Featured Match – Division Two (West)
Seagulls secure last-ditch victory
Fishguard & Goodwick 22 - Kidwelly 20
A last-ditch try by replacement Jordan James saw Fishguard and Goodwick secure a third win from four starts and leap-frog their opponents into third place, writes Bill Carne.
Anything other than a Seagulls’ success seemed distinctly improbable at the interval as their powerful pack, superbly led in the ball-winning stakes by Sion Colella and the front row of Will Robinson, Adam Bowen and skipper Liam Wilkes provided them with the attacking options for half backs Max Jones and Kial Keane to exploit – and it was Jones’ quick thinking that opened their account with a tapped penalty and dash to the line.
A second try deservedly followed as Cai Llewellyn, Bryn Thomas, Luke McDuff and Colella did the spade work to create a gap which centre Jake Jenkins exploited to the full on a dash to the line and added the conversion.
The third Fishguard score was again initiated by their pack and after quick hands by Dan and Rhys Evans the ball was spread left and a neat dummy by Bryn Thomas gave him the space to dive over – but the relatively easy conversion went wide so The Seagulls had to settle for a 17-0 interval lead which could well have been four points more!
But things changed considerably after the oranges because Kidwelly gradually gained an edge and it came as no surprise when winger Rhys Homftray crossed for full back Freddie Price to add the extra points.
The lead was soon reduced to just three points when Kidwelly added a second through skipper Ioan Dillon, after prop Jordan Williams had made the initial thrust, with Price converting.
The Seagulls were rocked back on the defence and after Price had landed a well-struck penalty to level matters, he added another three-pointer that put his team ahead for the first time.
But The Seagulls had enough left in the engine to mount a late offensive and despite brace efforts by the Black and Ambers a series of close-range drives ended in No 19 Jordan James became the hero of the hour as he was just able to stretch out for the line – and referee Leighton Bambry was perfectly placed to score what turned out to the winning try and earned his team a welcome bonus point!
Fishguard & Goodwick: Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Oscar Lawrence; Rhys Evans; Jake Jenkins; Declan Thomas: Kial Keane; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes (Capt); Adam Bowen: Luke McDuff; Bryan Thomas: Cai Llewellyn Sion Colella; Jac Delaney. Replacements: Will Robinson; Ben Jones; Jack Richards; Jordan James; Ed Rathbone; Ryan Burton; Iori Cottrell.
Premiership Division:
Otters outfought by lowly Bedwas
Bedwas 43 - Narberth 25
Just how challenging this division can be was perfectly provided as Narberth followed up their excellent performance in defeat against Pontypridd the previous week with this disappointing reverse at The Bridge Field against a Bedwas side that was sitting in tenth spot in the table, with only one win from five starts, yet came away with a bonus-point victory where The Otters had nothing to show for their efforts.Yet The Otters were twice in the lead early on as Jonathan Rogers landed an early penalty and then converted a good try by skipper Tom Powell following a Mike Dacey try that was converted by home kicker James Dixon.
But then the Green and Golds scored two tries in quick succession from Gethin Cannon and Dacey again, the second converted by Dixon, before young No 8 Kieran Harris was rewarded for his support play by a try converted by Rogers, only for Bedwas to finish the half 26-17 ahead when Rhys Dixon crossed and Dixon again added the extras.
Rogers again opened the second half with a penalty, only for Luke Crane t score for Bedwas converted by Dixon, as they kept applying the pressure when Dixon slotted a penalty to push his team to open up a 16-point gap.
Aled Davies managed a good try for The Otters but Bedwas had the final word when No 8 Dylan Lawley ploughed over and Dixon appropriately rounded off the scoring with the conversion – and The Green and Golds moved up to eighth place in the section as Narberth dropped down to sixth spot!
