The Premiership Division match between Narberth and Bonymaen at The Lewis Lloyd Ground on Saturday assumes even more importance than usual because although The Otters will still have five fixtures left the result here could have a major effect on their status next season – because ‘Bony’ are already four points clear with a game in hand to see who joins a Newcastle Emlyn side which sadly already looks down and out.The Otters won 29-27 in the reverse fixture with tries by Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, skipper Tom Powell and Ilan Phillips, with hooker Tom Clarke adjudged man of the match – but, as in other more recent games, they let a 29-8 lead just before the interval slip away as they held on at the tense finish.
They have played well in parts over recent weeks in narrow defeats by Neath, Cardiff Met, Newbridge, Pontypridd and Merthyr – often after being ahead in the last quarter, and they daren’t let Bonymaen take the verdict or it will be hard to catch up against Merthyr and Brecon (away), plus Brecon and Cross Keys (home), who are all in the top six, followed by Newcastle Emlyn on the last day of a long campaign.
Bonymaen also face tough tussles with Merthyr, Brecon and Neath but also take on Newbridge and Cardiff Met from the lower echelons – but with that game in hand The Otters know how important Saturday is.
Coach Liam will gear his team up well
Coach Liam Gadd will be making sure his squad is geared up, without any injuries to key players, and of vital importance are back rowers Roy Osborn and skipper Powell, plus whoever plays in the front row, with the possibility of Tom Kaijaks and Rob Evans there to boost their overall scrummaging power alongside Brad Davies, Kyle Hamer and Ryan Rees, with Will Blackburn, Caleb Salmon and Sam Martin needing to have big games alongside Josh Hamer, Jac Bennett or even Alex Jenkins if he could lend his lineout skills just for the day!.In this pundit’s opinion it is vital to have Lewys Gibby and Jonathan Rogers at half back, as well as Osian Evans and Rhys Williams have played at times – and it would be great if Ilan Phillips could join Hedd Nicholas and Harrison Griffiths in midfield, perhaps with one of them playing at full back if Ashley Sutton isn’t available.
Player/coach Matthew ‘Snowy’ John has been in try-scoring form on the wing and should be joined by Llew Jones or perhaps Dean James, if he is fit.
It is to be hoped that a huge crowd turns out at The Lewis Lloyd Ground to cheer The Others on – because it really is a very important match for the team currently the number one in the county!
