Championship Division (West):

 

Five-try Otters collect bonus-point victory

 

Maesteg Quins 10 - Narberth 35

 
Narberth ran in five tries to secure victory at Maesteg Quins and maintain their quest for the Championship Trophy alongside promotion, with livewire scrum half Lewys Gibby claiming the first two and The Otters in control thereafter as their pack, led by skipper Tom Powell and Roy Osborne, won plenty of quality possession and their backs had too much pace for The Quins, who battled hard nonetheless and will travel to the Lewis Lloyd Ground for both teams’ final match of the season.
 
The only down-beat moment came with a nasty ankle injury for ace try scorer Dean James, who was stretchered off and taken to hospital, and all rugby players and supporters locally will wish the popular winger a speedy recovery and eventual return to action.
 
It was Gibby who set the ball rolling, as he so often does, the first from a solo effort as the No 9 took the ball on half way, snipped up the blind side and outpaced the cover and crossed at the posts for half back pal Jonathan Rogers to slot the easy extra points – as he did soon afterwards when a good team effort allowed him to score in the same place.
 
Maesteg kept plugging away up front and their efforts were finally rewarded when full back Owen Howe slotted a penalty but then the Narberth points machine kicked into gear again and almost immediately good work by Aled Rees and Hedd Nicholas saw winger Josh Evans score, again at the post, for Rogers to convert.
 
Guto Davies, again making an impact with Osborn and Josh Hamer in the back row, dived over at the posts to give his side a bonus point and Rogers kicked a fourth simple conversion – but right on half time The Quins’ hopes were raised a little when outside half Rhodri Davies rounded off some hard-won possession with a deserved try that Howe converted.
 
The Quins also battled hard in a more competitive second half but The Otters defended well and scored the only points when Centre Aled Rees crossed the whitewash and Rogers added his fifth conversion so The Otters know that they go into the final two games, both at home to Bonymaen and their opponents here, with the silverware in their sights because there will be no over-confidence under coach Liam Gadd!
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Dean James; Aled Rees; Hedd Nicholas; Josh Evans: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: Bradley Davies; Tom Clarke; Tom Slater: Tom Powell (Capt); Alex Jenkins: Guto Davies; Josh Hamer; Roy Osborn. Replacements: Kyle Hamer; Lewis Davies; Sam Davies; Geraint Llewellyn; Jack Price.




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Preseli Men denied after late come-back

 

Trebanos 27 - Crymych 24

 
Cresselly showed their battling qualities as they fought back from a 19-7 interval deficit to be level at 24-all late in the game – but they then conceded a penalty from which Trebanos kicker Rhys Harries slotted his fifth penalty and The Preseli Men could only take a single bonus point despite outscoring their opponents by three tries to two.
 
It was hard to take for coach Elgan Vittle and his team, which had several key players missing, but he couldn’t fault their effort, especially in that second half where they played some really good rugby and were in with a good chance of completing the double, having beaten Trebanos by 33-14 at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
The home side certainly used the elements in their favour to establish that sizeable lead as skipper Steffan Lewis, playing at inside centre, scored their try after good work by flankers Aled Jones and McKenzie Clayton, and it was converted by Rhys Harries, who also landed four penalties.
 
The Preseli Men’s only response was a cracker of a try by winger Dafydd Phillips after a terrific peach of a pass by second row Rhys Davies, which had ‘Sonny Bill Williams’ written all over it before full back Ifan Davies converted!
 
In the second half Trebanos managed a second try, this time by replacement Gareth Lewis but winger Ianto Davies and outstanding flanker Iestyn Wood both grabbed Crymych tries alongside both conversions and a penalty by Ifan Davies – but it wasn’t quite enough and The Preseli Men were left to reflect on what might have been.
 
Crymych: Ifan Davies: Dafydd Phillips; Jon Hill; Trystan Griffiths; Ianto Davies: Ifan Phillips; Tristan Jones: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Lee Griffiths; Carwyn Rees: Rhys Davies; Llyr Davies: Iestyn Wood; Sion Wilson; Osian Davies. Replacements: Jamie Gimblet; Carwyn Phillips; Luke Freebury; Matthew Freebury.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls complete deserved double

 

Milford Haven 13 - Fishguard & Goodwick 22

 
Matches between Milford Haven and Fishguard & Goodwick are traditionally hard-fought Pembrokeshire derbies and this one at The Obs was no exception as both teams had chances before The Seagulls eventually ran out victors by 22-13 to complete the double over The Mariners, having already won 24-15 at home.
 
Fishguard made the better start as skipper James Griffiths slotted a penalty and they had their first try from outside half Jake Jenkins, who had a good game with his controlled kicking and judgement of when to bring his backs into action.
 
James Trueman reduced the deficit for Milford with a well-judged penalty but The Seagulls added a second try when influential vice-captain Sion Colella powered over the line and Griffiths converted – but Trueman was again on target with his second penalty and so they trailed 6-15 at the interval.
 
