Llandrindod Wells 18 Llanidloes 13
LLANDRINDOD gained revenge for a one point defeat to Llanidloes in last years’ semi final to book themselves a Mid Wales Cup Final appearance after a brutal encounter played out under lights in front of a large crowd.
The home side started well and were soon on the board following a driving maul pulled down just short resulting in hooker Aled Price powering over from close range. This set up a breathless first half which saw the lead change hand several times.
Llanidloes looked to spread the ball wide which led to several forays into the Llandrindod half. This resulted firstly in a well struck penalty by Llanidloes’ prolific fly half before a series of phases in the Llandrindod 22 and an incisive break by the Llanidloes centre who scored underneath the posts for a converted try.
The away side continued to take the initiative with another successful penalty by their outside half. Llandrindod were hanging on at this point and it was only some resolute defence typified by outside half Matt Boore and centre Simon Davies that repelled the away teams attacks.
A penalty won by second row Will Powell after forcing the Llanidloes player to hold on resulted in Danny Davies kicking a penalty deep into touch. The Llandrindod juggernaut rolled on from the resulting lineout with hooker Price the man touching down again for an unconverted try.
This try seemed to breath life in to the home side. A break through the ruck by Richard Watkins and a deft off load to skipper Geraint Evans who was dragged down just short, the ball was recycled quickly and Danny Davies put winger Ben Williams in the corner for a fine score.
The touchline conversion was just wide meaning Llandrindod held a slender 2 point margin at half time. The second half was more attritional with Llanidloes looking to kick more. Llandrindod full back Jac Holden was more than up to the task though with a series of takes under pressure and some big relieving kicks.
Slowly Llandrindod’s forwards started to take the game by the scruff of the neck with a series of strong carries by Ashley Hammond, Dave Smith and George Wozencraft putting the hosts on the front foot expertly marshalled by scrum half Dale Wilson.
Several lineout drives were repelled as Llandrindod looked to get the score that would seal the win but sterling defence from Llanidloes kept them out. With ten minutes to play Danny Davies slotted over a penalty from a wide angle to mean Llanidloes would need a try to get back in the game but their cause wasn’t helped by a red card for their skipper for illegal use of the boot.
Llandrindod expertly used their driving maul and now dominant scrum to wind down the clock with skipper Evans very much to the fore before the final whistle bringing to an end an enthralling game which was a great advert for Mid Wales Rugby.
This Saturday Llandrindod host Glyncoch in the League. The Cup Final will played at Llanidloes RFC on Saturday May 28 between Llandrindod and either Aberystwyth University or Aberystwyth Athletic.