Mid Wales Cup

MORE than 300 spectators took in this local derby on Saturday afternoon at Llandrindod Wells before watching the big Wales v England clash on the television.

Wales and Ospreys back row man Dan Lydiate, from Abbeycwmhir which is between the two Radnorshire towns, had sent his best wishes in the week.

But it wasn’t good luck but better discipline that lower ranked Rhayader needed. Full back Ash Hammond put the home side up 3-0 early on with a penalty and shortly afterwards the visitors were reduced to 14 men when centre Lewis Pryne was sent off for a high tackle.

But it was the Rams that were the first to cross the white wash when outside half Dillion O’Leary collected a chip and chase to score and convert the first of his two tries.

Rhayader touched down again following a line out in their own 22. The ball was spun wide through Gareth Dodd and Dillion O’Leary to release fullback Jordan Phillips who danced his way past four defenders to run the length of the pitch and score.

With 10 minutes remaining in the half Llandod were trailing by 11 points but couldn’t take advantage even when Rhayader were temporarily reduced to 13 men when Jordan Smith was sin binned.

In the second half good running from Steve Boore and Andre Potgieter carried Rhayader up the field and man of the match, scrum half, Aaron Martin was able to spin the ball wide for player coach Danny Davies to score in the corner against his old club.

Second row Dan Oakley also enjoyed a scoring return to the spa town when he crashed over after the Rams were awarded a line out deep in home territory. O’Leary added the extras.

Llandod hit back with their own player named Dan Oakley scoring having been driving over the line by the home pack who never stopped working.

Both teams emptied the bench for the last 20 minutes but is was Rhayader that seemed to have the better of the spa town upfront and out wide.

The Rams ran in three tries from Paul Griffiths, Dillion O’Leary and young hooker Bowen Hamer.

Llandrindod coach Rich Watkins completed the scoring when he powers over for a consolation with the final 15-43 scoreline not considered

a fair reflection of the effort put in by both sides.

Following the game Rhayader coach Davies praised the effort of his squad who face a tough test against Montgomeryshire side Cobra in the next round.

He said: “It was a massive squad effort from one to 23.

“It was the first time Rhayader have got to this stage of the cup and first time in 10 years that we have beaten local rivals Llandrindod that in itself is a credit to how the club has turned around this season.

“We now head into the next round where we play high flying Cobra, this will be our biggest test yet.

“I want to thank all the support for the day it really was one to remember.”