Pembrokeshire KO Cup:
Haverfordwest 20 - Whitland 3
Referee Tom Carew (Milford Haven)
Haverfordwest moved into the second round as the team which topped division three (west) A last season showed their capabilities in front of a big crowd at Merlins Bridge as they were worthy winners against a Whitland team which will again play its rugby in division one this season.Both teams were without key players but The Blues certainly adapted the better in a first game for them played at a terrific pace and scored three tries whilst restricting The Borderers to a single penalty from outside half Geraint Jones.
They also made fewer handling errors, which helped swing the game in their favour as both enjoyed periods of pressure in a balanced sharing of possession.
Soft early try for The Blues
The first try for The Blues came early on in soft fashion as the ball squeezed out of a ruck on the Whitland 22 and opportunist flanker Steve Thomas, always lurking with intent alongside Ryan Banner and skipper Matty Phillips, picked it up and galloped unopposed to the line for an unconverted try.
Whitland showed their attacking capabilities as half backs Ianto Davies and Geraint Jones swung the ball wide at every opportunity and young winger Rhys Homfrey was held up just short against terrific tackling led by Blues’ three-quarters Scott Candler, Jack Codd, coach Matthew John and Jack Evans – but eventually they were awarded a penalty and No 10 Jones slotted the easy three-pointer.
Blues double their lead close to half-time
Haverfordwest also looked to run the ball and Karl Busch, Terry Lovell and Jon Mason (playing at hooker) all pressed hard but failed to penetrate as coach John was also held up when it looked as if he would score.
They thought they had scored from a lineout catch and drive in the left corner but added their second unconverted try from a quickly-taken tap penalty which allowed Mason to power his way through to give his team a 10-3 interval lead.
Borderers start well – but The Blues stay strong
Whatever coach Gareth Bennett said at the break it saw Whitland come out firing on all cylinders but Geraint John was wide with an early penalty attempt from 35 metres and when John Lumb, Marcus Castle and Calum Evans made an impact they looked as if they might claw their way back.
But a few dropped midfield passes hampered their cause and eventually The Blues battled back up field and Karl Busch powered over in the left corner as reward for his immense effort alongside new recruit Gethin Bateman – and full back Callum John did well to add the difficult extra points.
John, who had a good game, also landed a much easier penalty as the Haverfordwest pack got on top in the set pieces to round off the scoring and take them into the next stage, whilst Whitland will now focus on the league games ahead knowing that they can play better than this once they lose their ring-rustiness.
Haverfordwest: Callum John: Scott Candler; Jack Codd; Matthew John; Jack Evans: Steven Sullivan; Liam Eaton: Dan Berry; Jon Mason; Terry Lovell: Gethin Bateman; Karl Busch: Matty Phillips (Capt); Steve Thomas; Ryan Banner. Replacements: Tom Carrington; Jamie Zambas-Evans; Ieuan Jones; Adam Williams; Mike Griffiths; Sam Webber; Jonny White.
Whitland: John Lumb: Rhys Homfrey; Iolo Rees; Marcus Castle; Lewis Gibbin: Geraint Jones; Ianto Davies: Tomos Evans; Marc Jones (Capt); Ceirion Evans: Dan Bennett; Raff Williams: James Lewis; Calum Evans; Jack Mason. Replacements: Tristan Bowen; Chris Marks; Jack Richards; Ben Taylor; James Thomas; Rhys Nicholas.
