2012 - 13 Season Match Reports 

Wednesday 20th February
Llandovery College v Gower College (H) (W 42 - 19)

Llandovery College started badly with handling errors and an uncharacteristic reluctance to make any telling contact with the opposition. Gower College were 'pumped up' for the rematch and were successful in shutting Llandovery College out for most of the game. After a gifted three point penalty early in the game,

Tom Dew jiggled his way to the Llandovery goal line for the first try of the match. Mid way through the second half, when Llandovery were again under pressure near their goal line, the Gower loose head prop foolishly head butted the Llandovery Number 8 in front of the touch judge and was red carded. Llandovery were able to score a push over try via Chris Williams soon after. This did not immediately change fortunes and Gower College were strong enough to hold together for a try from their Number 8 early in the second half.

Llandovery finally woke up and collecting a long, straight and accurate pass from outside half James Morgan, Chris Williams crossed to score near the posts for Llandovery. This try and conversion by Owen Howe lifted the spirits of the Llandovery side who started throwing the ball from wing to wing against the wind for the first time, late into the match.

Llandovery College's outside half was pivotal in delivering fast, accurate long passes which resulted in try scoring episodes, delivering another such pass to Chris Williams who passed the ball on to Sion Hughes for Llandovery College's third try.

With growing confidence, Llandovery had more possession and moved the ball quicker across the field and with a cross kick to the corner from man of the match James Morgan, Chris Williams caught the ball and scored after a notable piece of handling skill involving placing the ball, getting to his feet, collecting the ball and diving for the tryline. Gower College ran out of steam and were unable to prevent a fourth try from Chris Williams and a closing try from hooker Daf Hughes

Wednesday 6th February
Llandovery College v Neath-Port Talbot College (A) (W 24 - 3)

Playing into the wind in the first half, Llandovery adapted to the conditions better than their opponents. However, it was Neath Port Talbot who took the lead early on. A kick through by their outside half was knocked on by full-back Lloyd Rogers and the ball was picked up by a forward in an offside position. (0-3). Llandovery College were back on terms immediately. Good work by the forwards took play into the NPT half where they conceded a penalty for not releasing. Owen Howe was successful with the kick.(3-3). He was also successful with another penalty close to half time. (6-3).

Playing with the wind in the second half, Llandovery College began to get on top. NPT conceded another penalty when they were offside at a ruck and Owen Howe kicked the points. (9-3). Then came a try to savour. A kick out of defence by NPT was fielded by scrum half, Joseph Hughes, deep into his own half. He passed to Lloyd Rogers who beat two players before passing to outside-half James Morgan. He then passed back inside to wing Ollie Smythe who put Lloyd Rogers into space to score. Owen Howe converted. (16-3).Llandovery College went further ahead when, due to frustration, NPT were penalised for foul play and Owen Howe kicked the penalty. (19-3). The final points came from a quick tap penalty and from the ensuing ruck close to the NPT line, Joseph Hughes nipped in to score. (24-3).

Llandovery College will next play in the Christ College 7s on Sunday 17th February at 10.a.m.

Wednesday 30th January
Llandovery College v Pembs. College and District. (H) (W 59 - 0)
 
This was an open game, laden with mistakes due to the heavy ground and driving wind. College went ahead early in the game when, from a poor kick out of defence by the Pembs outside half, Llandovery set up a good attacking option close to the line from which hooker Daf Hughes scored. Minutes later, Llandovery went further ahead when, from a scrum on their own 22m line, the backs moved the ball quickly to wing Jedd Evans who beat two players and offload to Daf Hughes to score under the posts. Owen Howe converted. Despite playing into a strong wind, College were well in control of the game, and after a strong run by lock Rhys Verley, Jedd Evans was on hand to receive the pass to score under the posts. Owen Howe .converted. (19 - 0). Two further tries from flanker Chris Williams from a driving maul and Scrum half Dan Brooks from a charged down kick, both of which were converted by Owen Howe, gave Llandovery College a 31pts to 0pts half time lead.
 
Despite playing into the wind in the second half, College continued to dominate the game. Daf Hughes got his third try from a driving maul and, after a good break by centre Jac Wilson, Jedd Evans was again on hand to score. Owen Howe converted both ( 45 - 0). A fine individual try by full back Lloyd Rogers, who beat three opposing players to score, Owen Howe again converting (52 - 0), and a fine break by Jac Wilson saw Lloyd Rogers score his second try in a matter of minutes. Jac Wilson converted making The final score :- Llandovery College 59 pts. - Pembs College and district 0 pts.
 
Next game :- v Neath Port Talbot College, Wednesday 6 February, kick off 2.30pm.

Wednesday 16th January
Llandovery College v Coleg Gwent (Dragons Academy) (H) (W 10 - 8)

Despite the score, this was an excellent game of rugby. Both teams were prepared to run the ball and came quite close to scoring on a number of occasions. Coleg Gwent relied mainly on their big powerful forwards, but the College pack fronted up well.

