What a start to the season, not only a win against Carmarthen Athletic at home at Parc OJ but claimed a bonus point, very in their first League match of the season. Credit should also go to the Athletic players who fought back bravely to almost snatch victory in an exciting finish. The home side started well, with full back Llŷr Davies beating several defenders on a weaving run, and setting up play in the Athletic 22, eventually leading to a penalty from Tom Wilson to open the scoring.
It wasn’t long until the ball was released to the backs after several forward drives, Emyr Jones timed his pass perfectly to release Jac Wilson, who accelerated passed the defence to score the first of five tries of the game. Further Llanybydder pressure led to another penalty in the Athletic 22, which was taken quickly by scrum half Dion Thomas, who released Tom Wilson to cross in the corner for a further try, which he converted superbly against the wind. Athletic remained in touch, after Llanybydder indiscipline led to 3 penalties for captain and fly-half David Evans. However the half ended with a breakaway try for speedy wing Steffan Davies, again converted by Tom Wilson to leave the score at 22 – 9 at the interval.
After another penalty for Athletic’s Evans, the home side produced a period of pressure which led to lock Gavin Boak crossing for the bonus point try, again converted by Tom Wilson. At this point, Athletic had their best period of pressure, as they increased the tempo. Llanybydder’s defence held firm, but eventually yellow cards were handed to Jac Wilson, prop Alun Davies, and Tom Wilson as the home side held out, Llanybydder at one point played with only 12 men on the field. The numerical advantage eventually told as elusive full-back Robbie Thomas crossed for 2 excellent tries. After the home side returned to full complement, another move involving backs and forwards led to another try out wide for lock Boak, on his return to the Club after several years working in America. Athletic kept the pressure on the home side and eventually scrum half Rhodri Evans crossed for the final try to gain a losing bonus point, again converted by Evans.
Young second row Dan Hage, playing out of position played well in line-out and loose to claim the man of the match award. The match was sponsored by Castell Howell Foods Ltd and Llystyn Construction Ltd.
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