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GWERNYFED  3   LLANISHEN  19

LLANISHEN WIN WAR OF ATTRITION

This was not a pretty game. Whilst both sides attempted to play rugby and the game proceeded in good spirit, the outcome hinged upon play in the tight and on the floor, the Cardiff side just getting the better of what was bitter beer rather than champagne rugby.

The first half offered little in the way of excitement for the crowd who suffered both heavy showers and a lacklustre forty minutes. What chances there were came the way of the home side and when Danny Skyrme potted a drop goal after fifteen minutes it looked as if the hard work up front from the likes of Richard East and David Roberts was to be rewarded.

Gwernyfed had opportunity to extend their lead with a couple of penalties going close, but the tale of the forty minutes was one of great defence from both sides, the green, white and black tackling around the fringes from Steve Harley, George Barden and Mark Price stifling anything that Llanishen had to offer.

A three point lead entering the second period was hardly a comfortable position and within five minutes of the restart an infringement gave fly half Thomas the chance to bring his side level with a well struck penalty.

In previous weeks the Trefecca Road side’s front row had struggled but the redoubtable Parry, Davies and Handiside more than held their own against the Cardiff side. When veteran Gareth Davies came on the scrum continued to go well but when the ball came out of a ruck the Hay man picked up in the open only to be penalised with both a yellow card and a further three points from Thomas.

Down to fourteen men Gwernyfed defended magnificently but the Llanishen pack was well disciplined and took advantage of the extra man by virtue of a pushover try converted by Thomas. This was followed by yet another siege on the home line, great defence again eventually breached by lock Richards to take the game beyond Gwernyfed.

The last five minutes saw the home side reverse recent trends to camp on the Llanishen line but the league leaders were as redoubtable as the home defence and deservedly took the spoils with their first ever victory over the Talgarth men.

The home coaching team commended their men for a great effort, the wagons will be circled for the visit to Fairwater next week after which the eagerly awaited visit of Brecon will no doubt inspire both sides.