College were first to score when, from a scrum close to the Dragons' line, scrum half James Morgan passed to outside half Jac Wilson, who beat the defence and then passed back to James Morgan, who scored under the posts. Owen Howe converted. (7-0)

Minutes later, College gave away a soft try. Lock, Rhys Verley, was penalised for side entry into a ruck and from the kick the Dragons gained a 5 metre lineout. The ball was thrown in short, and returned to the hooker who scored in the corner. (7-5)

For the first 15 minutes of the second half, College absorbed a lot of pressure but defended well. However, in his eagerness to close down the Gwent backs, Jac Wilson was caught offside and Gwent kicked an easy penalty. (7-8)

The score remained the same until 5 minutes from the end when Coleg Gwent gave away a penalty for offside at a ruck, and Owen Howe kicked the goal from 35 metres. (10-8).

Wednesday 21st November
Llandovery College v Welsh Academicals (H) (L 17 - 15)

Despite having five of the backs and flanker, Chris Williams, playing for the Regions, College came close to defeating a strong Welsh Academicals side.

Consequently a number of young College players took their place in the College side on Tredegar Close for the first time.

The game was fast and furious and thoroughly entertaining, and was a credit to schools rugby despite being played on a pitch which had been deluged for the previous 24hours.
 
Llandovery took the lead early on, when the opposition flanker was penalised for offside at a ruck. Jac Wilson, deputising as kicker for Owen Howe, kicked the penalty. (3-0). Shortly after, College should have gone further ahead but a poor pass from scrum half Joseph Hughes went to ground with the line at his mercy. Welsh Academicals capitalised from this mistake and ran the ball out of defence to score an excellent try. (3-5).
 
However, back came Llandovery and, from a kick by James Morgan, prop Josh Crawford pressurised the defence into making a mistake and they were caught offside. Joseph Hughes took a quick penalty and passed to James Morgan, who beat the cover defence to score. Jac Wilson converted. (10-5).
 
Immediately after half time Welsh Academicals regained the lead, when from a scrum the ball went to their centre who evaded two tackles to score under the posts. (10-12). With the game in the balance, it was Llandovery who was next to score. They pressurised the opposition and from a scrum close to the Academicals line, flanker Noah Callaghan turned the ball over and scored. (15-12).
 
However Llandovery could not maintain the pressure and when they turned the ball over close to their own line, a poor kick out of defence was gathered by the Academicals fullback who evaded a number of tackles before setting up a try close to the posts. (15-17).
 
Despite spending the last five minutes on the opposition line College could not penetrate a determined defence.

Wednesday 17th October
Llandovery College v Gower College (A)  (W 29 - 12)

Playing into a strong wind at St Helens, Llandovery started the game well. After some good continuity, Gower were penalised for not releasing and Owen Howe kicked a good penalty from wide out (3-0). Llandovery continued to dominate and from a well-rehearsed move, centre Jac Wilson broke through to feed wing Ollie Smyth who scored in the corner. Owen Howe converted (10-0). Gower came back strongly and only good defence by College kept them out.

Llandovery went further ahead in the 34th minute, when the Gower flanker was yellow-carded, and from the penalty the ball was quickly moved wide to Jedd Evans, who scored(15-0).

At the beginning of the second half Gower were camped on the Llandovery line, but could not score. When the ball was eventually kicked downfield by Owen Howe, Gower tried to run the ball out of their own 22, but a good tackle by Jedd Evans saw the ball spilled and full back Lloyd Rogers picked it up to score under the posts. Owen Howe converted (22-0). In the 24th minute wing Jedd Evans , who was having a fine game, scored a good individual try, when he beat one player, then chipped over another to score under the posts. Owen Howe converted (29-0).

In the last ten minutes Llandovery brought on all their replacements and the slight disruption saw Gower score two late tries, one of which was converted.

Final score:- Gower College 12pts - Llandovery College 29pts

Saturday 13th October
Llandovery College v Carmarthen Athletic Youth (W 31 - 8)

Llandovery College defeated last year's Welsh Youth Cup finalists, Carmarthen Athletic by 31pts to 8pts. The score, however, does not reflect the closeness of the game. The first half was very equal, with the Athletic taking the lead after 18 minutes through a penalty for offside by Llandovery. (0-3). That lead did not last long as scrum half, Dan Brooks, broke from a line out on the Carmarthen 22m and scored. (5-3). Six minutes later Carmarthen Athletic were back in front. From a scrum the fullback came into the line and poor tackling by the College allowed him to break through and release his wing to score. (5-8). Llandovery reclaimed the lead on the stroke of half time when a loose kick by the Athletic was taken by Lloyd Rogers who beat here players and passed to Jac Wilson who scored. Owen Howe converted. (12-8).

The second half saw Llandovery take control of the game. They realised that by moving the ball wide and quickly they had too much pace for the Athletic. As a result, the College scored three converted tries through wings James Phillips and S.J.Mahon and fullback Lloyd Rogers.

Final score Llandovery College 31ts. Carmarthen Athletic 8pts.

