After a few warm up games it was our first outing of the season in the Defender Cup. With only 3 teams in our group it was important to get off to a good start.

In a well contested first half Llandaff seized the opportunity to score the first points of the day with James Constable running in his first try in Llandaff colours. Both teams continued to attack, and Llantwit Fardre gained the upper hand winning the break down and kicking well to put Llandaff on the back foot. Excellent tackling on the line kept Llantwit Fardre at bay for much of the half but the home side did manage to scoring two tries and a penalty to go in at half time 15-5 up against our boys.

Llandaff came out for the second half knowing they needed to up their game. Great tackling and an increase in the speed at the breakdown allowed Llandaff to build momentum and provide the backs with a great platform to get their running game forward. Great handling and passing by the backs and superb run by Karl Ward who crossed the line and bring Llandaff back into the game. A further 2 points were added by man of the match James Constable who definitely had his kick boots on. Llandaff continued to build momentum and great work by all allowed Llandaff to get a foothold in the game.

Llantwit Fardre however continued to compete and scored points of their own making it a close game. A lovely pickup by James Constable and a dash down the left hand touch line followed by a low dive over the try line to elude the oncoming defenders allowed James to score his second of the day.

Llandaff’s fourth try of the day was a thing of beauty. There is no better sight than a prop at full speed charging towards the line and that just what Ieuan Wilkes did Running 30 yards and breaking tackles to score a brilliant individual try, I think Pete loved it as well!!. Llandaff regained the lead when their dominant scrum pushed Llantwit Fardre backwards and the number 8 Charlie Lannen picked the ball up from the base of the scrum and run with purpose to break through the defence on the line. The tries were finished off when Karl who crossed for his second try converted by James for what was last play of the game.