Griffiths grabs last-gasp winner for Seagulls

 

 
 

 
James Griffiths was the undoubted hero of Fishguard and Goodwick’s last-gasp win over Nantgaredig as he sped over at the posts in the closing stages of an absorbing clash and his successful conversion from literally the last kick of the match edged the Seagulls home by a single point.

 
Griffiths had also added another crucial try ten minutes before that as the Seagulls trailed 25-19 and his superb touchline conversion meant that his side were only a converted try away from victory.
 
Then a late thrust by Steve Jenkins, Simon James and the rest of the Fishguard pack allowed Marc Jones a chance to run at the Nantgaredig defence and his weaving run ended with a short pass that allowed Griffiths to dance over at the posts – and the Seagulls’ supporters were able to celebrate their second win of the league campaign as he slammed the conversion home from in front of the posts.
 

 
It was Nantgaredig who made the early running as Rhodri Jones slotted a penalty and then left winger Gethin Page made ground on the left, cleverly kicked into the corner and won the race for the touchdown to put his team eight points to the good.
 
But with Nathan Jenkins, Gwilym Evans and Mark George doing well in the ball winning stakes, alongside some powerful work in the set-pieces by Gerwyn Davies, Gavin Walsh and Ryan McVay, the Seagulls fought back with a brace of tries by Steve Jenkins, one converted by Griffiths, who had earlier missed a penalty.
 

 
Nantgaredig showed they are a useful side as they fought back with an excellent try by full back Bleddyn Lewis after a mazy run to the posts. Rhodri Jones converted and added a penalty in the second period after the Seagulls had missed a couple of scoring chances.
 
The writing was really on the wall for Fishguard as Nantgaredig scored an excellent third try, this time by centre Johnno Owens and which was converted by Rhodri Jones – but then came that late fight-back by the Seagulls to round off a hard-fought tussle well refereed by Adrian Slade.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Ed Bendall: Dai Evans; Mike Jenkins; Marc Jones; Matthew George: James Griffiths; Rhodri Morgans: Ryan McVay; Gavin Walsh; Gerwyn Davies: Nathan Jenkins; Gwilym Evans: Steve Jenkins (Capt); Mark George; Simon James. Replacements: Alun George; Adrian Squelch; Richard Hunter; Owain Morgans.

Nantgaredig: Bleddyn Lewis: Iwan Thomas; Johnno Owens; Rhys Edwards; Gethin Page: Rhodri Jones; Rhydian Evans: Paul Burton; Simon O’Leary; Elfed Daniels: Carwyn Davies; Tom Smythe: Tom Eldred; Curon Davies; Wayne Davies. Replacements: Huw Davies; Barry Thomas; Martin Davies; Steffan Nutting.

Referee: Adrian Slade