Old Illts produced a sluggish performance but still managed to collect all 5 points against Cilfynydd at Moorland Park. With so many games in Wales rained off, the pitch was in remarkably good condition for the visit of a Cilfynydd side fortified by 4 permits. The Illts struggled for fuency against a committed away side and trailed 3-0 early on, before a fine team try finished well by wing Dan Savager and brilliantly converted by Sean Cochlin put the Illts in front. This didnt last long as an up and under was allowed to bounce and fell nicely for the visiting winger who raced in to score and put Cil in front 8-7.
Despite having a man sent off it looked as though the visitors would lead at half time. Although the Illts looked more threatening they struggled with handling errors and turnovers, but took the lead just before half time with a brilliant try. Hooker Mike Hiscocks took a quick tap in his own 22 and raced away, showing great pace before passing to centre McHardy who exchanged passes with McMmilan before passing back to Hiscocks who put Savager in for another tidy finish, Cochlin again adding the extras. The Illts led 14-8 at the break.
The Illts killed the game off and sealed the bonus point within 10 minutes of the second half. After wing Sam Montague had done well to gather his own kick near halfway, excellent passing saw the ball moved to Savager who timed his pass inside to no 8 Tom Wheeler to score. Wheeler added his second after another fine attack from deep.
The game became increasingly fractured, with the visiting 7, Hiscocks and McHardy all taking turns in the bin. After a series of quick tap penalties, a slipped tackle allowed the visiting centre to stretch over for a converted try. The visitors were carrying strongly and playing with real spirit, and were the dominant side at this point but from a turnover more good handling released Cochlin who showed great pace to score from 70 metres and convert his own try.
The visitors had the final word rumbling over from short range to make the final score 33-20. Far from a perfect performance and plenty to work on but 29 points out of 30 so far is a great start.
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