Llanelli Wanderers staged a stunning fightback against Tondu to edge a thrilling Championship Cup Final with a last minute try securing a dramatic 35-32 victory.
The victors found themselves trailing by 25 points at one stage but a remarkable turnaround saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Jamie Murphy succeeded with his opening effort as the former Germany midfielder confidently split the posts from 40 meters to give Tondu the lead after 11 minutes.
Rhodri Owens opened the Wanderers try account when he burrowed over for Nick Gale to add the extras. But then Tondu turned the match on its head with three first half tries.
After 21 minutes, Murphy’s long pass gave Caine Woolerton the opportunity to run strongly to claim his club’s first try of the afternoon and 10 minutes later, hooker Jake Lewis landed jubilantly for Tondu’s second.
Stu Young, on his 100th appearance for the club, crossed for Tondu’s third try of the afternoon six minutes from the break to give his side a commanding lead.
Before the winger landed – Lloyd Pike committed an offense trying to tackle Harri Morgan – and so Tondu were ahead by 11 points and they had a man advantage when the game restarted.
Tondu strengthened their grip on the contest when center Sam Matthews crossed for his team’s fourth try. Josh Tatchell converted – but there was even better to come from Tondu’s point of view.
After 53 minutes, experienced No.8 Steff Lewis had read the play brilliantly – and following his interception he galloped for 60 meters before scoring.
But the Wanderers refused to throw in the towel and they hit back scoring two tries within five minutes. The first was a penalty try as Murphy stopped the score when offside – and then substitute Elgan Morgan crossed for his team’s third try which made Gale’s job of cutting the gap down to just nine points quite simple.
In the semi-final against Beddau, Llanelli Wanderers were behind by 26 points at one stage – and they closed the gap to just four points in the final after Josh Weeds’ try and another conversion from Gale.
With a minute left on the clock, Gwwr y West had a scrum five in the shadow of Tondu’s posts – and after they kept possession effectively, Elgan Morgan crossed for the second time to snatch victory under the noses of a deflated Tondu side. After Gale’s conversion the Llanelli Wanderers had scored 28 points without response to secure a famous victory at the home of welsh rugby.