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Harry Fuller; Ryan Davies; Aled Davies; Harrison Burke: Jonathan Rogers; Bowyn Clarke: George Rossiter; Kyle Hamer; Teifi Thomas: Iestyn Wood; Kieran Allen: Max Rodda-Lodder; Tom Powell (Capt); Kieran Harries. Replacements: Jake Bowen; Osian Charles; Jac Wrigglesworth; Jac Delaney; Sam Davies; Hedd Nicholas; Ilan Phillips, Shaun Pearce
Division One (West):
Seasiders come-back just too late
Yr Hendy 44 - Tenby United 41
Hendy Park is never an easy venue for visiting local clubs and Tenby lost a second game in five starts against the home team nicknamed ’The Green & Whites’ despite playing their part in a cracking contest where a total of 85 points were scored.The Seasiders made a slow start as they trailed after 23 minutes by 17-3 as Hendy grabbed good tries by Tom Havard, Aaron Evans and Dyfan Williams, one converted by Jake Newman as The Seasiders could only muster a penalty from Harry Rossiter.
But then Tenby raised their tempo and were awarded a penalty try alongside a try by Brad Cramb, which Rossiter converted to put them level - and then Jesse James came on for Cai Lewis and another Rossiter conversion saw them 24-17 ahead.
Back came Hendy with tries from Myles Harries and Leonard Ellery, both goaled by Newman to put his side 31-24 in front and the ace home kicker notched an early penalty after the restart and slotted the extra points when Ifan Beynon-Thomas crossed the line following further pressure.
But as fortunes ebbed and flowed the Seasiders responded again with a try be Jesse James, converted by Rossiter, as he did when Cramb crossed for his second score.
But Hendy had the last-ditch word when they were awarded a penalty with two minutes to go and Newman showed what an asset he is as he slotted it home with aplomb.
It denied Tenby a deserved draw but coach Jonathan Evans felt that at least they had two bonus points, although he could identify areas where The Seagulls might have enjoyed a win – and it will be interesting to see the score when the teams meet again next Saturday in the Division One Cup at Heywood Lane.
Tenby United: Jackson Gravatt: Gwion Jones; Max Brindley; Brad Cramb; Jordan Asparassa: Harry Rossiter; Cai Lewis: Jack Davies; Iwan Duffy; Rob Luly: Alex Jenkins; Luke Dedman: Cian Evans; Josh Hamer; Dan Colley (Capt). Replacements: Mikey Ryan; Jack Brown; Tom Barrass; Owen Grieve; Jesse James.
Preseli Men edge Saints in basement battle
Crymych 26 - St Clears 23
A try near the end of a tight tussle at Parc Lloyd Thomas by flanker Jon Hill earned Crymych their first win of the season, although was a nervy finish as St Clears grabbed an unconverted try through Osian Jones just before the final whistle that at least saw them go home with two bonus points, but with a fifth success defeat to stay bottom of the table.The basis for the home win was the forward power provided that allowed hooker Lee Griffiths to continue merrily on his was as Crymych’s clear top try-scorer.
But it was Gino Setaro who opened the scoring for The Saints with an unconverted try and the pacy three-quarter added a second soon after Griffiths his piled over the line for a try converted by Jac Davies.
As fortunes ebbed and flowed, The Preseli Men added a second Griffiths score, again converted by No 10 Davies, only for St Clears to led 18-14 at the break with a try from winger Sion Evans and a Che Thomas penalty.
No 2 Griffiths piled over for his hat-trick score from another controlled forward drive and Hill’s bonus-point try converted by Davies, seemed to have given Crymych the space they needed – but there was some consolation for their efforts with that last-ditch unconverted try by outside half Osian Jones.
Crymych: Deiniol Mathias: Tomos Lewis; Jac Griffiths; Jon Hill; Dafydd Bryan: Jack Davies; Dafydd Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffiths; Tomos Davies: Luke Freebury; Scott Williams-Parker: Llyr Davies; George Nelson; Osian Thomas. Replacements: Lloyd Hughes; Sion Nelson; Tom Taylor; Ifan Wyn Jones; Tomi Booth.
