Division Three West

Llandeilo 24 Tumble 24

IN a tense start to the new season, a new-look Llandeilo needed a converted penalty try with the last action of the game to salvage a rare draw leaving Tumble disappointed not to have claimed four points.

The visitors started strongly with the reliable Steve Hewitt kicking a penalty after two minutes play and prop Darren Jones making some telling runs.

Meanwhile new recruit Gareth Beynon dominated in the line-out ensuring Tumble enjoyed plenty of ball.

The backs also looked slick and, with a deft chip over an onrushing defence by the wily James Owen, centre Chris Lemon scored a converted try with seven minutes on the clock.

Three minutes later Tumble increased their lead when, following a bullocking charge by new No8 Nathan Willard, full-back Leighton Mckenna chipped the onrushing defence and James Owen gathered to score. Hewitt converted to put the visitors 17-0 after just 12 minutes.

Llandeilo were struggling with the power of runs by Humphries and were denied territory by the ferocious tackling of man of the match flanker Darren Williams. Tumble spurned two opportunities to increase their lead during the half and gradually Llandeilo came back into the game.

With stoppage time looming at the end of the half, the home side exploited play down the blind side and, with fullback Celfyn Davies coming into the line he scored under the posts and converted his own try.

The hosts eventually settled and began to retain possession, slowly taking control of proceedings though it took until almost half-time for them to register points. Captain Celfyn Davies contributed a try he converted along with a penalty.

In the second half, the home team worked hard to reduce the deficit but found themselves denied by a series of handling errors and resolute Tumble defence.

With the game entering the final ten minutes, a strong run saw impressive youth team centre Liam Protheroe burst through a missed tackle to score near the posts.

Davies converted to tie the scores at 17-17 and suddenly Llandeilo felt victory was in their hands.

However, a late scrum on the home 22 with five minutes remaining turned things on their head as Tumble youngster Adam Davies scored a smart try wide which Hewitt converted.

However, back came Llandeilo and, with four minutes of stoppage time played, Tumble conceded repeated penalties near their own line until the referee decided he had seen enough when replacement flanker Sion Jones was held up and awarded a penalty try which Davies converted to snatch two valuable points.