Fixture

The wet season continued at Llanhilleth. Both teams inspected the pitch and felt it was playable but due to the forecast of heavy rain throughout the afternoon the final decision was left to the referee. This created some confusion especially as the referee did not turn up until 1:45 and disrupted both teams pre match preparations. The referee gave the game the green light and the game was kicked off.

This was a vital game for both teams as Llanhilleth was bottom of the table on 4 points with the Stars not too far away on 10 points. The first 10 minutes was therefore a very nervous affair with both teams trying to adapt to the weather conditions. The Stars continued their commitment from recent games and took the game to Llanhilleth. There was some good carries by the back 5 forwards especially by second row Tom Rees who was very effect at the break down with some good clear outs; The conditions certainly suited Tom.

The first two tries came from the Stars; both from driving mauls the first scored by Brad Jones picking up from the back of the maul and powering over and the second by Adam Perry. Both tries were expertly converted by Nathan Hughes. Llanhilleth did not come into the game until the last 10 minuets when the Stars seemed to relax and from a quickly taken penalty Llanhilleth scored their first try which was not converted. 14-5 to the Stars at half time. 

Stars started the 2nd half with even more vigor and confidence and to be fair didn't allow Llanhilleth back into the game. The Stars forwards totally dominated and bossed the game and all of them could have been named man of the match together with the replacement forwards. Scrum half Adam Perry marshaled the forwards in his usual competent manner and outside half Nathan Hughes, outside centre Kasey Hurley and full back Dan Evans tactical kicking in difficult conditions was top notch. The organization and defense of the backs in difficult conditions was outstanding.  The Stars scored a further 3 tries all coming from the back 5 forwards; Marc Williams, Gavin McDonnell and Nathan Richards and two were converted by Nathan Hughes who now passes the half century of points with a good chance of getting a century by the end of the season.

Llanhilleths cause was not helped in the last 20 minutes because of ill discipline: one player was yellow carded and another red carded for an attempted head butt. The Stars discipline throughout the game was exemplary however and totally reversed from the start of the season when their discipline was questionable and may have lost them games. Credit must be given to the Stars coaches and captain for this improvement because they have worked hard on this area.

The man of the match was Tom Rees for the contribution he made in the tight in the first half when the game was close and edgy and could have gone either way.

This was a fantastic result and a first win for a Stars team in Llanhilleth. To come away with a bonus point win was icing on the cake and the club are very very proud of every player. The win puts the Stars on 15 points climbing above New tredegar on 13. The next game is against Newport HSOB and again very important. A win will take the Stars further away from the bottom of the table and a relegation battle at the end of the season

Stars together stronger.