Llanelli Wanderers Rugby Football Club

Affiliated to: The Welsh Rugby Union, West Wales Rugby Union, and the Llanelli & District Rugby Union

MATCH REPORT

LAUGHARNE v LLANELLI WANDERERS 04/10/03

Following the poor performance against Loughor in their previous match, the Wanderers were eager to show that they were capable of better things.

Unfortunately, they did not start on the best of footing when 4 players were lost prior to the game through injury and unavailability.

Wanderers began the first half with a very strong wind on their backs and after early sustained pressure backs and forwards combined for outside half Johnny Jones to race over in the corner. The conversion failed      0-5

With both sides attempting to run the ball at all opportunities, an exciting match was in prospect. However, following pressure from Laugharne, they were rewarded with a try and conversion near the Wanderers posts    7 – 5

The tempo of the game was high, with missed tackles on both sides making for exciting passages of play. Following the winning of the ball on a Laugharne put-in, the Wanderers made good ground down field with Dai Evans and Andrew Jenkins prominent for No.8 , Rob Jenkins to crash over. The conversion was again missed.            7 – 10

The Wanderers , as if sensing the need for points on the board with the wind advantage, were slowly beginning to dominate proceedings, with wing Karl Evans making some strong surging runs into Laugharne territory. From one such move, captain Steffan Rogers was on hand to finish a break by Karl.  7 – 15

The Wanderers were now playing some excellent rugby , with backs and forwards combining well to gain ground. Another fine break out of defense saw Lee Cook brought down just short of the line.  A penalty ensued, converted by Steffan Rogers. 7 – 18

A further penalty from Steffan Rogers made the score 7 – 21 and the half finished with another fine run from wing Christian Jones just stopped short of the try line.

Although missing their main lineout jumper in Rob Mathias, both Gavin Mathias and Andrew Davies were performing well in that area.

HALF TIME –             LAUGHARNE 7            WANDERERS 21

The question on most spectators lips was whether the half time score would be enough due to the strong wind the Wanderers were now facing. They need not have been concerned as almost from the kick off, Andrew Davies made a fine break down field only to be stopped just short of the line. Following the ruck which ensued , prop Johnathan Hope crashed over with the conversion by Steffan Rogers. 7 - 28

The Wanderers were playing some good rugby and playing sensibly into the wind with some powerful running from Lee Cook and Karl Evans.

However, the Laugharne backs, who had looked dangerous when they had the ball, succeeded in crossing for a try wide out after some sustained pressure. 12 – 28.

Although now under some pressure, there was no real cause for concern until the 70^th minute when an injury to captain Steffan Rogers meant he had to leave the field and the Wanderers were reduced to 14 men having already used their 3 substitutes.

With almost 10 minutes of injury time played by the referee, there was no real surprise when Laugharne again succeeded in scoring a try following some fine three-quarter handling.            

FINAL SCORE: LAUGHARNE  17   WANDERERS 28

Tries: J. Jones, R.Jenkins, S.Rogers, J.Hope

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