2023 Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup Final:
Crymych just too sharp for gritty Narberth youngsters
Crymych 20 - Narberth Development Squad 10
Referee: Chris Oliver
Crymych are the winners of the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup after gaining their expected victory over the Narberth Development Squad at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn, Whitland – but not before they had been tested all the way by the opposition that in the main was composed of young Otters looking to make their way in the game.Indeed, during one 15-minute spell in the second half, when they trailed 10-17, the underdogs had a couple of try-scoring opportunities but failed to take then, although Crymych could also say that they had done the same thing in the first half.
Either way, the forecast by some local pundits of at least a 25-point difference in the scoring never looked likely and both sides could take credit in different ways for creating an exciting final that was watched by a very large crowd, who clearly enjoyed the total commitment shown from both camps, alongside the pace and skill levels shown
The game started at a helter-skelter pace and with the wind at their backs Crymych opened the scoring with a penalty by full back Adam Phillips – but Narberth bounced back with a try by full back Shane Rossiter after he latched on to the back of a well-controlled forward drive and claimed the touchdown before adding the extra points.
But Crymych regained the initiative when they set up a solid platform on the back of the ball-winning capabilities of Llyr Evans, Trystan Griffiths, Matthew Freebury and Carwyn Phillips, and scrum half Daf Phillips set his backs in motion for winger Ned Bennett to finish well and score a corner try which Adam Phillips did well to convert.
A Rossiter penalty hauled Narberth back level but just before half time Crymych gained their second try, this time by centre Eilir George, converted by No 15 Phillips, to take them into a 17-10 interval lead.
The second half saw more errors creep into the game and although both teams went close the only points came from a second penalty by Adam Phillips and so Crymych were winners despite some yeoman Narberth effort by scrum half Dylan Walsh, playing with an injured foot but having to go off at half time, with Harry Phillips later selected as their player of the match after returning to play after a lengthy absence and showing his capabilities.
For Crymych, No 9 Daf Phillips was chosen as the official man of the match as hooker Carwyn Rees, outside half Huw Rees and second row Rhys Davies also caught the eye in a deserved win, before sponsor Huw Hughes presented the KO Cup to skipper Carwyn Phillips, and leaving Narberth Development Squad to reflect on their first appearance in the final and an excellent showing against far more experienced opponents.
Adam Phillips: Owain Evans; Eilir George; Lawrence Headlam; Ned Bennett; Huw Rees; Daf Phillips: Dylan Phillips; Carwyn Rees; Ryan Rees: Rhys Davies; Matthew Freebury: Carwyn Phillips (Capt); Llyr Evans; Trystan Griffiths. Replacements: Lee Griffiths; Jonathan Clout; Rhydian Howells, Llyr Davies; Cai Ifans; Thomas Davies; Ifan Davies. Travelling reserve: Iestyn Wood.
Shane Rossiter; Lewys Thompson; Ryan Scourfield; Ifan Rees; Will Davies; Harry Harries; Dylan Walsh; Declan Cole; Rhys Jenkins; Richard Watkins; Harry Foster; Tom Parsells; Ioan Phillips; Kyle Williams; Harry Phillips; Jac Norcross; Ryan Cole; Dan Owens; Sam Davies; Owain Hughes; Jordan James; Brad Cramb; Jack Perrins’ Owen Llewelyn.