Championship Division:

 



 

Seven-try Otters win well despite concentration lapses

 

Narberth 51 - Glamorgan Wanderers 28

 
A cracking first-half performance where Narberth led 30-7 against Glamorgan Wanderers saw them claim a comfortable bonus-point win and although The Otters perhaps inevitably took their foot off the pedal in the second half they were always in control.
 
Nick Gale, getting ever closer to 1,000 points in league rugby, opened their account with penalties in the 8^th and 18^th minutes – and after 27 minutes they were awarded a penalty try after persistent infringements at a scrum five.
 
Then an excellent break out of defence by Ashley Sutton saw centre Josh Davies at his side to take the scoring pass, with Gale adding the extra points., as he did shortly afterwards when good handling by The Otter backs saw Davies grab his second try.
 
The Wanderers finally opened their account when centre Morgan Llewellyn scored a try converted by No 10 Tommy Taylor but The Otters had the final word right on half time when dynamic flanker Roy Osborn crossed in the corner.
 
There were a few alarm bells ringing in the Narberth camp early in the second half as Williams claimed his second try and was joined on the scoresheet by hooker Jack Williams, both converted by Taylor to narrow the gap to nine points.
 
But half backs Lewys Gibby and Jonathan Rogers steadied things down as Tom Powell’s pack began to reassert itself and flanker Richie Rees finished off a good move involving forwards and backs, Gale again converting.
 
Jonathan Rogers, later chosen as the man of the match, sliced through to the posts and centre Ianto Griffiths’ good play in the centre was rewarded with Narberth’s final try, both converted by Gale.
 
The Wanderers did have the final word when flanker Max Wootten crossed for a try, converted by Taylor, to give his team a bonus point as reward for their part in an entertaining tussle but it was The Otters who achieved their seventh win in 11 starts and retention of a top-five spot in this very challenging division.
 
Narberth: Nick Gale: Ashley Sutton; Josh Davies; Ianto Griffiths; Josh Evans: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: Bradley Davies; Dan Smith; Tom Slater: Rhys Williams; Tom Powell (Capt); Richard Rees; Josh Hamer; Roy Osborn. Replacements: Tom Clarke; Sean Janes; Caine Rees-Jones; Will Hughes; Ben Thomas.
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Preseli Men recover from shock scores

Crymych 24 - Gorseinon 17

 
Crymych completed a deserved double over Gorseinon after winning the away fixture by 24-19 but this was no walk-over against a team currently in ninth place but leading 17-12 at half time as they punished home errors.
 
Gorseinon had served notice of intent with an early penalty from No 10 Tom O’Kelly but things looked fine for The Preseli Men as they established a 12-3 lead with some very positive play that saw them score excellent tries by scrum half Huw Rees and influential skipper Carwyn Phillips, making a welcome return to the No 8 berth after a lengthy period out injured.
 
But then they gifted the visitors 14 points from an interception try by centre Dai Rees, converted by O’Kelly, and a penalty try from a scrum - and Crymych were adrift at the break.

But whatever coach Elgan Vittle said at half time it certainly worked because The Preseli Men settled back into their own patterns of play, with good possession from their pack implemented by their pacy back division so that centre Gethin Gibby could speed through for two tries.
 
Then the forwards decided to get in on the act and hooker Carwyn Rees applied the finishing touch and a welcome bonus point, alongside two conversions by full back Adam Phillips.
 
Crymych: Adam Phillips: Dafydd Phillips; Tomos Phillips; Gethin Gibby; Laurence Headlam: Ifan Phillips; Huw Rees: Jonathan Clout; Carwyn Rees; Ifan James: Matthew Freebury; Rhys Davies: Llyr Davies; Rhydian Howells; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements: Cai Ifans; Dylan Phillips; Luke Freebury; Llyr Evans; Ned Bennett.
 