Wednesday 10th October
Llandovery College v Neath Port Talbot College (W 21 - 19)

In a closely contested league game, Llandovery College defeated a strong Neath Port Talbot College by 21 pts to 19 pts. Llandovery dominated the first quarter, and only good defence by Neath Port Talbot kept the hosts at bay. However, in the 13th minute, Lloyd Rogers fielded a loose kick inside his own half and passed to lock Rhys Verley who broke through and offloaded in the tackle to hooker Daf Hughes. He then kicked ahead and centre Owen Howe won the race for the touchdown. He also converted. (7 - 0). He then increased the lead with a penalty from 40 metres. (10 - 0). Llandovery went further ahead in the 21st. minute, when from turnover ball, the backs moved the ball quickly to Lloyd Rogers who beat his opposite number and passed to wing Jedd Evans who scored out wide.
(15 - 0).
 
Neath Port Talbot came back strongly, and from a lineout close to the Llandovery line, they drove, and from the ensuing ruck they scored a converted try. (15 - 7 ). Owen Howe then kicked another penalty (18 - 7 ) but Neath Port Talbot came back again, and from a turnover at a ruck, they moved the ball out wide where they had a two man overlap and scored a converted try. (18 - 14 ). Half Time.
 
The second half was end-to -end rugby with neither side managing to break through. However, midway through the half, Neath Port Talbot did manage a try, when a misjudgement in defence allowed an overlap, from which they scored. (18 - 19 ). The last quarter was all Llandovery. They threw everything at the Opposition defence, and from an infringement 40 metres out, Owen Howe kicked the winning penalty. (21 - 19 ).
 
The game was a very close encounter, and a fine advertisement for schoolboy rugby. 

Wednesday 3rd October
Llandovery College v Coleg Sir Benfro (W 74 - 10)

On a fine day at Tenby R.F.C., College performed superbly to defeat Pembrokeshire College by 74pts to 10pts. The running and handling was superb, and Coach Iestyn Thomas was delighted with dominance at the scrum! College went ahead early in the game when, from a line out on the Pembrokeshire 22, the College forwards drove the opposition forwards back over their own line for flanker Chris Williams to score a try which Owen Howe converted. They soon went further ahead when No. 8 Lee Taylor stole a Pembrokeshire lineout and the backs capitalised when full back, Lloyd Rogers, entered the line to score near the posts. Owen Howe converted. 14pts to 0pts.
 
Pembrokeshire College came back strongly when a slip by centre Owen Howe let in his opposite number to score. 14pts to 5pts. However, College soon went further ahead when Chris Williams picked up a loose ball and fed Lloyd Rogers who in turn fed wing Olly Smyth who scored out wide. Owen Howe again converted. 21pts to 5 pts. College were now dominant and running the ball from all areas of the field. Further tries from Lloyd Rogers and Ollie Smyth (3) ,one of which was converted by Owen Howe saw Llandovery go in at half time 43pts to 5 pts ahead.
 
The second half started like the first, with backs and forwards combining well, and within minutes they went further ahead. A well rehearsed move from the scrum saw full back Lloyd Rogers score. The next try was made by ever-present hooker Daf Hughes, who broke 40 metres to put scrum half Dan Brooks in under the posts. Owen Howe converted. 55 pts to 5 pts.
 
Three more tries by centre Jac Wilson, a second for Chris Williams and finally Owen Howe, two of which were converted by Owen Howe, saw the College reach 74 pts. Pembrokeshire College did manage a consolation try at the end when Llandovery were down to 14 players.
 
Final score:- Llandovery College 74 pts Pembrokeshire College 10 pts.

Wednesday 26th September
Llandovery College v Crawshays (W 21 - 0)

In a rain-affected game on Tredegar, College defeated a spirited Crawshays XV by 21pts to 0pts. Crawshays had an opportunity in the opening minutes when Llandovery were penalised for offside, but opting to kick to touch, Crawshays lost the line out, and College were able to clear their lines. It wasn't long before College opened the scoring. From a line out, the ball was passed along the backs, but wing James Phillips was tackled close to the line. From the resulting ruck, the ball was moved again to the other wing where Jed Evans was on hand to score out wide. Owen Howe kicked an excellent conversion.

The weather then hampered both sides, and despite some good approach work, the ball was continually dropped at the final moment. However, close to half time, Crawshays won a scrum near to their own line only to lose the ball in the tackle, and flanker Chris Williams pounced on it to score under the posts. Owen Howe converted.

With both sides making many changes, the second half stuttered slightly, and College only managed one further try. From a scrum on the Crawshays 22, a well-rehearsed move saw centre Owen Howe open up the visitors defence to score under the posts. He again kicked the conversion to make the final score :- Llandovery College 21pts. - Crawshays 0 pts.

