TALYWAIN made the journey to Llanhilleth in the Ben Francis Cup, where four tries were just enough to see the team from Torfaen through to the next round.

After a gruelling opening half, Talywain were trailing by 16 points to nil, writes Laura-Cait Driscoll.

Llanhilleth had kicked three penalties and celebrated a converted try.

Talywain needed a serious wakeup call. Fortunately they were able to go into the break on the back of a try from the rampaging Josh Harris.

The coached delivered some much-needed inspiration during the half-time team talk.

The second half performance was much better and Talywain got a grip on the game, taking control and dictating play.

Jamie Parry crossed the line, converted by Williams, after a fantastic maul.

Another converted try followed courtesy of a fantastic effort from Nathan Day who dodged his way through the Llanhilleth defence. Talywain now led 19 to 16.

The hosts refused to lie down and die though, and Llanhilleth bounced back with a penalty and a try, to give them a crucial 24-19 lead with just minutes to go.

Enter Alun Scammell, who - after making a 40 metre break - touched down from a formed maul levelling the score. Adam Williams then slotted a brilliant touch line conversion to send Talywain through in the dying moments.

The final score was 26-24 to Talywain to cap a scintillating display from both sides.

Coach Darren Davies said afterwards: "We knew it was a potential banana skin with the changes we made. But we believe in our players and they never disappoint."

Talywain, after playing away for four weeks, will now entertain Tredegar on Saturday at home. Kick off is 2.30pm.