 

Borderers win basement battle

 

Whitland 47 - Pembroke 15

 
Whitland comfortably won this basement battle at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn after they had led Pembroke by 19-10 at half time but then took charge to end up with seven tries and a welcome double since they had already beaten The Scarlets by 33-20 at Crickmarren.
 
Coach Gareth Bennett was pleased afterwards with the way that his Borderers had played and said that whilst a number of players might have caught the eye it was the solid commitment of the squad that saw them end up victorious.
 
Their try scorers were flanker James Thomas, winger Will James, veteran No 8 Jack Mason, scrum half Ianto Davies, centre Liam Price, replacement Tom Windsor and a penalty try, with fly half Stuart Morris, kicking five conversions on his debut for The Borderers.
 
*Sadly, no details were available for Pembroke.*
 
Whitland: Rhys Nicholas: Owyn Griffiths; Trystan Rees; Liam Price; Will James: Stuart Morris; Ianto Davies: Martin Nicholas; Marc Jones; Ceiron Evans: Benji Kirk (Capt); Dan Bennett: James Thomas; Jack Richards; Jack Mason. Replacements: Dai Ebsworth; Sam Clarke, Macaiah Jones; Tom Windsor; Jonathan Thomas.

Pembroke: Matthew Lewis: Steve Brown; Luke Alderwick; Jordan Cornick; Barry Alderman-John: Tom Lewis; Jarred Sharrat: Jamie Brayford; Seamus Wiseman (Capt); Lloyd Davies: Will Edwards; Dan Gosnold: Andrew Evans; Rhodri Walters; Sam Smith. Replacements: Rhys Mainwaring; Harry Dawe; Josh Axon; Travis Mathias; Darcy Langstone.





 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seasiders survive late scares

 

Tenby United 24 - Fishguard & Goodwick 21

 
Tenby United gained a hard-fought victory over old rivals Fishguard and Goodwick in an entertaining match where The Seasiders looked home and dry at 24-9 with five minutes left but The Seagulls caused a few tremors with two late tries before the final whistle brought relief to the Tenby supporters.
 
The Seagulls made the better start and were six points to the good after 18 minutes after centre James Griffiths had slotted two penalties – but then The Seasiders responded with an unconverted try from flanker Dan Colley after No 9 Cam Broadhurst and had sniped up the blind-side and from his pass Colley was able to reach the line as reward for his support play.

Tenby moved into a 12-6 lead at half time as they stretched the Seagulls’ defence before Cam Broadhurst found Tom Barrass inside and some amazing sleight of hand by the second row allowed winger Gwion Jones through for a try which No 10 Lloyd Thomas converted.

James Griffiths added his third penalty after the restart but The Seasiders took control with a try by skipper Luke Dedman after he’s rounded off seven quick phases by powering 20 metres to the corner.
 
Then No 8 Jake Roberts grabbed a push-over try as reward for the home pack’s commitment and Thomas converted.
 
But then came those tense final minutes when The Seagulls battled hard to gain a bonus point with good tries from replacement Dan Cleary, converted by Griffiths, and winger Dylan Scott after a clever cross kick by Jake Jenkins.
 
Tenby United: Luke Hartland: Jack Gooding; Luke Waygood; Yannic Parker; Gwion Jones: Lloyd Thomas; Cam Broadhurst: George Rossiter; Dafydd Humphreys; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass; Luke Dedman (Capt): Liam Pugh; Dan Colley; Jake Roberts. Replacements: Rob Clark; Jimmy Davies; Jack Broadhurst; Will Swales; Adam Quill.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Robbie Jones: Dylan Scott; James Griffiths; Sion Rowlands; James Reynolds: Jake Jenkins; Creegan Foot: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Gwilym Evans; Osian Rowe: Cai Llewellyn; Bryn Thomas; Chris Shousha (Capt). Replacements: Andrew Morrillo; Will Lewis; Simon James; Dan Cleary; Osian Lewis.
 
