WRU Women’s Plate final: Whitland Ladies 21-26 Llandaff North 

It wasn’t to be for Whitland Ladies on Sunday as their quest to retain the WRU Plate was thwarted by a superb comeback from Llandaff North.

The Borderettes trailed 5-0 at half time on the 4G surface at Ystrad Mynach, but duly battled back to lead 21-5 before being undone by three late tries from the Cardiff team.

After a tight first half where Llandaff grabbed the only try, Whitland bounced back early in the second half when No 8 Jenny Hawkins crashed over and Welsh international Lleucu George added the extras.

And soon after it was 14-5 when outside centre Natalie Walsh cut over for a try, and No 10 George again added the extras.

The margin got bigger again when winger Marged Williams went almost the whole length of the field for the third try, and again George added two points.

But discipline then began to cost the Borderettes as Llandaff piled on the pressure, and sure enough they scored two converted tries to bring the score back to 21-19.

And sure enough, they struck again with another converted score to edge a thrilling contest.

But still, Whitland coach Aled Waters refused to be downbeat.

“What a way to end the season with this team in the Plate final,” he said.

“Full credit to Llandaff North for coming back to take the win like that. But I’m still really proud that everyone gave it 100% on a big occasion.

“And we thank everyone involved for organising such a great day.”

  • There is still a very big day for Whitland Ladies to come on Saturday, May 11. At Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn, a Mari Griffiths Select XV will play a Scarlets Ladies XV. Mari is a long time Borderette who is currently battling blood cancer, and all funds raised from the game will go to her and Lymphoma Action. As part of the event, an online auction is already underway with a lot of unique items on offer, including signed shirt from all four of the Welsh regions.

The game itself will kick off at 2pm, but entertainment including a bouncy castle, barbecue, raffle and live music will get underway from 11am onwards.