Llanelli resist brave Caerphilly fightback

Celtic League title hopefuls Llanelli had to work hard to resist a brave Caerphilly fightback after storming into a 26-point lead this afternoon.

Caerphilly 34, Llanelli 43 (full-time)

Celtic League title hopefuls Caerphilly had to work hard to resist a brave Caerphilly fightback after storming into a 26-point lead this afternoon.

The part-timers seemed overawed as the visiting aristocrats smoothly slipped into gear to pile up five tries.

But a massive turnaround saw the home side craft five touchdowns of their own to give Llanelli a stern second-half test.

It had been a case of keeping up with the Jones’ in the first half as the Scarlets wracked up the points with consummate ease.

Flying wing Mark Jones swept over for a brace of early scores before Stephen Jones cashed in on some shoddy defensive work to add a third touchdown.

Luke Richards stemmed the tide with a penalty but the rampant Scarlets resumed normal service with tries from back row duo Ian Boobyer and a wonder score from Dafydd Jones.

It looked bleak for the home side, facing a 29-3 deficit after 25 minutes, but the Cheesemen launched a defiant mini revival.

They posted tries through former Scarlet Paul Jones and fellow lock Mark Workman to peg the visitors back to 29-15 at half-time.

The battling Green Army closed the gap to just seven points with a spectacular 70-metre dash by Taunaholo Taufahema, who intercepted a loose Llanelli pass.

But a couple of penalties by replacement Gareth Bowing steadied stuttering Llanelli.

Bowing finally ended hopes of a miraculous home recovery with an interception touchdown.

Flanker Gareth Jones and scrum-half Sione Tuipulotu grabbed further consolation touchdowns for the home side.