Match Reports
First Team
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
PENCOED 17 LLANHARAN 12 (HT 10-7)
Llanharan lost to neighbours Pencoed in their second warm up match, but as very much a work in progress they again showed that solid foundations are being laid.
The contest against a side newly promoted to SSE Swalec One West Central was a close affair, each team enjoying spells of ascendancy and the sharing of four tries a fair reflection of play.
Moreover, with further disruptions to selection caused by injury and unavailability for an early evening kick off, Llanharan will undoubtedly be significantly stronger when the national championship kicks off against Newcastle Emlyn on September 5th.
One who did return at Pencoed was Huw Thomas and he gave a reminder of what he brings to the table despite just returning from a long holiday, while Tom Piper returned from Newport to help his old team mates out.
The brightest feature of the side’s play in the opening two friendlies has definitely been a sparkling back division with pace, power and guile to call on
Up front, there were occasional shaky moments, but plenty of strong individual showings.
Strength in depth is however, an issue at this stage but this should improve significantly by the big kick off.
Pencoed took the lead with a penalty from former Dairyman Marc Davies, but their opponents’ attacking prowess was highlighted by a scything fifty metres break from Olly Smyth early in the game in an attack which ended with Sam Llewellyn just held up short.
However, they took the lead after Lee Edgecombe’s strong midfield running, his fellow centre Sam Edwards taking his chance in typical style from a resultant penalty lineout.
Nicky Theaker converted, but a corner try after concerted pressure, superbly converted by Davies gave Pencoed a 10-7 half time lead.
They grabbed a crucial second try in the third quarter as a loose ball fumble was hacked through for Jack Picton to score, Davies’s kick stretching the advantage to 17-7.
However, Llanharan got stronger as the half progressed and began to mount growing pressure, Edgecombe and Malone making forceful runs.
Their reward came after numerous phases ended with Morgan Williams crossing the line, but time ran out on their efforts to win the game.
Llanharan: Jordan Glasby, Ollie Smyth, Lee Edgecombe, Sam Edwards, Morgan Williams, Harrison Evans, Nick Theaker, Tom Evans Rhys Taylor, Sam Llewellyn , Tom Piper, Huw Thomas, Owain Howe, Tom Wilson, Luke Rual, Scott Malone (Capt.)
Replacements used: Tom Harris, Gavin Parsons. Carl Leather, Rhodri Griffiths
Llanharan tries: Sam Edwards, Morgan Llewellyn. Con - Nicky Theaker.
Pencoed tries: A.N.Other, Jack Picton. Cons 2 and pen – Marc Davies.
LLANHARAN 24 KIDWELLY 28 (HT 12-14)
With fewer than half of those on duty having seen serious 1st XV action last year, new look Llanharan were denied victory by a Jamie Evans try a minute from time.
The west Wales team were a useful outfit, their credentials boosted by a joint top finish with Newcastle Emlyn in One West, only try count denying them a chance of a national championship playoff as their fellow table toppers won their way through to the higher division.
Llanharan are very much side in a rebuilding phase, but with several due to return this week and more new signings in the pipeline, all is certainly not gloom and doom at the Dairyfield as they prepare to travel to neighbours Pencoed on Thursday.
Said head coach Colin Malone: “I was pleased with today's outing and although it would have been nice to get a win that was not really what it was about. I was happy with the way the pack grew to the task as the game went on. The new front row all had pleasing debuts and were the foundation for a solid platform in the scrum. Lineout also went well. Behind we did a lot of good things and with two tries apiece for our wings showed our intent when we had the ball in hand. Defensively we were sound for the most part although two poor bits of play cost us tries so that is something we will look at this week in training.
“Due to work commitments some boys were unable to make it and with others on hols we only had a small squad today. It was a big effort by all and I thank them for that. I would expect us to benefit immensely from the outing and with others to come back in to the picture things are coming along nicely given the amount of change we have had since last season.”
The castle town men arrived at a sunny ground having left rain and floods behind and both sides showed commendable fitness in sweltering heat.
The visitors were off the mark in 16th minute as centre Andrew Francis gratefully accepted an interception from half way, Gareth Rees adding the points with the first of his four conversions.
