WRU NATIONAL PLATE ROUND ONE
Returning players help Llanharan win
LLANHARAN ............... 22 TONDU ........................... 8
TWO seasons ago Tondu came to Llanharan in a WRU cup game and stole a late victory as a last kick penalty allowed them to advance in the competition on try count after a dramatic 22-22 draw.
Both clubs were then in the National Championship, Tondu to suffer relegation that year and Llanharan the season after, by which time the Waterwheelers had gone straight down to Two West.
However, each outfit has been displaying vibrant revival signs this time round in their respective leagues.
Llanharan’s promising start was halted though by three successive defeats as the reconstructed squad suffered numerous withdrawals with a number of serious injuries, a sprinkling of unavailability another hindrance.
But the home team welcomed back several important players for this Plate game and this time there was to be no late drama as they recorded a solid win against a Tondu outfit that was strong in all the basics.
Head coach Jeff Pick was understandably pleased with the win. He said: “Tondu were a good side as we expected from their season to date, but we kept our shape against them, stuck to the game plan, and when danger threatened defended well.
“We were pleased with the contribution of the returning players – Richard Hart had an outstanding work rate and Gareth Dyer went well after recovering from a bad case of flu.
“The main thing is that we are through to the next round giving morale a boost and setting us up for Porth Quins’ visit on Saturday.”
One man who would have been particularly happy with his afternoon was Paul Winter, a loyal servant since Youth, but one whose days have been mainly spent as a stalwart of the Second XV.
Last season saw the back row man elevated to the senior team for several outings and he has remained part of the leading squad again this campaign.
He turned 37 on the eve of the match and celebrated by scoring Llanharan’s first try, taking an inside ball from Lloyd Thomas, another Seconds regular for the last few years.
Two other tries were scored – Rhydian Worgan also showing he can crack it at First XV level, and Chrissy Poole, flying down the wing and again confirming his class at this level.
The dependable Gavin Parsons, yet another to rise for the lower ranks as part of the coaches’ “one club” philosophy, added two conversions and a penalty.
EAST DISTRICT CUP LLANHARAN SECONDS ....................... 7 ST JOSEPH’S ............... 48
THE Seconds again put together a scratch side and to their credit they never gave up, even claiming a penalty try converted by Tom Jenkins against a strong St Jo’s pack.
Good displays were also given by Dai Hussey, Huw Russell, Chris Sharkey and Sam Grant. But the Cardiff team ran riot in the second half and could perhaps have scored even more but for a liking for forward play.