<P> `` 9 -- 3 '' is a poem by Welsh comedian and singer Max Boyce and refers to the match between Llanelli and the New Zealand All Blacks at Stradey Park in front of 26,000 supporters on 31 October 1972 . Llanelli took a 6 -- 0 lead through a converted try but New Zealand struck back to make it 6 -- 3 . A long distance Andy Hill penalty ensured Llanelli emerged victors by 9 -- 3 and the crowd famously ran onto the pitch at the end and carried off players such as Delme Thomas . The poem is best known for the line `` The day the pubs ran dry '' , as huge celebrations followed and many pubs in the town sold out of all alcoholic drinks . </P>
when was the day that the pubs ran dry in the poem 9-3
31 October 1972