Wednesday 19th September
Llandovery College v Solihull (W 50 - 13)
 
This was a good display by the College considering it was only their second game of the season. Llandovery started well but missed an early opportunity to score when a poor pass to wing James Phillips went to ground. However, they soon went ahead when a quickly taken penalty by Dan Brooks put Solihull on the back foot, and when Lloyd Rogers received the ball he cut through the defence to put flanker Chris Williams over near the posts. Lloyd Rogers converted. Solihull came back with a penalty for handling on the ground, but
College went further ahead, when from broken play, good handling by the backs put Lloyd Rogers over in the corner to make the score 12pts to 3 pts. Another quick penalty saw hooker Daf Hughes score out wide, making the score 17pts to 3pts, and then, after a period of Solihull pressure, Jedd Evans intercepted a long floated pass, and ran 60metres to score. Lloyd Rogers converted to mark the score 24pts to 3 pts.
 
Solihull continued to exert pressure on the Llandovery defence, but good tackling saw the ball spilled and Daf Hughes picked up the loose ball to run virtually the length of the field. Again, Lloyd Rogers converted, making the half time score - Llandovery College 31pts, Solihull 3pts.
 
The second half saw a more determined Solihull exert a Lot of pressure on the Llandovery defence, and only good tackling kept them out. It was a tackle by wing Ollie Smyth that created the next try and, when the ball was spilled, Jedd Evans pounced on it to feed the ever-present Chris Williams, who touched down for his second try. More ill -discipline by the College saw them reduced to 14 men, and during this time Solihull scored their first try making the score 36pts- 8pts.
 
This stirred Llandovery, and after some good phase play and good quick handling by the backs, Owen Howe scored a try which he converted himself - 43 pts to 8 pts. Shortly after, Howe scored his second try through some quick thinking by outside half Jac Wilson, when he floated a long pass over the Solihull centres to Owen Howe, who used his pace to cross the line. He again converted making the score 50 pts to 8 pts. Solihull scored their second try close to the end of the game, when Llandovery were again reduced to 14 men (is there a message there somewhere?), to make the final score Llandovery College 50pts - Solihull 13 pts.

Saturday 8th September
Llandovery College v Plymouth College (W 43 - 0).

This was a good win by the College in their first game of the season.  Despite a hard fought first half, Llandovery scored two good tries by Owen Howe and captain Dan Brooks.  The first was a well-rehearsed move by the backs which put Howe in under the posts, which he converted himself, and the second was off a 5 metre scrum which Lloyd Rogers converted.

At the start of the second half, Llandovery went further ahead with a penalty by Lloyd Rogers, and then came the try of the match.  A Plymouth kick deep into the College 22 was fielded by full back,Jac Wilson who decided to counter attack.  He moved the ball to James Morgan who in turn passed to Lloyd Rogers who broke the Plymouth line, drew the full back and gave wing James Phillips the scoring pass.  

At 22-0, it was time for the forwards to score, and after a line out drive, flanker Chris Williams crossed the line and Lloyd Rogers converted.  A quick penalty take from 5 metres saw Dan Brooks score again - Rogers again converting, and then came an excellent try to finish.  Another good forward drive from the half way line saw Keiran Mudd break away and offload to Noah Callaghan who in turn passed to Alex Grey to score.  Lloyd Rogers converted his sixth kick.

2011 - 12 Season Match Reports

Saturday 21st January
Llandovery College v Warwick (A)  W 32 - 5

In a keenly contested game Llandovery were looking to finish off the season in style with a first win away at Warwick. The home side never allowed College to settle down and with emotion running high for those players playing their last 15-a-side match it took a while for Llandovery to get into their stride.

The game swung backwards and forwards with the Warwick pack competing fiercely at the set piece and the breakdown but whenever College gained ascendency and established a foothold in the opposition territory they incurred the wrath of the referee, conceding 8 penalties in the first 16 minutes.

The stalemate was broken after 25 minutes when Rob Jones (8) pounced on a ball that bobbled out of the Warwick scrum that had been put under pressure. 0-5

Only minutes later the scores were levelled after a poor pass by the College backs saw the ball hacked through by Warwick. 5-5

More pressure from the College pack saw Warwick under pressure on their line and after losing control at the base of their scrum and a couple of messy rucks, Daf Hughes (2) picked up and dived over from a couple of metres out. Owen Howe converted. 5-12

Just before half time an indiscretion by Warwick allowed Owen Howe (12) to slot the ball over from wide out. 5-15

The game opened up in the second half with Llandovery beginning to take control. Two quick rucks after some broken play saw the swiftly recycled ball arrive with Joe Morgan (10) who cleverly chipped over the Warwick defence to regather the ball and slip a pass for Llion Evans (6) to canter in from 20 metres out. 5-20

Shortly after a lovely lineout take was carried up by Dan Brooks (9) and after quick recycling the ball was flashed back to the blindside for Jed Evans (14) to score. Owen Howe converted.  5-27

The final score came after a turnover at a ruck. The ball was quickly recycled for Llion Evans (6) who gave another storming performance and ran strongly for his second try.  5-32

The College played without their Captain, Gerard Ellis who supported by Joe Morgan, Jack Thorburn and Rob Jones have led the College through another successful 15-a-side season.

Saturday 14^th January
Llandovery College v Carmarthen Athletic Youth RFC  (H)  W  33 - 3

This was the first time that the two teams had met so the outcome was uncertain. What was certain was that Carmarthen Athletic had accumulated some of the best talent in West Wales.

