Rain ruins rugby programme

 
The heavy rain and high winds that tore across West Wales virtually destroyed Saturday’s rugby programme as not a single match was played in Pembrokeshire and only two local teams played ‘up the line’, albeit in abject conditions where all four teams deserve credit for just turning out in such monsoon conditions.
 
Fishguard and Goodwick disappointing lost at Pontyberem, a side they had already beaten 30-6 in the early part of the season, with The Seagulls outscoring Ponty by two tries to one but conceding far too many penalties that helped give ace home kicker Rhodri Lewis 14 points – but at least Nathan Jenkins’ boys came away with a bonus point for their considerable efforts!
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins made the long journey to Llanybydder and played in equally awful weather on a pitch that began cutting up and then ponding in the first half. The Quins led 13-0 at the interval and were 19-5 ahead after 60 minutes when the referee and both skippers agreed enough was enough, with The Quins as victors by dint of the fact that they had played enough of the time for the result to stand!
 
 

Division Two (West) A:

 

Penalties conceded cost Seagulls victory

 

Pontyberem 19 - Fishguard & Goodwick 14

 
Fishguard & Goodwick had already beaten Pontyberem 30-6 when the teams met at The Moors but although they outscored their opponents by two tries to one in this repeat fixture they conceded careless penalties and were punished to the full – and in the final analysis had to settle for a losing bonus point instead of four points for completing the double!
 
Yet The Seagulls made a good start as their pack looked strong, with the front row of Iwan McVeigh, Liam Wilkes and Will Delaney catching the eye, and centre Dan Cleary, making the switch from wing to outside centre, crossed for a deserved try which skipper James Griffiths converted.
 
But home kicker Rhodri Lewis served notice of his being in form, despite the heavy conditions, by slotting two penalties and then adding the extra points to a close-range try from hooker Osian Jones after good work by No 8 and captain Gareth Davies to put Pontyberem 13-7 ahead at half time.
 
The Seagulls brought om Sion Colella and the back rower put them ahead after 55 minutes with a well-worked try, converted again by skipper Griffiths but from 14-13 in front they again gave full back Lewis two further chances to kick for goal, which he did well to slot in the worsening conditions.
 
It was to The Seagulls’ credit that they made desperate attempts to grab the converted try which would have edged them home but Ponty half backs Tom Lloyd and Mike Sauro kicked well to clear danger and the final whistle saw the home side take a revenge win – but in the final analysis both teams and official deserve every credit for getting the game played!
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Creegan Foot: James Reynolds; Dan Cleary; James Griffiths (Capt); Dylan Scott: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Osian Rowe, Bryn Thomas: Will Lewis; Cai Llewellyn; Jac Delaney. Replacements: Ryan Foot; Sion Colella; Nathan Thomas; Dan Evans; Joe Dunn.
 
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 




 

Quins bravely battle to victory in abject weather

 

Llanybydder 5 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 19

 
Pembroke made the long journey to Llanybydder and battled hard to grab a deserved victory as the home side deserved credit for getting the game on and both teams deserved a medal for lasting 60 minutes in abject conditions before the referee discussed the matter with both captains and the trio deserved credit for agreeing that the game should be brought to an early conclusion since they had met the required time for the result to stand.


 
Before the pitch began to pond with the incessant rain The Quins scored two tries though classy centre Jack Price and No 8 Ben Gibby after good work by Will Nicot, Josh Brown and Andrew Edwards – and although Ben Hathaway was unable to convert either he added a penalty just on half time to, to give The Quins a 13-0 interval lead.
 

Hathaway added his second three-pointer early in the second period on the back of some terrific work by the back row of Gibby, Jack Mallitte and Jordan Palmer, Lewys Scourfield and Callum Jones – but Llanybydder deserve credit for managing a close-range try by Iestyn Evans which went unconverted.
 
The Quins quickly regrouped however, as Gethin Bradney, Tom Wheeler and Tom Donovan defied frozen fingers to defend well alongside half backs Kieran Machin and Morgan Rogers – and there was still time for Hathaway to add a third penalty before the game was halted early – and it is a fair bet that all the players enjoyed their hot shower and a few pints afterwards!
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway: Tom Donovan; Gethin Bradney; Jack Price; Tom Wheeler: Morgan Rogers; Kieran Machin (Capt): Will Nicot; Josh Brown; Andrew Edwards: Callum Jones; Lewys Scourfield: Jack Mallitte; Jordan Palmer; Ben Gibby: Replacements: Lewis Hunter; Owain Turner; Jayden Webber.