LLANDEILO’s youth team are through to the second round of the National Youth Cup after a stirring second half performance saw them come back to earn a thrilling 21-19 victory in Neyland on Saturday (Sept 30).
Neyland started the game well and deserved their 19-0 lead at half time but Llandeilo hit back in the second half and with time running out they scored a late try which levelled the scores. With the last kick of the game, Llandeilo kicker Oli Weed kept his composure to land the conversion and seal a narrow victory.
It was the hosts who started the better of the two teams despite only having thirteen players for the match.
Some good running put Neyland in a good position in the opening minutes but Llandeilo did well to keep them out.
However, with only six minutes gone, Neyland’s Ben James burst his way through to break Llandeilo’s resistance and score the opening try. The conversion attempt from George Evans was missed and Neyland held a 5-0 lead.
Llandeilo came close after they claimed the ball from a line out but they were held up just before the line as the All Blacks defended well.
Another break from Scott Buirds then saw him go over for Neyland’s second try and this time the conversion was successful for a 12-0 lead.
Llandeilo were then penalised for a high tackle and Neyland kicked to touch, five metres out from the line but they were unable to take advantage of their good position and they were penalised for not releasing the ball.
With half time approaching Neyland stepped up another gear and came close to their third try but the referee adjudged that the ball had been held up by a covering Llandeilo player.
They weren’t to be denied and as the half went in to overtime, Neyland’s Buirds scored their third try, and his second of the game and the conversion from Evans made it 19-0 at half time.
Neyland knew they would face a fight back in the second half and just minutes in Llandeilo reduced the deficit as Llyr Williams scored a try and Oli Weed scored the conversion to make it 19-7.
The visitors plugged away and Steff Barnes then scored a second try for Llandeilo with Weed again adding the extra two points.
With time running out it looked as if Neyland might hold on for victory but Llandeilo had other ideas.
A break from Griff Thomas saw him break Neyland’s resistance and he crashed over to level the scores at 19-19.
Weed kept his composure in difficult conditions and he landed the conversion much to the delight of the Llandeilo players and supporters.
The final whistle brought joyous scenes as Llandeilo celebrated an excellent win and they will now be looking forward to the next round of the cup.
Elsewhere, Felinfoel went through to the next round with a 25-3 win away to Gowerton while Tumble had a walkover against Llanelli Wanderers.
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