Struggling for numbers of late Llandybie travelled to Pontyates with a number of new players.

The hosts were ahead in the first minute with a penalty from Nathan Davies whilst Llandybie gave the ball to winger Aiden Watts but the defence held firm. The visitors were trying to play open rugby putting pressure on the hosts. Carries by Cristian Davies, Garin Criddle and Luke Rampton kept Llandybie going forward with Nathan Davies’ big boot giving Ponty some relief.

Pontyates increased their lead with two more penalties whilst both sides missed further kicks. Dafydd Wyn Jones finally nailed a kick to reduce the arrears and scrum half Steff Jones put the ball wide from a scrum to centre Rhys Evans who was pulled down five yards short. Half time and Ponty led 9 – 3.

Early in second half Llandybie turned down a penalty in front and opted for a scrum but Ponty pushed them off the ball to gain a penalty. The visitors kept up the pressure but Ponty held firm in defence. Dafydd Wyn kicked another penalty to bring the scores within three points. Llandybie brought on Ryan Davies, back from long injury layoff, to replace Ethan Watmore who had tackled well in the first half. He quickly drove forward with a great carry with six tacklers giving chase.

From a scrum Llandybie went right to full back Wayne Williams in the line to score a good try with 10 minutes remaining to lead for the first time 11 – 9. Llandybie missed another penalty and dropped the ball in attack, with the Ponty flanker kicking ahead. Centre Rhys Evans didn’t give up the chase and the Ponty player miskicked and the danger was averted. Soon after Ponty turned the ball over to attack down the right with winger Brandon Rees Didd touching down in the corner to lead 14 – 11 with two minutes remaining. Llandybie threw everything into attack from the restart putting the ball across the back line for Rhys Evans to score the winning try in the corner.

Llandybie deserved the result as they had the majority of possession and territory. Man of match for Llandybie was centre Rhys Evans with scrum half Steff Jones running him close. Good performances too from Konnor Davies, Scott Jones, Dafydd Evans and Wayne Williams terrific under the high ball and in counter attack. Next week Llandybie are home to table toppers Llangadog.