The second half was just as evenly fought and Fishguard added a third try when a series of strong forward drives ended with second row Rhys Lewis, who formed an effective lock department with the equally young Osian Rowe, ploughed over the line and Griffiths added the extra points.
 
Milford’s only try came from player/coach Steve Martin, who recalled his skills of yesteryear with Narberth and Llanelli as he sliced through from the 22 with just a couple of shimmies before Trueman landed the conversion.
 
Involved in the build-up for that score, and throughout the afternoon in defence was Milford’s other veteran in full back Lee Riley, playing in his penultimate match for The Mariners before stepping down to help Martin in coaching the backs at the club. He was chosen by the referee as ‘Man of the Match’ as reward for his play – and a nice moment for someone who has served the club first team so well for over 20 years!
 
Milford Haven: Lee Riley: Ieuan Davies; James Williams; Efan Morgan; Dean McSparron: Ollie Rothero; James Trueman: Jimmy Buirds; Luke Ryan; Ben Jenkins: Jay Goodall; Zac Davies (Capt): Ben Groves; Ryan Mansell; Scott Buirds. Replacements: Aaron Mayne; Jack Morgan; Dewi Williams; Ryan Davies; Steve Martin.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Creegan Foot: Dan Evans; Dylan Scott; James Griffiths (Capt);  Dan Cleary: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Osian Rowe; Rhys Lewis: Will Lewis; Sion Colella; Jac Delaney. Replacements: Ryan McVeigh; Bryn Thomas; Simon James; Cai Llewellyn; Kial Keane.
 
 

Seasiders shocked but still gain promotion

 

Pontyberem 17 - Tenby United 16

 
Tenby United received a shock set back as they travelled to Pontyberem having already achieved a  64-19 home win but falling just short in this return fixture as they were unable to find their normal rhythm against a stronger-looking home squad – but as The Seasiders trooped off the pitch there was the good news that champions-elect St Clears had done them a huge favour by beating third-placed Lampeter Town so that even if The Seasiders were to lose their last two games thy are almost nailed-on certs to gain promotion.
 
And The Seasiders gained the best possible start as they were seven points up from the first move of the match as they gained possession in Ponty’s 22 and after a series of well-controlled drives it was scrum half Cam Broadhurst who sniped over for the try.
 
His half back partner Harry Rossiter, drafted in late because Lloyd Thomas was out of action, missed the wide-angled conversion but soon added a penalty but Pontyberem fought back with a penalty from Rhodri Thomas, who then converted a try by Josh Farnell to give his side a 10-8 interval lead.
 
Tenby suffered another set-back after the interval when Carwyn Lynch crossed for Ponty’s second try, again converted by Lewis, and The Seasiders were in trouble.
 
They bounced back, however, when Harry Rossiter landed a second penalty and with time running out they were given a late, late chance of snatching the game out of the fire when The Seasiders established a strong driving maul from which hooker Kyle Rossiter emerged with the ball to claim a corner try.
 
So it was left to Harry Rossiter to try and land the very difficult conversion but it was not to be – and Pontyberem increased their chances of avoiding relegation whilst the mathematicians at Heywood Lane seek assurance that they can start their celebrations with two away games left!
 
Tenby United: Gwion Jones: Max Brindley; Jack Gooding; Luke Waygood; Luke Hartland: Kyle Rossiter; Cam Broadhurst: Ethan Morgan; Kyle Rossiter; George Rossiter: Tom Barrass; Luke Dedman (Capt): Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Dan Colley. Replacements: James Morgan.
 






 

Division Three (West) A:

 

All Blacks secure Sutton Cup with derby double

 

Neyland 17 - Llangwm 8

 
The Sutton Cup has been competed for by Neyland and Llangwm for 40 years in memory of Paul Sutton, a talented young sportsman who died tragically young, and this year the recipients of the silverware after winning 41-3 at Pill Parks and now beating The Wasps 17-8 in this hard-fought encounter at The Athletic Ground in front of a big crowd.
 
Playing down the slope and with the tricky wind slightly in their favour, Neyland made a good start as George Williams marked his welcome return from a lengthy spell out injured by booting a penalty into the bottom corner and after a lineout drive orchestrated by Alex Swales and Mark James it was No 8 Ben Williams who powered his way over the line and brother George added the extra points.
 
The All Blacks enjoyed a significant territorial advantage but The Wasps defended well as James Lewis, Morgan Layton and Morgan Scott-Walker covered well and Ieuan Power was joined by Charlie Wilson, Sam Rickwood and Phil Llewellyn in soaking up pressure.
 
Veteran second row James and centre Alex Codd were both held up short as No 9 Owen Hamer pressed relentlessly for openings, and the home side tried to bring Patrick Bellerby, Matthew Coles and Liam Rees into the action wide out – but there was no further scoring before half time.
 
The Wasps made the better start to the second half as  veteran scrum half Ian Griffiths and young partner Harry Makepeace set their backs in motion and in-form winger Jack Roberts outpaced the cover defence and race in for an unconverted corner try.
 
