Old Illtydian RFC entertained Pentyrch RFC at Moorland Park in a fantastic game of rugby with both sides playing some great stuff.
Early exchanges were as expected with both sides having a real go at each other.
Some great play by forwards and backs with some slick passing gave Mikey Hiscocks a chance to scamper over in the corner which he did, expertly converted by Sean Cochlin.
The tempo of the game was now set and Pentyrch showed some good play moving into the Illtydian half and were awarded a penalty after an indiscretion at a ruck which was duly kicked.
On 30 minutes Illtydian flanker Lewis Wilkie who played well was yellow carded at the tackle area. This prompted Pentyrch into action and almost immediately Pentyrch fashioned a try under the posts going into the lead 10 - 7. The action continued with some superb back play by scrum half Lewis Andrews, Sean Cochlin and centre Scott Gregory putting Winger Ryan Healy over in what was a wonderful try. Converted by Sean Cochlin making the score 14 - 10 to the Illts.
Pentyrch came back again with another good try of their own and scored under posts after Illtydian players were penalised in front of the kicker and Pentyrch reacted quickly going over for a good score.
17 to 14 down the Illts battled on with some great forward playing from Carl Fish, Stu Wilby and Shane Young but it was Pentyrch who kicked a penalty going further ahead 20 -14.
Once again the Illts battled back with forwards Rhys Hutchins, Kevin Tallis. and Adam Taylor to the fore, allowing the backs who were by now enjoying themselves and with some great interplay with wing Dan Savager heavily involved, centre Joe Sullivan scored a fantastic try wide out which again was converted by Sean Cochlin, giving the Illts a narrow lead
21 to 20. By now both sides were battling away and after a poor clearance kick Pentyrch ran the ball well and scored under the posts making the score 21 - 27 Pentyrch up!
What a game with the spectators enjoying ever minute!! A further yellow card was issued with Josh Porter spending 10 minutes in the bin after he had joined the fray with other replacements Ryan Harford, Phil Morse, and Benon Kizza it wasn't long before the Illts conjured up an amazing try, superbly worked and subsequently finished by the excellent Illts fullback Josh Williams, conversion was missed. The Illtydians were now back in the hunt with the score now 27 - 26 going into the final stages. Replacement scrum Half James Harris came on as an emergency wing after an injury and he tackled well.
The game was now a nail biter with a yellow card for the Pentyrch wing. The Illts continued to press and with some further great back play fullback Josh Williams ran in unopposed for his second try, this time converted by Sean Cochlin. The score was now 33 - 27 with the Illts in front.
It was an exciting last few minutes but the Illts finished the game well and ran out deserved winners after scoring 5 fabulous tries.
This game had everything!
Final score
33 - 27
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