 

Sauro stuns Mariners with last-gasp conversion

 

Pontyberem 13 - Milford Haven 11

 
Outside half Dom Sauro was the toast of his team mates and hardy band of supporters as Pontyberem celebrated their first win of the season with a late, late corner try from winger Llyr Williams and Sauro utilised his experience as he sent the conversion unerringly between the uprights to deny The Mariners even the draw they at least deserved.
 
Small wonder that assistant coach Steve Martin, playing at outside half, was disappointed because he was quick to praise the work-rate of his team, with plenty of chances but taking of wrong options at key times costing them precious points.
 
The Mariners actually led 8-6 at half time as Sauro landed two penalties for Pontyberem and hooker Dylan Evans scored an unconverted try for The Mariners alongside a James Trueman penalty.
 
Trueman added his second three-pointer after the break and they were still ahead at 11-6 until those fateful late moments when home second row Daniel Morgan and former Narberth No 8 Wayne Williams led a series of forward drives to the line for Llyr Williams to squeeze in at the corner – and Sauro set the seal on a determined home effort with his superb conversion!
 
Milford Haven: Lee Riley (Capt): Ieuan Davies; Dan Jenkins; Dan Birch; James Trueman: Steve Martin; Dan McClelland: Ben Jenkins; Dylan Evans; Jimmy Buirds: Zac Davies; Jay Goodall: Luke Ryan; Ben Groves; Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Sam Phillips; Ethan  Aldred; Iestyn Williams; Dan McSparron.
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 


 

Wasps gain cracking revenge win

 

Llangwm 17 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 14

 
Referee: Rob Mata (Taffs Well) who had a good game, keeping tight control
 
Llangwm lost 5-66 against Pembroke Dock at Bierspool early in the season but gained ample revenge with this hard-fought victory in this return clash at Pill Parks.
 
It was good old-fashioned stuff, with total commitment from both teams and with vociferous support from a decent crowd, with both teams intent on running the ball and inevitable lots of mistakes but they just added to the excitement as fortunes ebbed and flowed, and neither could gain total master over the other.
 
After 15 minutes of sizing each other up front it was The Quins who took the lead when Harry Owen made the initial thrust and winger Tom Donovan did well to reach the top corner – and full back Morgan Rogers’ difficult conversion attempt was judged to perfection.
 
Both sides had other half chances but there was no further scoring until just on half time when The Wasps camped in the Quins’ 22 and after powerful bursts by Ieuan Power, Phil Llewellyn and Jason Mock it was second row Adam Williams who emerged with the ball before outside half Kieran Lewis Owen added the extra points to tie matters up at the oranges.
 
The second half was equally as strongly-contested before The Quins regained the lead with outstanding flanker Harry Owen shrugging off a couple of tackles on a run from near half way to score a try which was converted by Morgan Rogers.
 
Llangwm reduced the deficit with a penalty by Kieran Lewis Owen and the loudest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for popular Llangwm skipper Ieuan Power as the burly prop ploughed over for a try converted by Kieran Lewis Owen to help The Wasps to their second success of the season.
 
Llangwm: Matthew Hughes: Ollie Gerson; Mikey Phillips; Yale Grice; Jack Roberts: Keiran Lewis Owen; Ian Griffiths: Ieuan Power; Phil Llewellyn; Matthew Rees: Dave Reynolds; Adam Williams: James Lewis; Owen Jones; Jason Mock. Replacements: Callum Jenkins; Tom Meehan; Ollie Kersey; Dan Morgan; Dan Ridge; George John.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins:  Morgan Rogers: Ieuan Jenkins; Gethin Bradney; Ben Hathaway; Tom Donovan: Euan McDonald; Tom Wheeler: Dan McLeod; George Belmaine; Connor Kolmel: Martyn Culley; Darren Potter: Jack Malitte; Harry Owen; Jack Brown. Replacements: Kieran Cookson; Jack Hagan; Danny Manning;  Morgan Owen; Kobey Thomas.