Division Two (West):
.Blues battle back to bag a narrow win
Haverfordwest 17 - Nantgaredig 16
Blues battle back to bag a narrow win
Haverfordwest 17 Nantgaredig 16
Haverfordwest secured a vital second win of the season at home to a talented young Nantgaredig side. (Writes Mikey Jones)
The Blues, however, didn't start well as they conceded a penalty from the opening kick-off to allow Nantgaredig full back Lloyd William to put the away side 3-0 ahead.
From that moment, Haverfordwest controlled the first period but a mixture of poor execution at set piece and wrong decisions cost them as they missed opportunities to take the lead. They did get themselves in front on the 20-minute mark, when a backline attack put winger Scott Candler on the front foot and he powered his way into the Nant 22.
From there the powerful Blues pack kept things tight and young hooker Rhys Phelps touched down at the side of the ruck. Ifan Williams saw his kick charged down so Haverfordwest held a two- point lead.
Nantgaredig wrestled back the momentum and the lead shortly after when goal kicker John William landed a well-struck penalty from 35m out. Another William penalty put Nant 9-5 ahead as Haverfordwest's discipline let them down at key moments.
With a couple of minutes left on the clock before half time, Haverfordwest looked to have taken a lead into the break when another young front rower in Iori Curtis scored a try, again from close range, following more powerful work from the forwards after man of the match Ioan Hawkridge-Jones had put them in position with a strong run through midfield.
This time Williams converted to put the Blues 12-9 ahead. However, Haverfordwest's kick off woes continued and this time a perfectly judged drop out went over the head of veteran prop Terry Lovell and straight into the arms of the Nantgaredig winger who was hauled down just short of the line.
The following ruck led to a penalty which Nant decided to put into the corner and hooker Gwyn Pearce scored from a precise rolling maul to put Nantgaredig back in front to end a thrilling back and forth half.
To add to the frustration of the Haverfordwest coaches, William kept his 100% kicked record with the conversion from the touchline and Nantgaredig took a 16-12 lead into the break.
The second half was a different story and the first score would be decisive. Following great defence and some poor execution from both sides, it was Haverfordwest who scored the winning try when Hawkridge-Jones received the scoring pass from Iestyn Arnold following a break by another 18-year-old in Liam Hughes.
Williams' conversion drifted wide and the lead was just one point with just over 10 minutes left but The Blues controlled the final period very well and reduced Nantgaredig to one missed long-range effort before running the clock down and kicking the ball into the home stand to secure an important win for the players, coaches and supporters.
Haverfordwest: Logun Young: Scott Candler; Jack Codd, Iestyn Arnold; Luke Dyer: Ifan Williams; Liam Eaton (Capt): Iori Curtis; Rhys Phelps; Terry Lovell: Teifion Owen; Karl Busch: Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; Mike Griffiths; Dylan Williamson. Replacements: Harri Evans; Dan Berry; Devin Williams; Matt Phillips; Liam Hughes.
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Division Three (West):
Cardis too strong for The Mariners
Milford Haven 24 - Cardigan 51
St Davids tries were scored by scrum half Dan McClelland, winger Aaron Cookson and replacement Nathan Abbott, with James Trueman adding all three conversions and a penalty.
*Sadly, no further details are available*.
Milford Haven: Alfie Thomas: Aaron Cookson; Owyn Griffiths; Isaac Mills; James Trueman: Efan Morgan; Dan McClelland: Jordan Davies; Ollie Warlow; Jimmy Buirds: Liam Brown; Ethan Aldred: Ben Groves; Ieuan Davies; Zac Davies (Capt), Replacements: AJ Booth; Cruz Findlay; Aaron Whatling; Cian Harries; Nathan Abbott. Reserves: Morgan Doncaster; Sam Wilson.
Cardigan: John Lumb: Aaron Evans; Iwan John; Joe Thomas; Alun Jenkins: Luke Rogers; Ifan James: Will Brice; Luke Palmer Davies (Capt); Andrew Jones: Dean Harries; Kieran Hurley: Aaron Tompkinson; Connor Owen; Owen Fletcher. Replacements: Ben Swift; Sean Owen; Llyr Jones; Sam Lloyd.
