After a hard fought win the previous week, versus newly promoted Old Illtydians, the North travelled to their first away fixture against highly rated Abercwmboi. Sporting a pack that had only one change from the previous weekend, North travelled there with an air of confidence not seen before under the leadership of coach Gavin Lucas.
The team arrived early, ensuring they were well prepared and focused on the job in hand and a sharp warm up gave the team focus. A new centre partnership of former Cardiff player Nick Gill and newly returned, Alec McIntyre gave the team a set of backs worthy of a strong pack.
Abercwmboi win the toss and kicked off the match. It was gathered by the North pack who immediately started to assert their dominance on the game. An early penalty was won and converted by Rob Sweetman, who has settled into the 10 position comfortably. Five minutes later a superb drive by lock Matthew Davies set the ball up for the backs and Nick Gill sliced through the centre, wrong footing his opposite number, and putting Hywel James in for the score, which was converted by Sweetman.
Abercwmboi were expected to fight back and they did forcing a penalty deep in the opposition half which was duly kicked through the posts by their winger. Two more penalties were exchanged by Sweetman and the Abercwmboi kicker to make the scoreline 13-6 with The North good value for their lead. This was increased just before half team with Sweetman producing a bit of magic to angle a drop goal through the posts from 30 yards to make the half time score 16-6.
The second half brought entertainment and controversy aplenty as both teams pushed hard for the win. Llandaff North continued to dominate up front which led to another penalty to make the score 19-6. Abercwmboi always looked dangerous with ball in hand, determined to spin the ball wide at every opportunity. After spurning a number of opportunities to score, Abercwmboi were again stood behind their own posts after another line break by Gill ended with new signing Nathan Facey dabbing down in the corner to make the score 24-6.
Most teams would close the game out, but Llandaff North insist on drama til the final whistle and A contentious decision from the referee ensured a tense finish. Another move by the Abercwmboi back line, to spin the ball wide, resulted in a failed interception by Facey who was astoundingly sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on. This error resulted in Llandaff North coming under immense pressure, conceding two tries in the process making the scoreline 24-18. However, composure was maintained and the away team moved up field to force another penalty with Sweetman easily knocking the ball through the posts for a nine point lead. Another try by Abercwmboi brought them back within 4 points but they were unable to find that final score to snatch a victory.
Overall a well deserved win by Llandaff North who dominated up front and kept their discipline whilst Abercwmboi lost theirs. Promotion chasing Wattstown are the next opponents for the North at Hailey Park, Kick off 2.30 pm.
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