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WRU National League Div 2 West

ATHLETIC 27 TYCROES 26

Athletic former players were the match sponsors for this penultimate home league match of the season and they were to witness a truly incredible game. A game of two halves is sometimes an overused cliche, but this was very much the case in this passion fuelled competitive meeting.

Nothing went right for the home team in the first half, errors galore coupled with a heavy penalty count against looked like they were heading for a big margin home defeat.

Tycroes raced to 0-13 lead in the first fifteen minutes courtesy of a penalty & converted try. Red & Blacks fly half Bradley Roderick reduced the deficit with a well struck penalty goal. Aided by a strong easterly wind, Tycroes fly half Aled Jones continued to peg back the home side which resulted in continuous pressure and the inevitable scores which followed via two tries and a penalty. The writing was on the wall for Athletic as they trailed 3-26, things were looking ominous until a last minute try by winger Wayne Rice, converted by Bradley Roderick reduced the deficit to 10-26 at half time.

After the interval the home side were visibly much improved, the combination of solid set play and off loads in the loose allowed the threequarters far more fluent passages of play. The visitors defence held firm right up to the final ten minutes until Youth winger Ben Singer scored a memorable try on his debut for the Red & Blacks under the sticks. With their tails up, Athletic added another try scored by replacement Harri Millin to bring the score to 22-26. The decisive score happened during the final play of the match. Tycroes were awarded a five metre scrum in their own 22, the ball was turned over by a brilliant steal from scrum half Nick Rees and quickly moved along the line for Youth captain Jack Hannington to cross in the corner for a bonus point fourth try. Final score: 27-26.

In a much changed Athletic line up to the previous week, credit must be given to those who stepped up to the plate, none more so than three Youth players: Bradley Roderick (penalty & two conversions), Ben Singer (try) and Jack Hannington (try). Well done to all for reversing what seemed to be an unassailable deficit.

Llanelli & Dist. RU - Scarlets Div B

Druids 23 Llandovery 2nds 71

The 'Drovers' second string proved far too strong for a gutsy Druids side. An abundance of tries were on show for all to enjoy and every credit goes to a well drilled Llandovery side. 

Although somewhat one sided, the most important factor is participation at this level. This club will always make every effort to field a Druids side, win or lose! 

Photo: Athletic centre Dan Davies punches a hole in the Tycroes defence. Courtesy of @SueBows