The All Blacks bounced back as George Evans put Patrick Bellerby away on the right and his clever kick ahead set up a series of scrum fives from which centre Adam Peel used his power to crash over in the corner, with Evans’ conversion attempt dropping just short.
 
Back came Llangwm and their efforts were rewarded when centre Iwan Davies slotted a penalty but, try as they might they were unable to break down the Neyland defence from a series of a tap penalty charges used instead of scrums five metres out – and The All Blacks had the final word when George Evans, drifting between flanker and the No 10 slot, made a good half break to establish a platform from which Owain Evans ploughed over the line.
 
The post-match ceremony was conducted by Robert Johns, the president of Neyland RFC and the magnificent trophy was presented by Phil Sutton, Paul’s brother, to All Blacks’ skipper Owain Evans, who not only led by example but claimed that all-important final score to ensure victory.
 
Neyland: Patrick Bellerby: Matthew Coles; Alex Codd; Adam Peel; Liam Rees: George Williams; Owen Hamer: Ebenezer Sokoiwasa; Alex Swales; Ben James: Mark James; Dan Hart: George Evans; Owain Evans (Capt); Ben Williams. Replacements: Nick Wilson; Joel Thomas; Craig Power.
 
Llangwm:  Dean Philpott: Jack Roberts; Yale Grice; Iwan Davies; Rhys Llewellyn: Harry Makepeace; Ian Griffiths: Charlie Wilson; Phil Llewellyn; Ieuan Power: Jake Thomas; Sam Rickwood: Morgan Layton; James Lewis,  Morgan Scott-Walker. Replacements: Matthew Rees; Andrew Edwards; Will Ridge; Tom Wheeler; Gavin Jones.



 
 

Aberaeron secure success in table-top clash

 

Aberaeron  24 - Cardigan 7

 
Aberaeron had lost 19-15 earlier in the season at Cardigan but this comfortable home win for Aber between the second and top teams saw them go a point ahead in the table with a game in hand, but with Haverfordwest and Laugharne still in contention for the section silverware.
 
Aberaeron certainly used the elements well in the first period as their pack went really well and half backs Steffan Rees and  Rhodri Thomas, plus skipper Morgan Llewellyn at full back, controlled play so that they established a 19-0 lead.
 
Cardigan were under some pressure up front, despite the efforts of Tom Taylor, Jackson Tucker Lynch and especially Aaron Tomkinson in their back row, and their indiscretions were punished by Rhodri Jenkins and the ace home kicker popped over four penalties and also converted their try by right winger Dafydd Llewellyn after quick hands from Ollie Sawyer and Jenkins.
 
Worse was to follow for The Teifisiders as Aberaeron also opened the second half scoring with No 10 Steff Jenkins slicing through for an unconverted try
And  then the home side played sensibly into the wind, defending well and maintaining their discipline so that Cardigan kicker Shaun Leonard had few chances to influence in the way he often does.
 
Cardigan finally broke their points duck when Alun Jenkins, having moved from full back to winger, rounded off a good move after an excellent break by John Lumb, with Leonard adding the extra points – but there was no further scoring as Aberaeron were worthy winners and The Teifisiders had no points to show for their part in an absorbing clash between two good teams.
 
Aberaeron: Morgan Llewellyn (Capt): Dafydd Llewellyn; Ollie Sawyer; Rhodri Jenkins; Dyfrig Dafis: Steffan Rees; Rhodri Thomas: Ceri Davies; Rhys Jones; Alex Danton: Richard Francis; Bleddyn Thomas: Hefin Williams; Bruce Gaskill; Will James. Replacements: Owain Wozencroft; Ryan Williams; Tudur Jenkins; Osian  Davies; Matthew Harries.
 
Cardigan: Alun Jenkins: John Lumb; Marcus Castle; Emyr Harries (Capt); Jack Taylor: Shaun Leonard; Llyr Jones:  Nathan Bowen; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Sion Phillips; Kester Adams: Aaron Tomkinson; Jackson Tucker Lynch; Tom Taylor. Replacements: Will Brice; Dean Harries; Colin Davies; Iwan John; Jac Davies. Travelling Reserves: Keiran Greenland; Rhodri Davies; Rhodri Parry Jones; Matthew Roebuck; Danny Bradshaw.
 
 

Laugharne stay in contention

 

Laugharne 90 - Llanybydder 8

 
Laugharne maintained their late thrust for the title with a 14-try hammering of a plucky Llanybydder team who battled to the final whistle but could only muster a first half penalty by Will Evans, where they trailed 38-3 and a second-half unconverted try, his first for the club, by loose-head prop Dan ‘Buwch’ Evans as they kept plugging away.

 
For Laugharne there were try hat-tricks for talented youngster Tyler Renolds and Liam Price, plus others at regular intervals from Nick Setaro (alongside 10 conversions), Iwan Lewis, Tomos Rees, Carl Smith, Owain Thomas (2), Tom Waters and Aled Thomas.

 
It keeps Laugharne in with a real chance of the trophy whilst Llanybydder celebrated completing a difficult season having grown so much and already looking forward to next season in Division Four (West)!