Midweek Floodlit Rugby - Semi-Final KO Cup Plate
Pembroke 19 - Neyland 36
Venue: Crickmarren, Pembroke
Referee: Richard Thomas (Carmarthen) who had a good game with his quiet, firm control
Neyland reached the KO Plate Final with a deserved win over Pembroke but it was a mad few minutes after the interval that finally secured success after they half led by 19-12 at the break of an absorbing local derby that that again showed how important these games are for clubs in our county – and for supporters too, writes Bill Carne.So, The All Blacks reach their first plate final – and there was a double bonus because victory meant they were also winners of the KO Carpets trophy, which is up for annual competition between these old rivals.
Result decided in four minutes
The Scarlets had just grabbed seven points prior to the break and coach Gary Price will have emphasised how important the next score was – a message that was also repeated by his Neyland counterpart Steve Hamer before they returned to action – and it was the All Blacks who took that on board with 12 points in the opening four minutes, to effectively settled the issue!Rio Phillips kicked off and the ball was allowed to bounce near the Pembroke 22, allowing winger Josh Watts to gather and race ahead, finding Owen Hamer in support before finding skipper George Williams perfectly placed to take the scoring pass.
And worse was to follow because before The Scarlets were allowed to regroup, influential scrum half Owen Hamer raced clear for an opportunist score and half back partner Rio Phillips added the conversion to put his team 31-12 ahead – and there was no way back for The Scarlets!
Excellent performances from veterans on both sides
Neyland had suffered an afternoon set-back when back-rower Corey Riley was taken ill and Andrew Slark stepped in to play really well alongside other veterans in centre Shane Phillips (Rio’s father) and prop Sam Cataki, plus replacement winger Delme Bateman, the majority now well-passed past the 40 mark! Jamie Sitoe also came on for his first team debut and skipper George Williams switched from full back/centre to No 8 and played a blinder, not only in the loose but as a real ball-winner in the lineouts.Pembroke were also able to call on old-timers in Seamus ‘Moose’ Wiseman, Johnny Palmer and Scott Powell to boost an all-ready powerful unit where Zak Shaw was outstanding, ably assisted by Tommy Oakley, Dan and skipper Lloyd Davies, with Lewis Dennison and George Jones as other key players.
All Blacks lead three tries to one at half time
The opening exchanges were even but it was Neyland who opened the scoring with a close-range try from George Evans, as involved as ever – but Pembroke drew level with a Jones’ try after excellent control through several phases where he was involved and was rewarded with the final act.Back came the All Blacks with a cracking try by Josh Watts as the winger sped 30 metres, beating three would-be tacklers in the process to reach the corner – with Rio Phillips adding the excellent conversion.
Then Dan Hart, another grafter in the Neyland pack, touched down after a powerful rolling maul from the 22 metre line; again Rio Phillips converting to open up a 14-point gap but just before half time the Scarlets scored a try by centre Evan Davies as reward for good work by Shaw and Rhydian Eynon Shaw adding the extra points to place his side very much back in contention at the oranges.
Hard work by both teams until the final whistle
Then came that amazing start to the second period to widen the gap to at least three scores and both sides had half chances before Owen Hamer claimed The All Blacks’ fourth try, this time converted and then totally settled the result with a splendid solo effort, which was unconverted by Rio Phillips.
It says much for Pembroke’s battling spirit that they managed to have the final word as their pack took play close before Scott Powell, the multi-times former club captain, made sure he was perfectly-placed to flop over the line and Shaw converted to end a fascinating game on a high note
Josh Watts received the Neyland man of the match award, closely followed by Owen Hamer and George Williamss – and their reward now is the Plate final against local rivals Milford Haven which is likely to be played in May, with date and venue to be confirmed.
Pembroke: Zach Evans: Tobi Pratt; Evan Davies; Rhys Johns; Charlie Sheils: Lewis Davies; Josh Greenwood: Lloyd Davies (Capt); Dan Davies; Tommy Oakley: Toby Hounsell; Lewis Dennison: George Jones; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Seamus Wiseman; Johnny Palmer; Dan Gosnold; Scott Powell; Theo Davies. Rhys Beynon.
Neyland: Oli Rothero: Josh Watts; Matthew Coles; Shane Phillips; Liam Rees: Rio Phillips; Owen Hamer: Sam Cataki; Alex Swales; Seb Mackintosh: George Evans; Dan Hart: Iestyn Evans; Corey Riley; George Williams (Capt). Replacements: Mason Harrison; Andrew Slark; Finn Gale; Jamie Sitoe; Finlay Phillips; Delme Bateman; Alex Codd.