THE local derby between Llandybie and Llandeilo was overshadowed by the sad news of the death of Llandybie player Daniel Wigley after a tragic accident in Canada.
A minute’s silence followed by a minute’s applause to celebrate Daniel’s life was respectfully observed by the large crowd in attendance.
In a touching tribute to their former teammate, the Llandybie players all donned white T-shirts with Daniel’s picture on the chest, and his number five on the back during the warm-up and the minute’s silence. Players working away returned to turn out.
The match kicked off with Llandeilo going forward, but a crunching tackle from Alex Wigley stopped their progress.
There was a turnover by Jordan Tommason with a relieving kick to touch by Rhys Evans. But both sides saw yellow for a number of infringements as the match settled down.
A good passage of play by Llandybie, with carries from Steff Thomas and Ethan Walters, with booming touch finders from Wigley a feature of the home play.
From a scrum, Merlyn McClelland picked up and drove forward supported by Aled Tommason,held up just short - but Ioan Rees was on hand to pick up and dive over, converted by Tommason. A long kick out of defence by Llandeilo was ran back by full back Wayne Williams but the Llandeilo defence stood firm. Half time the home team led by the converted try.
Ioan Rees scores for Llandybie Picture: John B R Davies
Early pressure in the second half took Llandybie into the Llandeilo twenty two and from a line out moved the ball cross field.
Good tackling by Llandeilo held up play but Rhys Davies, on at scrum half for the injured Keiran Williams, picked up from the ruck and sprinted clear to score a good opportunist try, again converted by Aled Tommason to put Llandybie in a good position.
Good probing little chips ahead from Rhys Evans and Nat Butler kept the Llandeilo defence honest, with good tackling from Sion Davies and Keri Davies.
The tackling from both sides throughout was ferocious and a dropped pass led to a breakout by the visitors and although the final pass looked forward the referee disagreed and centre Dan Thomas touched down converted by Kai Davies. Game on.
Llandybie coach brought on James Tommason and Eirian Williams and Dan Brooks to replace injured players with Tommason giving extra strength in the lineouts.
Llandeilo had a quick penalty from a rolling maul but the move broke down and Wigley cleared to touch. Llandybie earned a penalty near the half way but Tommason’s effort fell just short.
A strong carry by Rhys Cann urged Llandybie forward supported by McClelland with interplay from Evans and Butler drawing the visitors into another penalty which Tommason slotted from thirty yards.
Tom Howells made a good tackle but suffered a gashed head and was replaced by Josh Watkins.
With time running out Llandeilo kept pressing and a jinking run from Sion Jones set up Rhodri Williams to score in the last minute.
A very good match played at 100mph but in good spirits with Llandybie just doing enough to win. Next week Llandybie are away to Llangadog.
LLANDYBIE.................17
LLANDEILO.................12
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