The WRU Division Four Cup match, which was postponed due to the weather the previous week, was played at The Park in Llanhilleth on Saturday. The game (near Abertillery) was, as always, well attended by Llandybie supporters for this first encounter between the two sides. Both sides had similar League results with both teams winning 4 out of 9 matches with Llandybie having 22 League points compared with the opposition having 20 points. An even encounter was anticipated with the winners being in the last eight in the competition.

After some issues with the transport arrangements which resulted in Llandybie arriving one and a half hours later than planned, the home side kicked off in cold conditions. Both sides contained a mixture of experienced and young players.

Llandybie started the match well and following a slick move in the backs, Llandybie’s evergreen full back Wayne Williams finished off with a good try with the conversion by Iestyn Richards coming back off the upright. The early part of the game was even with both sides testing each other out. After 14 minutes, the Llanhilleth prop shrugged off some poor tackles and made 20 metres and from the resultant ruck, Llanhilleth scored a try which was converted giving them a 7-5 lead. Llandybie responded with a well taken penalty following which the home side attacked.

After Llandybie failed to find touch from a penalty, the home team attacked resulting in a try which was converted giving the home side a 14-8 lead. A penalty, for a high tackle, gave Llanhilleth a further opportunity to extend their lead to 17-8 at half time.

Llanhilleth had the upper hand not helped by some missed tackles and some strong runs – particularly from their impressive No. 8. Llandybie were guilty of handling errors and dropped passes and despite some periods of pressure in the second half, they failed to breach the home defence and gave a number of turn-overs to the home team.

Llandybie’s cause was not helped by back-chatting the Referee and they gave away some good positions on three occasions because of this. Following some weak tackling which allowed Llanhilleth to make ground, Llandybie were penalised at the ruck giving away a further 3 points to make the score 20-8 in Llanhilleth’s favour.

Despite some strong runs by Merlyn McCelland, Ryan Davies and Llandybie Man of the match Josh Powell, Llandybie were not able to add to their score. The final score was Llanhilleth 20-8 Llandybie.