However, lively skipper Scott Malone and the ever-dangerous Nick Theaker were prominent in an attack that put Olly Smyth over on the left just ten minutes later.
Llanharan took the lead after a great burst from centre Sam Edwards, Morgan Williams stepping inside for the try and Harrison Evans’ conversion giving them a 12-7 lead.
However, some weak tackling cost them dearly on the stroke of half time, Rees’ conversion of second row Ashley Hindman’s try restoring the lead at 14-12.
The championship men started too loosely after the turn around and a poor kick was returned with interest thanks to scrum half Robin Davies’s touchdown, the kick stretching Kidwelly’s advantage to 21-12.
Llanharan were far from out of it though, Malone’s burst again creating momentum and Williams finishing in style as he moved left out of several tackle attempts for his second try, Evans converting to narrow the gap to two points.
His side were now dominant and looked to be well on course for victory as the dynamic Theaker caused more problems that Smyth cashed in on for a 24-21 lead.
Unfortunately, the black and blue shirted men went off the boil and despite good defence by Tom Evans and Gavin Parsons, it was left wing Evans who stole the game.
Referee Gerwyn Taylor, showing the right balance of firmness and tolerance for a warm up game, allowed Malone’s men just one more profitless minute before ending proceedings.
- A minute’s silence was observed before kick off in memory of life member and former player and officer Eddie Harrison who passed away a week before the game.
Llanharan: Harrison Evans, Ollie Smyth, Lee Edgecombe, Sam Edwards, Morgan Williams, John Malivore, Nick Theaker, Rhys Taylor, Tom Owen, Tom Evans, Tom Williams, Owain Howe, Tom Wilson, Carl Leather, Scott Malone (Capt.)
Replacements used: Tom Harris, Sam Llewellyn, Gavin Parsons.
Llanharan tries: Olly Smyth 2, Morgan Williams 2. Cons – Harrison Evans 2.
Kidwelly tries: Andrew Francis, Ashley Hindman, Robin Davies, Jamie Evans. Cons - Gareth Rees 4.
LLANHARAN 6 NARBERTH 19 (HT 3-7)
This was a clear case of after the Lord Mayor’s show for Llanharan who had expended so much mental and physical effort in midweek as they secured their championship place.
Against the first half breeze they were well in contention despite trailing to a Steve Martin try converted by Ianto Griffiths, Harrison Evans’s penalty supplying the home points.
Evans gave further hope of a 5th successive home championship win with a second strike but Llanharan suffered a severe fade out as the half progressed, Morgan Griffiths and Nick Gale weaving through ineffective tackle attempts for more Narberth tries, Griffiths converting the first.
To be fair Llanharan rallied in the final stages and Scott Malone was held up just short, but that colossal effort against Cardiff Met had taken its toll.
Llanharan scores – Harrison Evans pens 2
Narberth scores – tries – Steve Martin, Nick Gale, Morgan Griffiths. Cons 2 – Ianto Griffiths
15 Geraint Llewellyn
14 Mike Powell (Morgan Williams 53)
13 Sam Edwards
12 Tom Farrar-Evans
11 Ollie Smyth (Josh Austin 72)
10 Harrison Evans
9 Nicky Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Gethin Cashmore (Nathan Huish 50)
3 Aled Rees (Tom Piper 50)
4 Tom Williams
5 Bill Carey (Jack Davies ht)
6 Tom Wilson
7 Scott Malone ©
8 Huw Thomas
SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 21 CARDIFF METROPOLITAN 13 (HT 5-6)
Llanharan knew the target – a single bonus point would keep them in the championship and send Tondu down.
They did more than enough, a whole hearted display seeing off the students for a precious victory.
A young team that has grown in strength and confidence since the turn of the year, inspirationally led by Scott Malone, truly came of age on a night when a westerly gale and torrential rain graced proceedings.
Encouraging signs that things were becoming better had appeared in the second half of winter, and coaches Colin Malone and Dennis John, the latter magnanimously stepping back into the breach when Matthew Lloyd left, began to see the reward for their investment in undoubted if somewhat raw talent.
Against the students there was ultimate composure, commitment and competence as they earned their worthy reprieve.
On the night, they were made to face the elements in the first forty, and did what was necessary at just 6-5 down to set the scene for second half dominance.
