The Illts booked a last 16 tie away at Hartridge with a hard earned 30-13 win in west Wales against Penybanc. Despite obvious signs of ring rust after the recent weather, and up against a very large home pack, the Illts were always ahead and were good value for the win. The Illts struck first after some good ball retention worked space which was beautifully exploited by Matt Banners long pass, allowing Dan Savager to scorch over in the corner. A well struck penalty from Cochlin extended the lead to 8-0 before the home side hit back with a penalty of their own after the Illts had been caught offside
A lovely midfield break by Jason Smith created the next score, the centre timing his pass perfectly to release Campbell Macmillan who scored under the posts, with Cochlins conversion extending the lead to 12-3.
The Illts would have been delighted to turn round ahead after playing into a strong wind in the first half, but the visitors struck first in the second half. The home scrum was under pressure but the no 8 who was outstanding throughout used the wheel to his advantage and broke through and his overhead pass released the full back to score (8-15(. The Ilts hit back again, good driving from the pack setting the platform for centre Matt Banner who crashed over on a short angle.
The home side came back again, piling on the pressure with the no 8 beating 2 tackles out wide to score and bring them within a score. But once again the Illts hit back, another lovely long pass from Ben McHardy releasing Tom Silva who showed great pace to score under the posts, Cochlin converted and added a penalty with the last play to seal the win.
Plenty to work on but into the next round away at Hartridge, date tbc at the moment.
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