After 15 minutes of indecisive play but considerable enterprise by both teams, Llandovery were awarded a scrum 5m. From a sound scrum Dan Brooks was able to pop a nice pass to Llion Evans who powered over for a try. Owen Howe converted. 7 – 0.

Carmarthen Athletic responded, after some in-disciplined back-chat to the referee by the College, with a penalty 7- 3.

This was shortly followed by some aggressive forward drives by the College which resulted in Dafydd Hughes powering over for a short range try. Owen Howe converted. 14 – 3

Towards the end of the first half there was some good inter-passing by the Whites and this passage of play resulted in a final pass from Llion Evans , working tirelessly in support, to Jed Evans to speed over on the left wing. Owen Howe converted 21 – 3.

Half time brought a number of changes but unlike a few days earlier, this time the changes did not unduly disrupt the College performance.

The second half began with some exciting passages of play by both sides but from another scrum 5m Llion Evans picked up and powered over. Owen Howe converted 28- 3.

Carmarthen Athletic attacked hard and never gave up and probably deserved to score at least a try but credit must go to the Whites for their resolute defence.

The game culminated with the ball recycled from a mini ruck by Jakob Jones on his debut, and then quick passing through four pairs of hands for Llion Evans to score his first hatrick for College following a man of the match performance. 33- 3

Wednesday 11th January
Llandovery College v Pembs College (H)  W 34 - 7

In trying conditions the home side got off the mark within 10 minutes with a blindside break from a lineout from Llion Evans. James Morgan converted. 7 – 0

Soon after following off the top ball from another lineout the ball went down the three-quarter line for Jedd Evans to score wide out having cut back inside the last two defenders. 12 – 0

Llandovery began to show their dominance and after some fine broken play and inter passing by the team a neat break and dummy by Lloyd Rogers who scurried in from 20 metre. 17 – 0

Some more broken play and inter passing by Llandovery saw them camped on the Pembs Coll try line  when a pick and drive by Chris Williams saw him crash over in the corner. 22 – 0

Another neat break by Lloyd Rogers saw the ball move up the pitch to be re-cycled quickly at the ensuing ruck, then passed wide to Jedd Evans for him to score his second try. James Morgan converted 29 – 0.

At half time the College made a number of changes behind the scrummage but due to deteriorating conditions and a resurgence by the Pembs Coll team , particularly in their pack, the consistency and quality of possession dried up.

In fact the honours went to Pembs Coll in the second half 5 -7.

Pembrokeshire began the second half by scrambling in under the Llandovery posts and then converted. 29 – 7.

Although no-one would doubt Llandovery’s commitment, the White’s seemed incapable of doing many of the basics well and with frustration creeping in the error count rose dramatically.

Eventually Llandovery sealed the win with a try by Lewis Greenslade after a counterattack by Jack Thorburn and Owen Howe. 34 – 7

During the course of this game Llandovery must have squandered at least half a dozen 2 on 1 last pass opportunities which would normally have been taken.

There is much to work on before the next few games leading up to the final match against Warwick.

Saturday 10th December
Llandovery College v Sedbergh (A)  W 26 - 5
 
The elation at the end of the game was more about the result against a side who had only lost twice at home in the last seven years rather than the manner of the victory.  The performance was not poor but in sticky conditions there were errors by both sides, particularly at the start, who realised that this was going to be a gargantuan end of term encounter.

Sedbergh started very positively running the ball from the kick off out of their 22,recycling time after time from side to side. The College defence didn't panic and although conceding ground, kept reorganising and kept firing in with some big tackles.

The magic of this match was that one was never quite sure who was gaining momentum - the side with the ball inching forward or the inevitable toll that was being taken on the ball carriers  by the ferocity of the hits that they were enduring.

The stalemate was broken 20 minutes into the game after a lost lineout by Sedbergh in their 22 which was driven up field by the Llandovery forwards for Gerrard Ellis to score. Owen Howe converted. 0 - 7.

Five minutes later, a poor kick out of defence by Llandovery led to a counter attack and interpassing which culminated with Sedbergh crossing in the corner.  5 - 7.

The first half finished with a ferocious forward drive into the Sedbergh 22 where a defending hand slowed down the ball. Owen Howe kicked the resulting penalty. 5 - 10.

The second half began with some sustained llandovery pressure and Sedbergh again conceded another penalty for the same offence. Owen Howe converted.  5 - 13.

The pressure was beginning to be exerted by the College forwards and Sedbergh were starting to make more mistakes .A penalty for a high tackle was the sign of a Sedbergh defence which was beginning to show signs of frailty under attack by a Llandovery side that was starting to ramp up its forward power. Owen Howe converted 5 - 16.

The writing was on the wall by the start of the third quarter.Sedbergh conceded another penalty for hands in the ruck which was again punished by Owen Howe. 5 - 19.

The game finished with Sedbergh trying to run out of defence and a pass being intercepted by Gerrard Ellis who ran in under the posts for Owen Howe to convert. 5 - 26.

The final score flattered Llandovery and did not do Sedbergh justice for the ferocity and competitiveness of the encounter, it was however well deserved.