Sixth placed Met were given early evidence of what was to come with Nathan Huish and his pack strong in the set pieces, but two penalty kicks by Jacob Chilcott gave them a 6-0 advantage on the half hour.
Howver, Llanharan got the motivational score they wanted before the turn around as Huish, Rory Martin- Smith and Jack Davies made headway, assisted by the unsung grafting of Tom Piper, Simon Collins, Bill Carey and Huw Thomas, with scrum half Nicky Theaker always probing thoughtfully.
A penalty to the corner gave Huish the chance he thrives on and the doughty hooker was over wide out for the important try.
The Dairymen did not have the best of starts with the gale at their backs after the turn around as the set piece suffered a few wobbles, but helped by referee Simon Mills’s intervention to sort out some illicit scrummaging, it soon got back on course.
Met paid the price for some talking back as ten metres were added to a penalty and young Harrison Evans, an example of a player who has rapidly found his feet at a higher level in the game, drilled over the kick to give the home side the lead.
It was Evans’ up and under that created a foothold inside the defending twenty two and Huish came away from the lineout to set the backs in motion, Sam Edwards, a perpetual threat with co centre Tom Farrah-Evans, breaking through the mid field for the clinching try as the third quarter came to an end.
Evans converted and then struck another decisive penalty for an 18-6 lead after Morgan Williams, like fellow winger Josh Clark an ever alert member of the back division, had come agonisingly close to getting the touchdown as the ball drifted just out of reach propelled by the wind over the try area.
Llanharan were now well in control with Geraint Llewellyn and Evans adopting appropriate tactics, Evans landing yet another superb kick for a fifteen point lead.
Useful re-energising came as Aled Rees, Gethin Cashmore, Tom Williams, Olly Smyth and Mike Powell were sent on, and although there was a converted touchdown for prop Will Norton from a short range penalty drive right at the end, Llanharan’s triumph was by then a foregone conclusion.
Llanharan tries – Nathan Huish and Sam Edwards; con and pens 3 – Harrison Evans.
Cardiff Met try – Will Norton; pens 2 – Jacob Chilcott; con Lewis Pearce.
Llanharan:
15 Geraint Llewellyn
14 Morgan Williams (Mike Powell 74)
13 Sam Edwards
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Josh Clark (Ollie Smyth 72)
10 Harrison Evans
9 Nick Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Nathan Huish (Gethin Cashmore 70)
3 Tom Piper (Aled Rees 66)
4 Jack Davies (Tom Williams 71)
5 Bill Carey
6 Scott Malone (C)
7 Rory Martin-Smith
8 Huw Thomas
SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
LLANHARAN 27 NEWBRIDGE 25 (HT7-22)
Young Harrison Evans became the hero of the day at Llanharan as he expertly dropped the goal that gave his side a vital victory in the final minute of play.
It meant that the home side moved out of the relegation spots to go one point above Tondu who lost 12-3 to Bridgend Athletic and now face tough games against third place Merthyr at home this mid week then against crowned champions Bargoed away.
For their part, the Dairymen are left with two home games, albeit top half teams – Cardiff Met on May 5th or 6th and Narberth on May 9th.
Skipper Scott Malone issued a “we can do it” rallying call, praising the attitude in a team that never knows when to give up even when all seems lost.
And so it was on Saturday with Newbridge holding a 22-0 lead near to half time and home supporters fearing the worst.
Yet they found the resolve to battle back to lead 24-22, lost it again briefly to a Meek drop goal, then celebrated joyously as replacement number ten Evans did his bit.
The Gwent outfit, whose losing bonus point secured their own immediate championship future, dominated from the start, building on a Llanharan mistake for Kieran Meek to find the gap, converting his own try.
A tense Llanharan continued to make uncharacteristic errors, although hope came when Tom Farrah-Evans and Nathan Huish made ground only for a foot in touch to deprive Morgan Williams.
The Newbridge response was immediate with Meek slotting a penalty and then made it 17 points in as many minutes as he added to a try from burly centre Scott Williams.
However, gradually the Dairymen began to make ground and gained hope from a yellow card after Huish’s drive was the latest thrust to be stopped illegally.
