’s attacking intent on a lush Brewery Field foundered as Evans grabbed two tries.
Both were long range, first from a poor opposition lineout then a waltz through a non- existent middle of the field defence immediately from the restart.
The wing himself converted both, and although Morgan Williams sent Ollie Smyth over in the corner in the dying minutes, there was no way back.
Huw Thomas was undoubtedly man of the match for Llanharan and there were good first appearances for hooker Jack Haines, back row Rob Jones and second row Sean O’Rourke – but the team will need further reinforcement before entertaining Beddau on Saturday.
Llanharan: Jonathan Hooper, Thomas Howells (Huw Thomas 21), Morgan Williams, Gavin Parsons, Olly Smyth, Harrison Evans, Nicky Theaker, Rhys Taylor, Jack Haines (Sam Pick 59), Tom Evans, James Beaton (Sean O’Rourke 40) Owain Howe, Tom Wilson, Rob Jones, Scott Malone (C).
Llanharan tries – Nicky Theaker, Olly Smyth.
Athletic tries – Lewis Evans 2, Sean Williams, Dan Apsee. Con 2 and pen – Evans. Con – Scott Govan.
(Note - poor quality photo cover this week (phone from top of stand) but Richie will be back for Beddau.)
SSE SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 27 NEWCASTLE EMLYN 60 (HT 15-31)
Newcastle Emlyn announced their arrival in the national championship with a nine tries bonus point victory at the Dairyfield.
Last year’s One West title winners showed a ruthless ability to exploit opportunities and produce a score line that was perhaps unfair on Scott Malone’s men.
The Llanharan coaches found their team selection severely handicapped by unavailability and withdrawals, in the end having to name a depleted bench of four.
Already in the process of rebuilding, Colin Malone and Jonathan Hooper could have well done without such headaches, but there was still plenty to draw encouragement from, not least the clear potential of their back division , and if length of the field breakaway scores had not distorted the points difference, it would have been a much closer affair.
Said Llanharan’s head coach Malone: “It’s not all doom and gloom. I thought we did some good things today offensively and that was shown in the fact that we scored five tries; unfortunately, we negated a lot of that with some poor defence. However, with the three interception/turnovers and length of the field scores going against us I think the final score flattered them a bit.
“Considering how depleted we were up front the pack stuck to the task manfully and when we get some faces back this week we can hopefully kick on a bit. Having said that, a big thanks to the boys from the Seconds for stepping in last minute and putting in a great effort.”
The Ceredigion men were off to an encouraging start as Llanharan left themselves exposed down the left flank where Llyr Jones made ground before skipper Alex Williams showed admirable support on the inside for the touchdown. Giovanni Sipriani struck the first of his six conversion attempts to put his team 7-0 ahead.
Nevertheless, the home side made an instant response, good combined work ending with the ever-dangerous Morgan Williams finishing off.
It was thrilling fare as the visitors got their second by gathering the restart, Daniel Davies’s converted try stretching the lead.
Even so, their opponents were very much involved in an exciting game, Lee Edgecombe making good ground, Nick Theaker probing, and Sam Edwards driving over.
They actually took the lead, Tom Wilson, a typically hard working back row man, playing his full part before another surging Edwards run was finished off by speedy wing Olly Smyth.
However, Emlyn punished defensive lapses heartlessly in the final fifteen minutes of the half. Gaps left around the contact zone enabled Michael Jones and Viv Jenkins to grab tries and then Sipriani had a clear run down the left, his touch down making it 31-15 at half time.
Hopes Llanharan may have had of closing the gap with the wind and slope in their favour were clinically shattered by three more Emlyn scores.
Michael Jones again found the gap before two length of the field efforts from Davies and Jones created an unassailable 52-15 advantage.
The Black and Blues though never gave up trying and dominated for some time in the final quarter, helped by referee Justin Williams red carding David Jones for illegal use of the boot.
They gained a well-earned bonus point through Wilson’s score, converted by Lewis Williams, and although Teifion Davies snatched yet another breakaway score when it should have been Llanharan crossing the line, Malone’s men at least had the last say in the try scoring stakes when Morgan Williams again did well to shrug off tackles and claim his second - only for Davies to convert a penalty with the last kick of the match.
A reinforced Llanharan will be hoping for better against Bridgend Athletic at the Brewery Field this Saturday.
Llanharan tries: Morgan Williams 2, Sam Edwards, Olly Smyth, Tom Wilson. Con – Lewis Williams.
Newcastle Emlyn tries – Michael Jones 3. Daniel Davies 2, Alex Williams, Giovanni Sipriani, Viv Jenkins, Teifion Davies. Cons – Sipriani 6. Pen – Dan Davies.
Llanharan: Lewis Williams, Morgan Williams, Lee Edgecombe, Sam Edwards (Gavin Parsons 70), Olly Smyth, Harrison Evans (Geraint Llewellyn 45), Nicky Theaker, Tom Evans, Rhys Taylor (Sam Pick 65), Aled Rees, Huw Thomas, Paul Winters, Tom Wilson, Scott Malone (C), Sam Llewellyn (Aled Llewellyn 60).
Mascots: Owen Nottage, Devon Austin, Samuel-Cole Paskell, Cody Edwards, Evan Benjamin, Ashton Gill, Samuel Teisar, Gabriel McCallum, Harry Stoneman, Mathew Anderson