IN perfect rugby playing conditions Crickhowell RFC secured a resounding win against Llandod RFC at Parc Broyd.

Due credit however must be given to the visitors whose defence worked wonders under a Crickhowell onslaught that saw them score seven tries.

Had it not been for that defensive effort and the fact that the new design Gilbert rugby ball seemed to have a mind of its own, the margin of victory could have been even greater Crickhowell opened the scoring with a Adam Howells penalty goal after Llandod went off their feet at a ruck.

The visitors were under increasing pressure from the Crickhowell pack who provided quick ball for the backs who did not disappoint with Joe Powell out pacing his marker on the outside to sprint up the touchline and score.

A driving maul set up by the Crickhowell pack on the Llandod 22 metre line drove towards their line and as the ball was smuggled between the Crickhowell forwards it was prop Joe Tigg who burst clear to claim the try. Again the conversion attempt failed.

Crickhowell seemed to retreat into their shell and Llandod enjoyed a period of possession and territory close to the home side's try line, but the Crick defence held firm and half time arrived with the home side in control.

The second half saw more of the same with the scrummaging of Tigg and Birch and Poole and Price at lock giving James Webb a perfect platform at number eight to launch attacks deep into Llandod territory.

Adam Howells kicked a penalty which heralded a purple patch of running play from Crickhowell.

The backs were given plenty of quick ball and outside half Ioan Lilley and his centre captain James Ralph and Adam Howells did not disappoint. They provided wingman Joe Powell with some great opportunities and the crowd were entertained by Powell to four more tries.

Three when he skinned his marker on the outside and one when he popped up in midfield lost his marker and side stepped defenders to score between the posts. One try was converted. 

A piece of broken play in the Crickhowell 22 metre line saw the ball run loose. Crickhowell were unable to clear it and the Llandod wing was first to react and claim an unconverted consolation try .

Not to be outdone Crick charged straight back down the field and some inter-passing between Webb, Price and Alan Taylor saw the latter have the last say with an unconverted try.

Overall it was a good all-round performance by the homeside who now have another week off. The club and supporters wish player coach Mark Withey a speedy recovery from a serious arm injury. An initial misdiagnosis has been put right and he has now undergone surgery but will be lost to the club in a playing capacity until next season.