Geraint Llewellyn’s penalty into the wind came back of the upright, but more pressure came as this time Josh Clark’s foot on the line cancelled a try after Rory Martin-Smith had done well.
A score seemed certain to come, Huish’s charge down leading to a scrum five – but the set piece wheeled and scrum half Lloyd Peart intercepted to race the length of the field and make it 22-0.
The Dairymen needed a life line with half time a minute away, and they got it as renewed momentum had Clark in the action again before the big frame of Jack Davies added the final touch.
Llewellyn put over a superb wide conversion and somehow his side were back in it at 22-7.
The gap closed further in the 50th minute when the irrepressible Huish drove over from Huw Thomas’s lineout ball, Evans converting, and when Newbridge threatened danger at the other end it was Huish and his props Simon Collins and Tom Piper who stole a vital head.
But the east Walians were still a danger and could easily have scored from three opportunities had it not been for a mixture of their own mistakes and determined defence.
Instead, it was Llanharan who served notice that they weren’t giving up without a fight, a bouncing ball just eluding Williams' finger tips after Huish and Martin-Smith had taken play forward.
Ironically, it was an overthrow which brought the all important next score, Malone somehow collecting at the back of the lineout and Williams squeezing in for Evans to put the comeback well and truly on course as his kick put the team two points ahead.
The dramatic closing minutes then saw the men of Gwent sneak back ahead with Meek’s drop goal only for Evans to show admirable composure with that drop goal that could yet see Llanharan to championship safety.
There was still more anxiety for the home crowd as the visitors hammered the line in the final seconds, but the magnificent Llanharan pack won a turn over and Nicky Theaker belted the ball out of play for a praiseworthy victory.
Llanharan tries: Morgan Williams, Nathan Huish, Jack Davies. Cons 2, pen and drop goal – Harrison Evans; Con – Geraint Llewellyn.
Newbridge tries – Kieran Meek, Scott Williams, Lloyd Peart; cons 2, pen and drop goal – Meek.
Llanharan:
15 Ollie Smyth
14 Morgan Williams
13 Sam Edwards
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Josh Clark
10 Geraint Llewellyn (Harrison Evans 41)
9 Nick Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Nathan Huish
3 Tom Piper (Aled Rees 70)
4 Jack Davies (Tom Williams 70)
5 Bill Carey
6 Scott Malone (C)
7 Rory Martin-Smith
8 Huw Thomas
Unused Replacements: Gethin Cashmore, Mike Powell
SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr 18 BRIDGEND ATHLETIC 34 LLANHARAN 24 (HT 24-5)
Llanharan were 34-5 down as the game entered the last quarter, facing disaster in the face with the threat of relegation weighing heavily on their shoulders.
Yet somehow or other Scott Malone and his men rallied themselves for one last effort, one which brought a bonus point as they scored a fourth try.
With fellow strugglers Tondu failing to take anything from their match at Tata Steel, it moved the Dairymen to within three points of them, but with the significant potential advantage of having three home games left – against Newbridge, Cardiff Met and Narberth.
The Pandy Park outfit, on the other hand, face a tougher looking schedule with visits to Merthyr Bargoed, and a home fixture with the Athletic.
Facing a strong wind Llanharan had the worst possible start as the Athletic drove over from a lineout through Griff Davies, and although strong running from Nathan Huish and Tom Farrah-Evans gave them encouragement, Sean Williams got a second for the home team with Rob Evans converting.
Again though, Tom Williams and Rhys Hutchinson helped the visitors make headway before powerful Jack Davies completed a line out drive to make it 12-5
It was a short lived respite as a lot of good work was undone by poor tackling and left wing Lyndsey MaCausland ran in two tries before half time, Evans converting the first, for a decisive 24-5 lead.
With the strong wind in their favour after the restart, Llanharan were surprisingly kept in their own twenty two throughout the third quarter, and the Athletic forced two more tries wide out on the left from Stuart Griffiths and Williams’s second.
Yet somehow the away team found the resolve for a fight back which brought three more tries. The outstanding Nick Theaker found the line from a scrum, Morgan Williams darted in for the next and then, with a red card issued to home centre Tom Morgan, Geraint Llewellyn’s superb line lick and Simon Collins’ drive allowed Bill Carey to score amid scenes of celebration, Llewellyn converting the last two.