All Blacks suffer injuries as Ponty stay unbeaten
Neyland 17 - Pontyberem 41
Neyland’s tough start to the season continued as they went down at The Athletic Ground to league leaders Pontyberem after their already depleted team in terms of injuries to key players like skipper Alex Swales and several away working at Hinkley Point, lost acting skipper Alex Codd with knee problems and prop Seb Mackintosh sustained a broken tibia.Such was their lack of experience that at one stage George Evans was taking the throw-ins at the linesout and quickly returning to his berth as outside half!
Yet The All Blacks played with total commitment and when they lost those players, they were 27-17 adrift but doing very well in the set scrums through the efforts of Luke Griffiths-Dawes, Asher Gledhill, Morgan John, Jay Vakadaudau, Dan Hart and especially Ben Williams. and with Jasper Endean inspiring his colleagues with his tackling in defence, despite being the smallest player on the field!
Pontyberem were 24-0 towards the end of the first period through tries from Daniel Morgans (2), and Will Lloyd-Thomas, all converted by Rhodri Lewis, who had opened their account with a penalty.
But then James Hamilton rounded off a move that included Chris Morgan, Patrick Bellerby and Korey Riley, playing his first game of the season, with Rio Phillips landing the conversion.
No 10 Phillips, who showed what a classy player he is, opened the second half scoring with a try he also converted before Rhodri Leis added his second penalty.
George Evans slotted three points for The All Blacks to keep things interesting but Ponty showed their ability to retain control with tries late on by Gethin Thomas and a third by Daniel Morgan, both converted by ace kicker Rhodri Lewis.
“I was so proud of the boys who played because we couldn’t fault their commitment,” said sidelined skipper Alex ‘Budgie’ Swales, “and Pontyberem certainly knew they had been in a game because everyone gave 100%!”
Neyland: Chris Morgan: Ethan John; Patrick Bellerby; Alex Codd (Capt); Jasper Endean: Rio Phillips; George Evans: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Seb Makintosh; Asher Gledhill: Morgan John; Jay Vakadaudau: James Hamilton; Dan Hart; Ben Williams. Replacements: Sam Cataki; Corey Riley; Harrison Grice; Evan Roberts; Korey Arran. Reserve: Matt Shaw.
Depleted Borderers are taken apart in Tumble
Tumble 81 - Whitland 7
It was a terrible day on the road for Whitland as the euphoria of their first win of the season last week was wiped out by a heavy defeat in Tumble.
The Borderers travelled with just 15 players, which included two permits from Carmarthen Athletic, and their cause wasn't helped by the absence of Liam Price through illness and player-coach Lee Rees, who is imminently awaiting the birth of his child.
And yet, they took an early lead against the odds as the visitors had the early ascendancy in the scrum, and this platform 15 metres out led to a series of forward drives that culminated in Ceirion Evans powering over and Connor Court converted.
But Court soon limped off injured from the moment winger Aled King responded by crossing for Tumble, it was a one-way traffic. The Llanelli-based side scored six tries to lead 40-7 at the break and then added seven more thereafter, as Whitland finished with just 13 men as the permitted Noah Toland was also forced off.
King finished with a try hat-trick, full-back Scott Jones and replacement Steffan Price crossed twice, while No.8 Harri Bennett, half-back partner Iwan Morgan, centres Dafydd Thomas and Owen Bunford also scored - before Osian Flint and Rhys King came off the bench to go over late on. Centre Bunford also added eight conversions.
Whitland team manager James Lewis, who had worked tirelessly in the week to assemble a squad, praised the players who travelled.
"The effort of the boys on a day like today showed real character," he said.
"I can't fault the boys who turned up and put a shift in."
