|
|
|
This was one of the finest performances by a depleted Laugharne side for a
long time. With a bare xv and one fit substitute they travelled to Newcastle
Emlyn and all early indications were that `Emlyn` would `put them to the
sword`. Laugharne flyhalf Simon Davies kicked off against the wind and the
early exchanges by both packs were strong and robust, but the Laugharne front
five led by skipper and 2nd row Phil Brown were not going to be bullied or
pushed around and the all Jones front row began to dominate in the scrums.
`Emlyn` had more than their fair share of the ball in the lineout but if they
were guilty of anything it was over kicking for position rather than allow
their backs to run the ball. They also underestimated Laugharne fullback Huw
Jenkins having his first game in the 1st xv for some time. He caught the ball
cleanly on every occasion and cleared when necessary. He also tackled bravely
as the last line of defence, giving growing confidence to the rest of the
team.
Territorially both sides were about even but the deadlock was broken in the
15th minute when `Emlyn` were awarded a penalty 5m out from the Laugharne
line. `Quick as a flash` scrumhalf G Davies took the tap penalty and was over
in the corner for the try with some of the Laugharne defence still in retreat.
Outside half R Harries added the conversion with an excellent attempt from
wide out.
However Laugharne dug deep into their reserves of energy and prevented `Emlyn`
gaining any further momentum and despite a few scary moments were able to keep
the score at 7pts-0pts in `Emlyn`s` favour at half time but technically
Laugharne gained immeasureable psychological advantage from this.
`Emlyn` restarted the 2nd half, but it was Laugharne who were playing a more
expansive game. Centres Nick and Deiane Thomas are beginning to form a potent
attacking force and together with flyhalf Davies began to punch holes in the `Emlyn`
midfield. They also combined well to prevent any `Emlyn` attacks with strong
first time tackles. In fact to a man, Laugharne tackled tenaciously knocking `Emlyn`
off their stride and this set the tone for a thrilling finale. After a lot of
probing by centre D.Thomas, flyhalf Davies and wing Geraint Beynon young and
mobile lock Chris Thomas found himself on the wide outside to round the
despairing `Emlyn` defence to cross half way out for an unconverted try.
`Emlyn` flyhalf Harries eased his side`s nerves with a well judged penalty
kick for a Laugharne player going offside at the ruck, but Laugharne began to
sense that a win was within their grasp as they dominated the scrums and time
after time the scrum had to be reset as they drove at`Emlyn` deep in their own
half. No.8 Kevin Pearce was unlucky not to be awarded a try and on three
seperate occasions Laugharne crossed the `Emlyn` line but the referee was
unsighted and could not award a try. On the hour on one such occasion
Laugharne again found themselves deep in the lefthand `Emlyn` corner. The
Laugharne pack once again went for the pushover try but as they moved forward
the ball squirmed out. The ball reached flyhalf Davies who made a telling half
break and found centre Nick Thomas on his inside to power over for the try
and equalising score near to the `Emlyn` posts. This time Davies found his
range to convert and give Laugharne the lead for the first time. With the
clock ticking down to full and injury time Laugharne finished strongly and
were again denied a score with the referee unsighted. But they maintained
their stranglehold and eventually won a famous victory against all the
odds.
Next week Wales play Australia in the World cup, so the next game will be home
to Llanelli Wanderers on Saturday Sept 22nd K.o 2-30pm.
|