One more score would have brought a second bonus point, but it was not to be and it remains to be seen how significant the four tries reward will be in the final analysis.
Newbridge come to the Dairyfield on Saturday with coach Colin Malone vowing that his team will give 100% to get a win.
Llanharan scores – tries: Jack Davies, Nick Theaker, Morgan Williams, Bill Carey; cons – Geraint Llewellyn 2.
Bridgend tries: Griff Davies, Sean Williams 2, Lyndsey MaCausalnd 2, Dtuart Griffiths, Cons: Rob Evans 2
Llanharan :
15 Geraint Llewellyn
14 Morgan Williams
13 Sam Edwards
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Ollie Smyth
10 Harrison Evans (Mike Powell 62)
9 Nick Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Rhys Hutchinson (Aled Rees 50)
3 Nathan Huish
4 Jack Davies
5 Tom Williams (Bill Carey 49)
6 Tom Wilson(Carl Leather75)
7 Scott Malone (C)
8 Huw Thomas
Unused Rep: Gethin Cashmore
SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Llanharan 11 Tata Steel 7
As a game this encounter had little to recommend it, but in the context of Llanharan’s fight to avoid relegation the outcome was of immense significance.
Both Llanharan’s fellow strugglers, Tondu and Blackwood, lost so the four points victory tally took the Dairymen a step closer to escape, climbing out of the bottom two.
An important win for them then on a bright and sunny day with a strong wind blowing in their faces from the start.
Both sides tried to play running rugby, but open play was stifled by a lot of whistle.
An initial worrying sign for the Dairyfield pack was a strike against the head for Tata on the ten metre line, but the strength of the Llan defence was a feature throughout the game.
And in the 25th minute it was Scott Malone’s men who got the first try. A line out was taken by Huw Thomas, Nicky Theaker started to make his presence felt, and a break towards the Tata line and set move resulted in Thomas going over in the corner for a well deserved try, the only score of the first half.
The second half started off in the same vein with Llan putting pressure on Tata, though mistakes and penalties frustrated their efforts.
Yellow cards and penalties continued to disrupt play as Llanharan used the wind for some excellent clearing kicks.
However from one of these Tata ran back at Llanharan, and after a superb break and lovely running, full back Kieran Harris crossed, the kick making it 7-5 to Tata.
A knock on by Tata from the restart and a subsequent off side resulted in a penalty, successfully converted by outside half Harrison Evans to give Llanharan the lead again.
Evans then helped secure victory with a grubber kick towards the corner. Although the line out was lost, strong defence by the Llan forwards again allowed the number ten to make it 11 - 7 with his second penalty, earning a much needed victory.
Then home side now face a difficult away game at Bridgend Athletic before consecutive home fixtures against Newbridge, Cardiff Met and Narberth – their future very much in their own hands.
15 Ollie Smyth
14 Morgan Williams
13 Sam Edwards
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Ryan Wilson
10 Harrison Evans
9 Nick Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Nathan Huish (Rhys Hutchinson 63)
3 Tom Piper (YC)
4 Jack Davies
5 Tom Williams
6 Rory Martin-Smith (Aled Rees for Yellow Cd)
7 Scott Malone (C)
8 Huw Thomas
Unused Replacements
Carl Leather
Tom Wilson
Mike Powell
SWALEC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
SWANSEA 54 LLANHARAN 22 (HT 40-7)
Swansea struck hard in the first half to capitalise on every opportunity, albeit with the occasional help of an undetected offence.
Indeed, it looked ominous for Llanharan as they conceded a try in the opening minute when Tom Williams went over.
But, far from capitulating, Scott Malone and the team persisted with their patterns of play and increasingly took the game to Swansea after falling 28-0 behind before half hour had been played.
The reward for their persistence was four tries and a bonus point, which could yet be a telling factor when the final relegation reckoning in the Swalec National Championship comes to bear.
It at least lifted them above Blackwood, and with four of five remaining fixtures at home, starting with Tata Steel this weekend, there is a clear determination in the side to succeed.
Injuries left the Dairymen with the bare bones behind the scrum going into this encounter at sunny St Helens, but the pack gave an heroic display, taking heads and line-outs.
