Llanelli Wanderers Rugby Football Club

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

Llangefni v Llanelli Wanderers 18/02/06

There is a saying “Cometh the hour, cometh the man”. That was epitomised on Saturday by the 15 players who donned the Wanderers shirt and against all the odds almost pulled off a remarkable victory away in North Wales. The 15 played with a total commitment for each other, rarely seen these days and won many plaudits from the large home support for their efforts.

With only 13 fit players able to make the journey, Richard Clement (nursing a series of injuries) and Director of rugby, Barrie Davies (who must surely be 50 !!!!)  made up the bare 15  who played.

From the kick off the Wanderers found themselves under early pressure and conceded a penalty to trail by 3 points to 0.   The game was, however, turned on its head in the following 20 minutes when Mark Cook showed his class and pace to leave the defence floundering as he raced in for 2 tries, with a penalty sandwiched between the tries and Lee Cook also powering over following a series of forward drives, the home supporters were stunned into silence as they trailed by 22 points to 3.

Llangefni did hit back when a poor kick out of defence was gathered and following a sweeping move, they were able to reduce the arrears. Further scores came from a penalty and when the home wing again rounded the cover to cross.

The half closed with the Wanderers attacking and leading by 22 points to 18.

From the restart, the Wanderers were undone by their desire to run the ball out of defence when a turn over allowed the home side to take the lead via their pacey right wing.

Both sides then exchanged penalties and the Wanderers were forced onto the back foot for long periods and only some resolute defending kept the home side at bay.   Barrie Davies might not have the legs these days, but there is nothing wrong with his rugby brain and courage in the tackle.

The pressure on the Wanderers was compounded by their constant infringements at the breakdown and turnover ball but they remained only 3 points behind their hosts going into the final 10 minutes.

They finally broke free and were able to move into the home territory following a fine series of drives from the forwards which resulted in a penalty in the home 22. But spurning the chance to level the scores, the Wanderers went for the line-out in the hope of gaining the try and victory.

The catch and drive worked well but Jonathan Hope was held up inches short of the line.

The Wanderers were pressing to the end in a performance that can only be described as amazing.

Let`s hope that all the players who couldn`t make the trip, will take on board the spirit showed in this game by 15 committed individuals.

FINAL SCORE

LLANGEFNI                                      28                    WANDERERS            25 

TRY:                                                    Mark Cook (2), Lee Cook

CONVERSION:                                  Shaun Thomas (2)

This website was designed by and is maintained by John Davies

© Llanelli Wanderers RFC 2003-2008. All rights reserved.