Whitland: Jordan Roberts; Noah Toland: Deian Davies; Richard Davies; Tomos Hughes: Connor Court; Jac Rogers: Trystan Bowen; Thomas Iraia; Ceirion Evans: Aaron Thompson; Jack Jenkins: Charlie Watson; Gavin Smith; Connor Toland.
Division Four (West) A:
Saints stay top after first-half scare
Narberth Athletic 14 - St Davids 15
Narberth maintained their 100% start to the season and sit proudly atop the table after edging home by a single point against Narberth Athletic after the home side had led by 14-0 at the break.But The Saints’ redoubtable pack got on top after the interval., despite injuries to hooker Rhys Price and skipper George Raymond, who was a late withdrawal from a back injury, and three unconverted tries came as reward to inflict a second defeat in four outings for the Otters’ Reserves.
Skipper Steve Pilot certainly led the Athletic by example and opened their account after 13 minutes and loose-head prop Daf Walters added their second, 14 minutes later – and the closest The Saints came to reducing the deficit came when Arron Foster instigated a backs’ move but a midfield pass went awry with the line beckoning!
But The Saints reduced the deficit after the interval when a clever kick ahead by canny centre Ben Joyce found stand-in skipper and outstanding man of the match Nathan Foster able to outstrip the cover defence to gain the touchdown.
Then a controlled forward drive from 10 metres out allowed prop Iwan McVeigh to be impelled over the line and with four minutes to go they snatched the lead when another forward surge to the line allowe3d gritty scrum half Owen Swain to dive through and claim their third unconverted try.
It left the visitors with a short time to try and claw their way back but St Davids stood firm and were good value for a fifth victory in as many starts as their reward.
St Davids: Adam Phillips: Bob Froy; Ben Joyce; Danny Voyce; Dom Sinnott: Aaron Foster; Owen Swaine: Ethan Griffiths; Adam Williams; Iwan McVeigh: Iestyn Owen; Ryan McVeigh: Daf Williams; Nathan Foster; Cameron Sapsford. Replacements: Dan Murphy; Iwan Roberts; James Goldsmith; Mike Gurney; both converted by Shane Rossiter Kian Ladd; Owain Morris.
Rampant Pembroke power past the Bulls
Pembroke 66 - Teirw Crymych 26
Pembroke's good run of form continued as the Scarlets scored 10 tries to see off Teirw Crymych and cement second place in the table.
Leading 35-14 at the interval, the hosts continued to attack from all areas to seal a big win but Crymych too played their part, crossing four times themselves to at least come away with a losing bonus point.
Skipper Lloyd Davies got the ball rolling for the hosts, literally, as he touched down from a maul and then Josh Greenwood rounded off some expansive play by breaking the line to score from 20 metres out.
But the visitors stayed in it as their pack made some hard yards before Rhydian Howells barged over - only for Pembroke to hit back with a super score from home front rower Daniel James, who rounded off a series of offloads by going over.
Morgan Owens extended the home lead when he cut over out wide and with the bonus point already secured, Theo Davies crossed and Jared Sherratt nailed a fifth successive conversion. The back-and-for action continued as the Bulls struck again through George Griffiths and after a breathless 40 minutes, the pace continued in the second half.
Jack Nicholas scored two early tries for Pembroke before another good handling move yielded a second try for Owens, and Lewis Jones also got on the scoresheet before man-of-the-match Rhydian Eynon was rewarded for 80 minutes of hard carrying with a try of his own. With Sherratt off the field, Zak Shaw added the extras to three of the tries.
Further Crymych consolation scores came from Howells again and Hedd James, with Owain Evans landing three conversions overall.
"It was a great win and another five points," said Pembroke team manager Robin Badham.
"And it keeps our momentum going ahead of next week and a big game with Narberth in the cup."
Pembroke: Lewis Davies: Morgan Owens; Lewis Jones; Jack Nicholas; Rhydian Jones: Jared Sherratt; Josh Greenwood: Lloyd Davies (Capt); Daniel Davies; Rio Stratford: Dan James; William Edwards: Theo Davies; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Rhys Beynon; Aled Price; Cyle Weatherall; Evan Phillips; Damo Stratford.