Plenty stood out, though none more so than young Jack Davies in the second row and the dynamic Nick Theaker at scrum half, a lively play maker.
Swansea had followed that early success with three more touch downs before the opposition began to get to grips with things.
Jed Evans pounced on a kick ahead, Mike Sully profited from a poor lineout and then Nicky Thomas went over as the away team failed to put a penalty into touch.
With Thomas converting all four it looked bad for the Dairyfield outfit, but from a set piece on the right Nathan Huish survived a big hit to keep the ball moving and full back Ollie Smyth scored, Harrison Evans converting.
Even so, the All Whites were still lethal in pouncing on lost possession and Andrew Claypole got try number five with Liam Hopkins adding another before half time, Thomas converting the first
The second half was far more of a contest and coaches Colin Malone and Dennis John were clearly pleased at the way their players often took the game to Swansea.
But a charged down kick that led to a converted Liam Gadd try before Theaker did superbly to collect a loose ball and race 40 metres to score.
Unfortunately full back Thomas was able to shrug off tackles for an eighth five pointer before Mike Powell cashed in on a kick down the line for Llanharan’s third.
The need for a fourth and a bonus point clearly inspired the team which Scott Malone had served so well all afternoon, and it came as Rory Martin- Smith got hold of another loose ball and sprinted in. It meant Llanharan had actually won the second half 15-14.
The black and blue shirted team celebrated as though the try had brought victory – and who knows how significant that point may be in the final table.
LLANHARAN 45 LLANTRISANT 14 (HT 19-14)
In the end, a clear cut Llanharan victory, but perhaps more importantly in the grand order of things a valuable work out for both teams before resuming league action this weekend with relegation concerns prominent in each camp.
The Dairymen and Black Army sit at the bottom of the National Championship and Swalec One East Central respectively and will hope to take the better elements of their Friday night displays into their games with Cardiff Met at the Dairyfield and away at Mountain Ash.
The try count was a decisive 7-2 in favour of Llanharan, but the visitors will draw encouragement from a first half in which they put a lot of pressure on their opponents.
It was a commendable effort considering that they were two tries down in the opening minutes.
A typical defence busting thrust by Tom Farrah-Evans led the way to a touch down from the rangy Tom Williams, and then good work by Mike Powell started the attacks which ended with Nick Theaker crossing.
New outside half Harrison Evans, who went on to enjoy a decent debut, converted both and it looked as though Kieran Evans men were in for a long hard night.
However, to their credit, they launched a ten minute blitz against some doughty defence, one good Aled Rees tackle stopping a threatening inside break, before a quick penalty saw full back Michael Williams dart over and Lewis Montague convert.
Llanharan’s attacking flair was being stifled by the Llantrisant forward effort as Julian Andrews and Paul Morgan drove forward with telling frequency, but they were next on the score sheet, moving the ball from a right hand side line out to the opposite touch where Powell finished off.
The away side though made it 19-14 at the break after a Llanharan chip ahead went awry, allowing them to once more attack strongly and grab a second try through their playmaker Glen Holloway who exploited a gap near the breakdown, Montague again converting.
After the turn around the effort had clearly taken its toll and Llanharan began to demonstrate the difference between the two leagues.
Even when defending, breaks by the likes of Josh Clark and Rory Martin- Smith took play quickly upfield where Will Baird probed intelligently.
Second row Jack Davies capped another fine performance with a try converted by Evans, consolation for missing out by his finger tips on a sensational first half interception effort.
Referee Jason Bessant was doing much to encourage a free running game and there were still glimpses of enterprise from the Black Army as Chris Ritchins made good runs on the right wing and Kevin Oliver went close, but Llanharan were very much calling the tune even though they occasionally made unforced errors.
Dan Smith, a prolific try score with the Seconds, opened his first team account notching his side’s sixth to round off impressive handling, and then some clever work from Carl Leather sent the tireless Martin-Smith striding in.
Nice running by Josh Austin and Clark and good support from the hard grafting Bill Carey ended with Scott Malone running under the posts, and Scott Jones, who had put in some impressive line kicks, added his second conversion of the night.
Coach Colin Malone declared himself quite happy with Llanharan’s showing:
“We defended well against multiple phases in the first half and then began to put together some sharp attacks after half time with some of our training ground routines being put into practice.
