This turned out to be a very disappointing game for Llanelli as the home team completed a very convincing bonus point victory. Llanelli had no answer to the All Whites driving maul and effectively lost the game in a little over the first quarter of the match. Swansea scored three identical tries from driving lineouts to end any hope of the visitors getting something from the game – performances will have to improve significantly if they’re to avoid the drop into the Championship next season.
Swansea got on the score sheet within two minutes, a poor exit from the kick off resulted in a lineout on 10 metres. The lineout was easily taken and second row Jay Williams had a straight forward touchdown. Outside half J. Rhys Williams slotted the extras on what would be the first of six successful goals. Deja Vu on 10 minutes, this time an overthrow by Llanelli deep in their own 22m area resulted in a simple run in for Rhys Williams to score the Whites second try, with the conversion the home team led by 14pts.
Llanelli were giving away field position by conceding numerous penalties, particularly at the breakdown with referee Richard Deacy telling the ever inquisitive Llanelli skipper Nathan Hart to get his team’s discipline in order. From one such penalty, the Whites man of the match scrum half Matthew Aubrey drilled the ball once again into the opposition 22m. From the lineout, another catch and drive, this time No.8 Jon Fox was at the back of the drive to touch down for another easy score.
Llanelli had some pressure late on in the half but were unable to break the home defence and when they did threaten they were on the wrong end of the referee’s whistle, must to the continuing frustration of the visitors captain.
Llanelli’s only points of the half came from the boot of scrum half Declan Smith who slotted a penalty goal. Williams slotted his fourth kick of the half to complete the scoring, and at the half Swansea lead by 24-3.
Things got a little better for the visitors in the third quarter with a little more urgency but little or no invention behind the scrum meant that they were unable to pose a real threat. They did score a try on 52mins when flanker Ellis Thomas went over from a driving lineout, Smith added the extras to momentarily bring the visitors back to within two scores. But, a few minutes later, a charge down kick in mid field saw Swansea gather loose ball which was duly finished off with a straight run in under the posts from scrum half Matthew Aubrey. The final quarter saw both sides bring on all their replacements and the game slowly ran out of steam. In the final moments centre Tom Williams added a fifth try which was again converted by Rhys Williams. So, a day to forget for Llanelli and one in which they must learn from!
Final Score Swansea 38 Llanelli 10
