Pantycelyn HS 29 David Dyer XV 19

10:49am Wednesday 14th May 2008

The Llandovery comprehensive did their bright new shirts proud at the school field when they played with verve and enthusiasm to beat an invitation XV by four tries to three writes Huw S Thomas.

Local builder Rusty Jones had generously donated a set of jerseys to the school and chairman of the governors - David Dyer - had assembled a strong side to mark the occasion.

It was based very much on the Llandovery Youth side that had beaten Ammanford 22-3 to win the East Carms Youth Cup the previous week but they had to give second best to a younger but more determined school XV.

The school forwards were lighter but quicker than their opponents and also covered the ground very swiftly to disrupt the attacking ambition of the invitation side.

Pantycelyn also had the benefit of a terrific start with a dashing wing try by Tom Boulter and a rumbling effort from hooker Telor Dyer.

Coleg Sir Gâr fly-half Gareth Walters tried hard to get the Dyer XV back into the game but found open side flanker Ryan Williams in constant and adjacent attendance.

When Boulter again wriggled in down the left-hand touchline and centre Eifion Jones converted, the lead went to 17-0 before the guest side woke up.

When flanker Gavin Orson and prop Dan Roberts bullocked through for converted tries to bring the score to 17-14 at half time, there was a suggestion that the strength and bulk of the visitors would prove too much.

Not a bit of it as the school tackled with huge gusto in the image of centre Emyr Richards and responded with tries from lock Dylan Morgan and the irrepressible Williams.

It was only at the death that prop Craig Davies finished off a slick move to bring the invitation side at least a modicum of consolation.

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