Llandrillo will now face Sale Shark’s feeder College, Myerscough College in the Semi
British Colleges Sport Elite Quarter Final
Coleg Llandrillo 17 v 15 Oaklands College, Hertfordshire
Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy travelled to Hertfordshire to face Oaklands College, the feeder College for English Premiership Champions London Saracens, as the only remaining Welsh College in the last eight of the British Colleges Elite League competition.
The first half started fairly evenly with both sides fighting for early possession, however difficult conditions meant both sides struggled to assert any authority on the game. Then just as Llandrillo were starting to settle and look like they might take control of the game, a series of missed tackles from a tap penalty allowed Oakland’s to gain the first try.
However, Llandrillo were quick to respond when good defensive pressure lead to a series of Oakland’s mistakes and a Llandrillo scrum five metres from the opposition line. Number eight Aaron Gwyn picked up from the base of the scrum and offloaded to fellow debutant Jason Blackmore of Rhyl Sixth, who broke through the defence to score under the posts. He then converted his own try to make the score 7-5. The game continued with both sides trading possession regularly due to the miserable conditions, with Oakland’s managing to score a penalty on the stroke of half time.
The second half start looked positive for Llandrillo as they dominated field position and started to move the opposition defence around the field, but again small errors prevented them from making the most of the chances they created. With ten minutes gone another series of missed tackles, and a slow response to drop ball allowed the Oakland’s second row to gather and cross the line for their second try. Jason Blackmore soon closed the gap to five points with a long-range penalty. Then for the first time in the game Llandrillo managed to maintain possession for a significant period of time, creating an extensive overlap that was exploited as Harri Evans ran in Llandrillo’s second try. Jason Blackmore again, added the conversion.
Oakland’s countered with long periods of attack making large amounts of ground upfront, however brave defence prevented them from gaining any further score, including a last minute penalty kick at goal. At the final whistle Llandrillo came out 17-15 winners.
This result sees Llandrillo Rugby Academy progress into the last four of the National competition, where they will face Sale Shark’s feeder College, Myerscough College in the Semi-Final.
There are no events to show yet.