National League 3B West

Llandybie – 13

Llandeilo – 14

THE much-anticipated derby clash between Llandybie and Llandeilo lived up to the billing, as a tight affair ended with the two sides separated by just the single point.

Both sides appeared determined not to lose, but it was Llandeilo that came away from the encounter with the victory.

The visitors came with a young front row, and were immediately going backwards at the scrums, and were soon down to 14 as their number eight, Craig Davies, saw yellow for foul play.

Llandybie’s Aled Tommason tried to convert the penalty from 52 metres, but his attempt fell short.

In response, Llandeilo’s Owain Roberts made no mistake.

His side were awarded two penalties for offside and he slotted the pair to go 6-0 up.

Tommason kept the hosts moving forward with some good angled kicks, but they were unable to turn territory into points, not helped by losing lineout jumpers Mike Tench and Eirian Williams to injuries in the first half.

As a result, the two sides went in to half time with the score 6-0.

Another Roberts penalty increased Llandeilo’s lead in the second half, before Tommason found his range and reduced the deficit back down to three points.

Centre Rhys Evans almost wriggled his way over the line for Llandybie, but stern Llandeilo defence kept him at bay.

The hosts were on top now though and were applying the pressure.

A scrum, ten metres out, was wheeled four times by a desperate Llandeilo pack, but the referee didn’t feel the need to award a penalty try.

From the fifth reset Llandybie were penalised for driving up, and Tommason was sent to the sin bin after letting his frustration show.

Llandeilo cleared their lines but were soon back under the cosh, and following a knock on, Llandybie had another attacking scrum.

It was initially well defended by the visitors, but prop Dai Lloyd soon found a good angle from a resulting ruck and burst through the defensive line to cross over. Wing, Ben Featherstone added the extras to put Llandybie ahead.

Featherstone then added a penalty to extend their lead to 13-9.

It was not Llandeilo’s turn to set up camp in the opposing 22.

Llandybie initially stood firm, but a quick tap and go penalty from scrum half Osian Williams caught the defence napping.

He darted over the line to touch down for the winning try, despite the Llandybie backline appearing convinced he was short.

The referee awarded the score and Llandeilo ran out 14-13 winners in an entertaining affair.