Teirw Crymych: Steffan Rees: Taran Morgan-Davies; Iolo Phillips; George Griffiths; Owain Evans; Arwel Davies: Iwan Davies; Aled Hughes; Geraint Thomas: Rio Stratford: Gwion Evans; Jac Williams: Steffan Davies; Hedd James; Rhydian Howells.
Wasps battle hard but miss out at Dol Wiber
Dreigiau Emlyn 12 - Llangwm 8
Llangwm continued to search for a first league win of the season as they made the journey to Newcastle Emlyn and had chances in the second period to break that deadlock but in the final analysis the home side heal out defensively to take their third win from five starts.
The Red & Whites started well as they won good ball up front and showed their willingness to run the ball – and they were rewarded with tries from Rhys Thomas and Dafydd Evans, the second converted by Deiniol Rees.
For The Wasps, George James, Ollie Kersey and Jack Roberts defended well and also looked useful in attacks initiated by halves Dylan Philpott and Euan McDonald – but all they could muster was a penalty landed by No 10 McDonald.
It was a similar story after the break and Llangwm hopes were raised when Owain Jones ploughed over after a series of controlled drives near the home line. With Callum Jenkins making his usual charges and Jordan Evans making an impact when he joined the fray but The Wasps were unable to grab the try needed for victory – but at least pouched a deserved bonus point for their efforts.
Head coach James Lewis told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk afterwards,
“We really could have come home with a win because we battled hard against an experienced team, but I was delighted we had a full squad to travel and the whole squad deserve every credit for giving 100%.”
Llangwm: George James: Ollie Kersey; Ollie Davies; Joe Johns; Jack Roberts: Euan McDonald; Dylan Philpott: Joe Newton; Liam Barber; Callum Jenkins: Jake Thomas; Luke Sandell: Owain Jones; Finlay Phillips; Morgan Rees. Replacements: George Nicholls; Gethin Thomas; Jordan Evans; Andrew Evans; Josh Owen. Travelling Reserve: Chris Johnson
Tenby bounce back with a big team performance
Tenby United Athletic 38 - Aberystwyth Athletic 12
Tenby's second string produced a fully committed display to bounce back from last week's WRU Cup defeat and pick up a bonus point win over Aberystwyth Athletic.Despite missing key personnel and naming four permitted players, and with skipper Lewis Rossiter to the fore The Seasiders dominated the physical exchanges and took control when a number of forward drives created the space for Cemlyn Bolton to trot over unopposed.
The second score came when forwards Taz Richards and James Morgan both drove at the heart of the Aber defence and it was Alfie Pryor who benefitted by scoring out wide and after the break Hudson Diment got the third try, diving over after a run and offload out wide from Mason Montague.
The winger himself then went from provider to scorer with the vital fourth score in the corner - before Pryor produced some individual magic by chipping ahead and gathering the bouncing ball to score and Louie Treadaway-Williams, who caught the eye with his tackle rate and all-round play from scrum-half, added the last of his four conversions.
The impressive Luke Hartland rounded off the home scoring from a kick ahead down the wing which he managed to reclaim before going over - while Aber at least mustered two tries through Sion Evans and Tomos Parry and Ifan Morris goaled one of them.
But the day belonged to the home side, and the coaching staff expressed gratitude to Llangwm, Fishguard, and Narberth Athletic for helping out with permitted players and contributing to an important win.
Tenby Athletic: Luke Hartland: Tyler Evans; Callum Cogger; Jayden Allen; Mason Montague: Alfie Pryor; Louie Treadaway-Williams: Rob Clark; James Morgan; Ethan Morgan: Cemlyn Bolton; Cal Earland: Taz Richards; Cian Knights: Lewis Rossiter (Capt). Replacements: Callum Joslin; Hudson Diment; Callum Bather; Harry McDonald, Callum Serafini.