Wednesday 7th December
Llandovery College v KirkhamGrammar School (A)   D  8 - 8

The game was played at Oswestry which was identified as a midway point between the two schools.

The day was cold, and the pitch was windswept despite a warm reception from Oswestry RFC.

Much of the game was played as a stalemate though favouring the team that had the wind at it’s back.

The large Kirkham pack appeared more solid at the start with a very sound scrum and line-out. Their close driving play at ruck and maul was a constant threat but it appeared that if Llandovery were able to get the ball out wide we may have the beating of Kirkham.

Unfortunately we seemed incapable of doing that due to a variety of reasons including a large number of handling errors, inappropriate decision making, lack of pattern and slow recycling of second phase ball. This combined with a number of players having below par games and a never-say-die attitude from Kirkham meant that a draw was a fair reflection of the game. The real positive that emerged from the game however was the defensive spirit that largely held firm throughout.

A try was scored by Llion Evans from an error at the base of the Kirkham scrummage and a penalty by Owen Howe.

The Kirkham points came from a well taken penalty and a try through their forwards.

Wednesday 23^rd November
Llandovery College v Welsh Academicals (H)  L 14 - 19

After a 10 day lay off since the Millfield victory the College started slowly making many mistakes and incurring the wrath of the referee on several occasions at the breakdown. The Welsh Accies side was strong and drawn from all over Wales and this, combined with a stuttering start from the College, enabled the visitors to take  a 12-0 half time lead with a nicely worked try through their back line and then another try wide out by their wing.

The College then began to get themselves back into the game. Firstly a try from Rob Jones (8) from a lineout with a couple of quickly recycled rucks and then following another lineout Gerard Ellis (2) went over from close range. Both tries were converted by Owen Howe to put College into a 14-12 lead. Unfortunately in the dying minutes indiscipline from a late tackle cost College a penalty which led to a try from a driving line-out to give the visitors a 14-19 victory.

Tries: Rob Jones, Gerard Ellis

Conversions: Owen Howe x 2

Saturday 12th November
Llandovery College v Millfield (H) W 40 - 17

In a high pace game the match started with both sides attacking and defending in equal measure with Llandovery’s defencive hits slightly bigger and heavier but Millfield looking to run from all places on the field. Gradually Llandovery began to get the upper hand and eventually after 20 mins Joe Morgan sliced through the Millfield back line with a dummy show and go.

Minutes later after another big tackle by Jack Thorburn which dislodged the ball jed Evans hacked the loose ball through to score underneath the posts. Both tries were converted by Owen Howe. Millfield replied with a try out on the wing but College responded immediately with a wonderful handling movement which started from inside their own half which went from one side of the pitch to the other with passing and support after an initial break by Dan Brooks which ended with Llion Evans scoring and again converted by Owen Howe.

Half time 21-5.

The second half commenced with huge pressure from Millfield with the College defence standing firm and soon brought its reward after a loose ball was picked up by Captain Gerard Ellis which ended with Jack Thorburn going in for Owen Howe to convert. 28-5. Llandovery forwards were well in control by this point and after a number of close range drives the combined effort of the entire eight  resulted in Gerard Ellis crossing for a short range try. 33-5.

Llandovery made several changes with substitutes individually playing their part but interrupting the pattern of the game. Millfield took advantage of the changes and the yellow carding of a Llandovery offender which took the score to 33-10.

College responded immediately from a turnover that went through several pairs of hands for Alex Ruck to score in the corner again converted by Owen Howe.40-10.

Millfield scored a third try in the last second of the game. 40-17.

College now look to move on with enthusiasm to a hard end of the term with their visit to in form side Sedbergh.

Saturday 15th October
Llandovery College v Plymouth College (H) W 52 - 5

The game kicked off in excellent firm and sunny conditions.

Within 10 minutes, after a poor kick out of defence by Plymouth, Llandovery responded with quick interpassing from the counter attack with Joe Morgan scoring and Owen Howe converting from under the posts.

Soon after, Plymouth lost their lineout and the ball was spread from one side of the pitch to the other for Gerrard Ellis to score.
Another loose kick by Plymouth resulted in another counter attack by LLandovery with fine interpassing for Gerrard Ellis to cross for a second try. Owen Howe converted.

The half time score of 21 - 0 looked promising and although College kept up the pressure at the start of the second half Plymouth scored from a kick and chase.

Gerrard Ellis responded with a try after a quick tap and go by Daf Hughes. Joe Morgan converted.
Joe Morgan scored soon after from a 5 metre scrum and converted his own try.

College were now in full flight and Steffan Evans scored on the wing after another quick tap and go.Joe Morgan converted.
Jonny King scored on the other wing after a scrum where College were in full ascendancy and the ball moving from one side of the pitch to the other.

The final try brought Gerrard Ellis' 4th try, after Llandovery moved up the length of the pitch moving the ball from side to side. Joe Morgan converted.

Tries: Gerrard Ellis 4, Joe Morgan 2,Steffan Evans , Jon King.
Conversions: Owen Howe 3, Joe Morgan 3.