“Cardiff Met is a big game for us Saturday but this squad is full of potential and it should be a thrilling encounter.”
Our tries - Mike Powell, Nick Theaker, Tom Williams, Jack Davies, Rory Martin- Smith, Scott Malone, Dan Smith. Cons - Harrison Evans 3, Scott Jones 2
Llanharan:
15 Josh Austin
14 Ollie Smyth
13 Mike Powell
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Morgan Williams
10 Harrison Evans
9 Nick Theaker
1 Simon Collins
2 Gethin Cashmore
3 Aled Rees
4 Tom Williams
5 Jack Davies
6 Tom Wilson
7 Rory Martin- Smith
8 Huw Thomas (C)
Replacements used:
16 Tom Piper
17 Bill Carey
18 Scott Malone
19 Carl Leather
20 Aled Llewellyn
21 Scott Jones
22 Will Baird
23 Josh Clark
24 Dan Smith
SWALEC WELSH CHAMPIONSHIP
GLYNNEATH 28 LLANHARAN 19 (HT 13-0)
A frustrating day in the Neath valley for Llanharan, defeat keeping them at the foot of the championship and badly in need of a good run to retain their status.
In truth, their all round performance should have yielded something and they ended the game with a ten minute bout of attacking frenzy in an effort to get the fourth try that would have at least brought two bonus points.
Whether they should have opted instead for a kick at goal from a series of penalties to produce at least a losing bonus point is another matter.
They instead came agonisingly close to snatching that vital touchdown as what seemed certain tries were prevented – knock ons, forward passes, held up over the line and finally a controversial penalty for not releasing when it appeared to all that the ball carrier had not been tackled all contrived to deny the Dairymen.
They faced a stiff wind in the first half and fell behind in the 6th minute when scrum half Ben Jones found the gap after several phases.
Jack O’Reilly converted and then made it 10-0 as referee Justin Williams penalised Josh Clark for an illegal tackle, issuing a yellow card.
The centre’s accurate boot added three more points before the ten minutes expired, and although there was some strong play by the likes of Huw Thomas and Dafi Davies, Llanharan could not capitalise on their chances.
However, skipper Scott Malone, scrum half Nick Theaker and wings Clark and Morgan Williams were now starting to make ground and a thirteen points deficit did not seem insurmountable as the teams changed around.
But Llanharan clearly needed the first score and instead it went to home hooker Craig Tenant who seemed to pirouette past several close quarter tacklers for a try which O’Reilly converted.
Undaunted the visitors hit back after more penetrating forays by the back row, and it was Theaker who went over with Geraint Llewellyn ‘s kick making it 20-7.
O’Reilly replied almost immediately with a penalty, but Llanharan were now playing high speed attacking rugby and after Malone’s narrow side burst the tireless Dafi Davies got their second try.
However, again, as they had done all afternoon Llanharan brought so many attacks to a premature end with mistakes and rashness, another possession loss allowing Glynneath to return to the other end where wing Steff Stone raced in to make it 28-12 in the 63rd minute.
The black and blue shirted away team were far from spent though, with a rearranged front row of Tom Piper, Gethin Cashmore and Nathan Huish working splendidly, and relentless pressure brought Davies another try, Llewellyn’s conversion putting the team tantalisingly close to getting some reward form an afternoon of unquestionable effort.
However, wave after wave of promising attacks brought no reward, leaving Llanharan rooted in last place and seeming to be in a three way scrap with Tondu and Blackwood to escape the drop, though with four of their last six games at home they are still in with a fighting chance.
Our tries – Dafi Davies 2, Nick Theaker. Cons 2 - Geraint Llewellyn
Glynneath tries _ Ben Jones, Craig Tenant, Steff Stone. Cons 2 and pens 3 – Jack O’Reilly
LLANHARAN
15 Rhys Morgan (Josh Austin 68)
14 Josh Clark
13 Sam Edwards (Tom Williams 77)
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Morgan Williams
10 Geraint Llewellyn
9 Nick Theaker (Will Baird 62)
1 Tom Piper
2 Gethin Cashmore
3 Nathan Huish
4 Bill Carey
5 Jack Davies
6 Dafi Davies
7 Scott Malone (C) (Tom Wilson 73)
8 Huw Thomas
Unused Replacement
Aled Rees
SWALEC WELSH CUP ROUND TWO
LLANHARAN 10 BRIDGEND 20 (H T 10-7)
Bridgend were given an almighty battle by neighbours Llanharan before winning their way through to the quarter finals of the Swalec Cup.