 



 

Aberaeron survive as All Blacks rule the second half

 

Neyland 14 - Aberaeron 16

 
Referee: Alex Yau, who was his usual effervescent self!
 
For the second game in succession on their visits to Pembrokeshire, Aberaeron left the field knowing they had been in a tight finish and somehow escaped as they showed their will to win against Neyland, who had so many chances to snatch the verdict but were denied by desperate defence or mistakes caused by over eagerness.
 
But The All Blacks at least had the consolation of a bonus point and there is no doubting their determination to play attacking rugby, with a pacy set of backs threatening whenever they had the ball in hand.
 
They had a few early chances playing up the slope but were unable to take them and it was Aberaeron who took the lead as experienced fly half Rhodri Jenkins called the shots and he landed two penalties to put his side in front – and set up their first try after 30 minutes with a nice transference to centre Gethin Jenkins, who beat several defenders and supplied the scoring pass for winger Bedwyr Davies to dive over in the corner.
 
The visitors made it 16-0 after only four minutes of the second half from a charge down on the half way line and two well-controlled kicks ahead by outside centre Dyfrig Davis and a gift try that would have caused some clubs to lose heart.
 
But Neyland under coach Steve Evans are bonny battlers and they deservedly came back into contention with some great attacking work by George Evans, George Williams, Adam Peel and Ollie Rothero to send winger Jake Griffiths in at the corner and Rothero converted after referee Yau had spoken to the touch judges and showed sound common sense.
 
From there on it was almost a case of Neyland dominating and Aberaeron trying to hold out, kicking out of defence and tackling with great commitment when the ball came back at them.
But The All Blacks; were finally rewarded when gritty scrum half Owen Hamer crashed over and Rothero again converted – but sadly were unable to add any extra points in the three minutes remaining because a win would have been no more than they deserved!
 
Neyland: Ollie Rothero: Jake Griffiths; George Williams (Capt); Adam Peel; Ben Millward: George Evans; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales; Craig Power: Dan Hart; Iestyn Evans: Alex Codd; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Andrew Slark; jasper Endean; Henry McBeth; Stu Phillips; Sean Geoghegan.
 


 

Cardis come good in second half

 

Cardigan 31 - St Davids 0

 
When Cardigan and St Davids met early in the season the teams shared 20 points and it looked as if this contest might be equally close as The Saints had their chances in the first period as George Raymond and Ben Joyce threatened in midfield and skipper Nathan Foster and hooker Rhys Price caught the eye up front.
 
But The Teifisiders defended well and soaked up a few short periods of pressure as they were led by skipper Tom Taylor, who then grabbed a try from his No 8 berth which was converted by full back Llyr Jones to give the homesters a narrow lead at the oranges.
 
But whatever the home coaches said then it certainly had an impact as they raised the tempo, began to edge possession in broken play and scored three tries, all converted by Llyr Jones alongside a well-struck penalty.
 
Their bench certainly helped because there was a try each for replacement wingers Tom Griffiths and Jack Taylor whilst outside half Jac Davies also got in on the act as he sliced through some slack marking to cross the whitewash to help Cardigan to their third win of the season.
 
Cardigan:  Llyr Jones: Keiran Greenland; Geraint Williams; Emyr Harries; Tom Griffiths:  Jac Davies; Danny Bradshaw: Dan Gosnald; Tomos Evans; Rhodri Parry-Jones: Andrew Jones; Dean Harries: Sion Phillips; Kieran Hurley; Jackson Tucker Lynch; Tom Taylor. Replacements: Jack Perkins; Ben Hughes; Marcus Castle; Iwan John; Jack Taylor.
 
St Davids:  Rhys Morgan: Russell Watkins; George Raymond; Ben Joyce; Jack Jones: Aaron Foster; Owain Swain: Ben Evans; Rhys Price; Adam Williams: Andrew Batten; James Goldsmith: Llion Williams; Nathan Foster (Capt); Aled Davies. Replacements: Dan Murphy; Dale Humphreys.