Wednesday 12th October
Llandovery College 1st XV v Neath College (H) W 13 -12

The game was closely contested but a number of missed opportunities plus sound defence meant that the half time score was 0-0

 Within 10 mins of the start of the second half Joe Morgan kicked a penalty from in front of the posts tom break the deadlock.

Following a yellow card by Llandovery, Neath College immediately took advantage off the resulting lineout with a driving maul.

 College re-took the lead a few minutes by another penalty in front of the post to bring the score to 6-5

With only a few minutes left in this exciting game the College further extended their lead by Alex Ruck who scored after a series of drives by the forwards. The conversion was added by Joe Morgan. 13-5

In the last minute of the game a defensive kick from Llandovery was poorly chased, and following a missed tackle, resulted in Neath College running in from 40 metres to score almost under the posts. The conversion ended a tightly fought match. 

Try: Alex Ruck.

Conversion: Joe Morgan.

Penalties: Joe Morgan 2.

Saturday 8th October
Llandovery College v Bromsgrove (A) W 26 - 8

Matches against Bromsgrove are never easy and in fact the College had never beaten Bromsgrove away before.

The Bromsgrove pack started with real vigour and the College worked hard to defend their line but eventually conceded a penalty after a period of sustained pressure.

Llandovery continued to defend but after a turnover on the Llandovery 10m line by Gerard Ellis, Jack Thorburn ran down the touchline from the half way line to score in the corner.

Surviving more pressure Llandovery turned over another Bromsgrove attack and some fine interpassing between Sam Batty and Ollie Smythe, Owen Howe scored and then converted to make the score 3-12.

Just before half time after a steal at the front of the line out by Lee Taylor and some interpassing with Daniel Brooks, Daf Hughes scored in the corner, again converted by Owen Howe. 3-19

In the second half Llandovery worked hard in defence to keep out the opposition but eventually conceded a try to the heavier Bromsgrove pack. 8-19.

The game was finely balanced but College continued to attack with hard won possession however with faster rucks and quicker ball and the whole team interpassing from broken play, Gerard Ellis eventually went in under the posts for a try which was converted by Owen Howe.

Tries: J.Thorburn,O Howe,D Hughes,G Ellis.

Conversions: O Howe 3

Wednesday 21st September
Llandovery College v Bro Morgannwg (H) W 46 - 12

The Lilywhites recovered from the shock of losing to Coleg Morgannwg 19-13 by outplaying the Welsh language school from Barry by a clear eight tries to two on Tredegar Close writes Huw S Thomas.

Despite the absence through a shoulder injury of skipper and No 8 Gerard Ellis, the College pack controlled the loose and tight to limit the chances of a dangerous Bro back division.

Strong at the scrummage where prop Huw Edwards flexed his muscles, efficient at the line out where Alex Ruck had a fruitful  afternoon and dynamic at the break down where flanker Llion Evans and Rob Jones did the damage to Bro hopes, College continuity was impressive.

Half backs Dan Brooks and stand-in captain Joseff Morgan ran things sweetly behind the scrum and used the speed of wing Owen Howe and the power of centre Jack Thorburn to test the Bro defence from very early on.

Howe and Morgan crossed and by half time further tries from lock Matthew Snook, flanker Chris Williams and wing Olly Smythe plus three conversions from Howe had the College in comfortable control at 31-0.

Bro Morgannwg had a hard working captain in lock Zac Deere and talented individuals in back rowers Tom Perry and Richard Pilcher, fly half Einan Scott and centre Joel Beavis but as a team they came nowhere near to matching the cohesion and understanding of the Lilywhites.

Beavis got a deserved try before the College hit back with three more tries from full back Lloyd Rogers, replacement, flanker Lewis Greenslade and No 8 Jones.

For the never say die visitors Beavis took advantage of some suspect home tackling to finish off excellent approach work from Pilcher and grab a second try converted by Scott to bring the curtain down on an entertaining free flowing game.

Llandovery College

Tries: O Howe, J Morgan, M Snook, C Williams, O Smythe, L Rogers, L Greenslade, R Jones

Cons: O Howe (3)

Ysgol Bro Morgannwg

Tries: J Beavis (2)

Con: E Scott

(Report from Huw S Thomas By kind permission of Carmarthen Journal)

Wednesday 21^st September
Llandovery College v Bro Morgannwg (H) W 46 - 12

The College started the game positively and scored a nice try on the wing through Owen Howe after going through several phases and the ball moving swiftly through the hands. This was followed soon after with a strike against the head from a 5 metre scrummage with Joe Morgan crossing between the posts.

After good open play from both sides the college then scored from a line out with Michael Snook scoring from short distance. Bro Morgannwg were unable to stem the tide as a passing movement swept the length of the pitch resulting in a try for Chris Williams. The first half ended with a try from Ollie Smythe with the ball moving from the scrummage to the wing.

With a half time score of 31-0 it seemed that the game would be over but Bro Morgannwg responded well and took advantage of casual College play by scoring from a dropped College pass. The College then reclaimed the initiative after a turnover by Jack Thorburn, offloaded by Lee Taylor and passed swiftly out to Lloyd Rogers.

