Hard-fought victory for 1st XV

Plymouth College secured a maiden victory over Llandovery College in a hugely competitive and keenly contested encounter.

Plymouth reignited their season with this performance, following as it did on the back of some disappointing recent results. However, with the injury list gradually shrinking and the squad a couple of players shy of boasting a fully fit roster, the team can use this performance as a springboard looking forward.

Plymouth started the game in nervous fashion, making a sequence of unforced errors, allowing their opponents to enjoy the bulk of territory and possession. Defensive systems were holding up, however, and Llandovery were unable to get too near Plymouth's line. As the game evolved, Plymouth began to get a foothold in the game, hitting the crossbar with a penalty, and being denied two scoring chances as the referee could not confirm the grounding. Frustration could have got the better of the team, but by getting to half time scoreless, still knew they were very much in the game.

The second half was a nerve wracking affair, Plymouth taking a 3 point lead only to see it eclipsed by a soft try by Llandovery. Plymouth refused to buckle, however, forcing their streetwise opponents to concede penalties in the danger Zone. Ben Stean produced a nerveless display off the tee and Plymouth gained a 9-5 lead they were not to relinquish.

The final whistle produced a mixed reaction from the team. Some yelled with delight while others lay on the floor exhausted. A new chapter in Plymouth College's First XV history had been written and a memorable and dramatic chapter it was.