In fact, for long periods of the game the neutrals in the large crowd could have been forgiven for thinking it was the home side who were in the Premier division, their performance belying a lowly position in the championship.
This was particularly so in the first forty minutes when the Dairymen were deservedly 10-0 up and calling the tune against an uncertain Bridgend outfit.
But a crucial turning point came as the game approached the final quarter. The Ravens had got back to level the scores but took full advantage of Scott Malone’s yellow card to collect ten points that ultimately won them the game.
Llanharan’s skipper Malone seemed to have been harshly adjudged to have gone off his feet at the breakdown as referee Dan Jones sent him to the touchline and Bridgend were quick to take advantage.
They opted for a scrum at the penalty; number eight Andrew Waite moved possession to the right and centre Chris Lewis crashed through.
James Dixon converted then added another crucial penalty before the opposition returned to full strength and, despite Llanharan’s continuing efforts, they lost possession in attacking positions and Bridgend held out.
Malone himself had been a vibrant element in an outstanding set piece, effectively blending with the complementary skills of fellow back row men Dafi Davies and Huw Thomas.
The scrum was particularly strong, power house due Bill Carey and Jack Davies adding the weight to the technique of Tom Piper, Gethin Cashmore and Aled Rees in the front row.
It gave Will Baird and James Whittingham the platform to show their class, while centres Tom Farrah-Evans and Sam Edwards constantly forced openings.
Their side went 3-0 up in the 5th minute, Carey and Thomas working well at the line out and Edwards pressing forward to give Whittingham a straight penalty.
When the Brewery Field men did attack there were strong runs by back row men Waite and Iestyn Merryman with wing Tom O’Flaherty also showing his paces, but their handling often let them down and Malone in particular was a defensive scourge as he pounced on anything loose.
It meant that most of the attacking was in the opposite direction where Farrah-Evans made regular inroads, and it was the hard running centre who put Llanharan further ahead after a searing break by Baird.
Whittingham added the kick and as the half hour approached his team had established a worthy ten points lead.
However, the yellow shirted away side who came into the tie on the crest of good recent cup and league form pressed hard in a sequence of attacking line outs and it was prop Mitchel Auger who crashed over as hailstones lashed down, Dixon converting to give Bridgend hope with half time quickly following.
They drew level two minutes after the turn around with a Dixon penalty and it was now more of an even contest with the sin binning to prove the vital turning point.
Now trailing by ten points, Llanharan tried hard to get back in striking distance, but their most threatening moment came as replacement Josh Austin intercepted, only to be hauled down by the cover and Mr Jones’s final whistle saw the championship club bow out of the cup but with heads held high.
Their performance was a reflected on positively by coaches Colin Malone and Dennis John.
Said Malone: “Everyone in the squad, replacements included, played a part and showed just what we are capable of.”
Son and skipper Scott too was buoyant: “We more than matched Bridgend for a lot of the game and this is something we now need to take into the championship games ahead.”
And for Llanharan, that means showing the same resolve and ability against Narberth at the Dairyfield on Saturday.
Llanharan try: Tom Farrah-Evans; con and pen: James Whittingham.
Bridgend tries: Mitchell Auger, Chris Lewis; cons 2 and pens 2 – James Dixon.
LLANHARAN:
15 Rhys Morgan
14 Harry Davies (Josh Austin 73)
13 Sam Edwards (Morgan Williams 75)
12 Tom Farrah-Evans
11 Josh Clark
10 James Whittingham (Geraint Llewellyn 65)
9 Will Baird (Nick Theaker 65)
1 Tom Piper (Aled Rees 74)
2 Gethin Cashmore (Nathan Huish 48)
3 Aled Rees (Simon Collins 48)
4 Bill Carey
5 Jack Davies (Aled Llewellyn 74)
6 Dafi Davies
7 Scott Malone (C) (Carl Leather 68)
8 Huw Thomas