Coach Iestyn Thomas made a large number of substitutions which although interrupting the rhythm meant that a number of aspiring players had the opportunity to show that they were worthy contenders for a place in the starting line up. Two more tries were scored by interpassing with Lewis Gleenslade and Rob Jones both crossing the line. Bro Morgannwg scored a deserved try at the death to bring the final score to 46-12.

Tries: Owen Howe, Joe Morgan, Michael Snook, Chris Williams, Ollie Smythe, Lloyd Rogers, Lewis Greenslade, Rob Jones.

Conversions: Owen Howe 3.

17th September 2011
Llandovery College V Coleg Morgannwg  L 16 - 13

After a good start and a strong defensive performance college conceded a penalty after 20 minutes to give Coleg Morgannwg a 3 point lead. Owen Howe then landed a penalty to level the score after a sustained period of attacking play. Just before half time another 2 penalties were conceded by both sides to bring the score to 6 – 6.

College morale was high and the team was hopeful of taking the initiative but unfortunately were conceding too many penalties on a regular basis. In addition there were too many unforced errors in the second half. Coleg Morgannwg scored a nice try which was almost immediately countered from the kick off with the forwards driving the ball up the field and resulting with Chris Williams scoring a try. This was converted by Owen Howe levelling the scores at 13 all. In the last 10 minutes with a weakening pack of forwards the College conceded 2 more penalties to make a final score of 16-13.

Penalties: 2 Owen Howe

Try: Chris Williams

Conversion: Owen Howe

14th September 2011
Llandovery College v Crawshay's (H) W 30 - 0

(Photo Courtesy of Vance Broad)

Llandovery College beat Welsh invitation side Crawshay's by a record score at Tredegar Close writes Huw S Thomas.

Three converted tries and three penalties were no more than the Lilywhites deserved in a confident and composed display and this clear cut victory against quality opposition augurs well for the season ahead.

Crawshay's fielded a young side but no younger than the College who had half a dozen lower sixth boys in the staring line up, including last year's Birchgrove School and Wales U16 scrum half Dan Brooks.

Brooks and another new boy in centre Owen Howe from Maesteg were part of a dangerous back division which had fly half Joseff Morgan and centre Jack Thorburn in grand running form.

Up front, too, Llandovery looked the more cohesive with skipper and No 8 Gerard Ellis plus lock Alex Ruck always leading by example.

Ellis got the first two tries – the first from close range and the second following up a kick by wing Jed Evans  - and Thorburn, nephew of ex Wales full back Paul Thorburn, scored the third just before the interval.

Howe's immense boot kicked all three conversions and a penalty to make it 24-0 at the interval.

Crawshay's had a fair share of possession with Strade No 8 Jon Williams and Dyffryn Teifi lock Dyfed Morgan hard workers up front and Preseli centre Gareth Owen pressing for the gap but the Llandovery defence was up to all tasks.

Replacement flanker Evan Whitson (Monmouth School) became the third generation of Whitsons to play for Crawshay's following grandfather and Wales flanker Geoff Whitson alongside father and Neath lock Mike.

He was one of a raft of changes on both sides that affected the rhythm of the game in the second half and it was left to Howe to finish off the day in immaculate  style with two difficult penalties for a personal tally of 15 points.

Llandovery College

Tries: G Ellis (2), J Thorburn

Cons: O Howe (3)

Pens: O Howe (3)

(by kind permission of Rugby World Schools Editor Huw S Thomas)

7th September 2011
Llandovery College v Coleg Gwent (H) W 41 - 0

The season kicked off with an array of new talent on show.

Both sides had limited preparation time but despite this the crowd were able to watch an exciting game in which the score slightly flattered the home side.

The game was played as four quarters and the score was 0-0 after 20 mins.

The first try came in the second quarter from a box kick which was gathered by Sam Batty who passed into the midfield to Jack Thorburn who passed wide to James Phillips who showed excellent pace.

The second try came from a break by scrum-half Daniel Brooks who re-gathered the ball further up the field to finish off the move.

The third try came just before half time with a break by Llion Evans who offloaded to Sion Hughes who burrowed over.

The third quarter resulted in a try by crisp swift passing across the back line for Jed Evans to cross in the corner.

The last period of play commenced with a neat run from Jac Wilson who crossed over under the posts after selling two dummies. The try was converted by Owen Howe.

The next try came from a counter attack initiated by Sam Batty with the ball speeding across the width of the pitch from Lloyd Rogers to Olly Smythe to be finished off by Chris Williams.The conversion was added by Owen Howe.

The final try came from a nicely judged kick through from Jac Wilson which was gathered by Lewis Greenslade and offloaded to Olly Smythe and again converted by Owen Howe.

Probably one of the most pleasing aspects of the afternoon was the rugged defence shown by the Whites which did not concede a single point.

Tries: J Phillips, D Brooks, S Hughes, J Evans, J Wilson, C Williams, O Smythe.

Conversions : O Howe 3