Rugby Report for
18th April 2009
 Division One (West):
Johnny seals late Otters win
Narberth 29 points -
Llangennech 21 points
A late penalty by outside half Aled Davies and a last-gasp try by winger Johnny Morgan helped Narberth gain a hard-fought win over Llangennech and secured a welcome bonus point in the process. It also provided the Otters with a double since they had won 38-31 in a free-scoring match in the reverse fixture.
Adrian Thomas gave Llangennech the lead with a penalty before home centre Steve Martin maintained his run of form with another try, converted by Aled Davies, who also notched the extra points when winger Tom Bonnell raced through wide on the right for the Otters’ second score.
Llangennech countered with an unconverted try by winger Aled Roberts and second penalty by Thomas before Narberth secured a 21-11 interval lead when centre Richard Davies grabbed a good try which Aled Davies goaled.
Back came Llangennech after the oranges when Thomas dropped a neat goal and added the extra points to a try by centre Ellis Phillips which tied things up at 21-all before Davies gave the Otters a narrow lead with a simple penalty and than a cracking try by Matthew Davies sent Johnny Morgan over for the match-winning try and that bonus point as No 8 John Tennick was voted man of the match for his solid work in the set-pieces and the loose.
Whitland v Bonymaen
(Match postponed – Whitland Youth in Welsh Youth Final)
Division Three (West):
Makeshift Blues pounded
Aberystwyth 72 points - Haverfordwest 8 points
Haverfordwest were forced to travel to Aberystwyth with a makeshift side and paid a heavy price as they trailed 31-3 at the interval, their only points coming from a penalty by youth No 10 Mike Jones.
The Blues had no shortage of effort from experienced forwards like Gareth Green, Richard Brazell and Dan Miners and it was Brazell who scored their only try as youth centre Ollie Ryland also looked sharp on debut.
Aber had already won 26-10 in Haverfordwest and are a great side going forward - and outside half Jason Rees claimed a personal haul of 35 points with five tries and five conversions. Other tries came from flanker Arwel Lloyd (2), winger Rhys Richards, second row Llewellyn Evans, replacement hooker Gareth Flynn and full back Paul Stubbs (2), who also added a single conversion to round the scoring off.
 Cruising Cardis run in 15 tries
Cardigan 97 points -
Amman United 3 points
Cardigan ran in 15 unopposed tries against lowly Amman United to secure a high-scoring win where they missed by only three points to achieve double figures against a side they had beaten 28-13 earlier in the campaign.
But Amman United showed why they have won just once all season as they managed a solitary penalty from outside half Joel Forster as the Teifisiders had four tries from influential full back Mike Diggle to help them on their way. No 10 Iestyn Crompton supported with a try hat-trick, with others coming from replacement centre Nathan Murphy (2), centre Carwyn Thomas, flanker Marcus Heighton, wingers Wayne Parsons and Robert Davies, replacement winger Huw Davies and prop Gareth James.
Cardigan skipper Colin Davies certainly led his team by example and also landed 11 conversions out of 15 to help the Cardis claim a huge win and a real boost to their ‘point for’ tally.
Lampeter v Crymych
(Match postponed – Lampeter playing Glyncorrwg in Swalec Bowl Competition)
Division Four (West):
Scarlets suffer in midweek
Brynamman 37 points - Pembroke 7 points
Pembroke played this match on Wednesday with a weakened side but gave 100 as they trailed by only 13-7 at half time, thanks to a try from winger Huw Purser which fly half Lewis Davies converted.
Brynamman showed why they are promotion favourites after the interval as they scored three more tries but Pembroke team manager Darrell Willington was quick to praise his young side for never giving up against more experienced opposition.
 Quins win well in physical encounter
Cwmgors 6 points -
Pembroke Dock Quins 21 points
Pembroke Dock Quins knew they would face a physical encounter at Cwmgors and that is exactly what they got – but they held on well as they scored the only two tries of the match and completed the double since they had already beaten Cwmgors by 36-10 at home.
Kevin Windsor slotted a penalty in each half for Cwmgors as they trailed 14-3 at half time, with Kevin Bratcher scoring a good try for the Quins as reward for his support play, whilst strong-running centre Darren Gibby also crossed in the second period for the Quins.
The Quins had the father and son duo of Barry and Mark Parsons in their second row and veteran Dai Lewis answered a call to arms as the Quins were without several regulars. Young fly half Dean Lawrence landed three first-half penalties and converted Gibby’s try to set the seal on a deserved win for the Quins that pleased coach Lenny Scourfield for the way that they stuck to their task.
 Smith slams Tycroes hopes
Tenby United 42 points - Tycroes 5 points
Sam Smith followed four tries in Tenby United’s midweek win over Pontarddulais with another four tries in this deserved win against Tycroes as the Seasiders were good value for a 14-0 interval lead and were always in control thereafter as all the tenth-placed opposition could muster was an unconverted try by Kyle Thomas.
The Tenby pack played really well as a unit in setting up the platform for the Seasiders to add other tries by centre Gavin Brace and winger Dan Colley, with all six tries converted by centre Tom Lewis.
The Seasiders had beaten Tycroes by 34-6 when they met them in an away tussle and this repeat victory was just what the Seasiders wanted to end the season in some good form for their last couple of matches.
Division Five (West):
Seagulls slump as coach departs early
Aberaeron 34 points - Fishguard 14 points
Fishguard player/coach Alan Phillips received a red card against Aberaeron which rocked his team back on their heels so that they were unable to build on their excellent midweek victory over Milford Haven.
Seagulls’ skipper Simon James and second row Andrew Merry claimed the Fishguard tries, both converted by Huw Evans but Aberaeron winger Llyr Davies raced clear for two tries and others came from hooker Rhydian Harries, flanker and captain Tudur Jenkins, plus replacement forward Carl Williams.
Centre Dylan Evans contributed three conversions and a penalty as Aberaeron completed the double since they had already won narrowly in Fishguard by 15-13.
Saints slammed!
Furnace 71 points - St Davids 0
St Davids are not the best of travellers at present and they certainly suffered a dose of travel sickness on Saturday as they were scorched 71-0 by Furnace, who made it exactly 100 points for the season against the struggling Saints since they had already eased home by 29-0 in Ty Ddewi!
Outside half Simon James led the way with a personal tally of 26 points from two tries and eight conversions, with other tries falling to full back Matthew Samuel, centre Barry Walters, hooker and captain Chris Jones (2), winger Mark Cook, flanker Lee Cook (2), centre Jimmy Rowlands and winger Geraint Jones.
Sam grabs try- scoring record
Milford Haven 78 points - Llangwm 0
Teenage winger Sam Stalbow created a new try-scoring record for Milford Haven as he powered over for no fewer than EIGHT tries in the Mariners’ thrashing of a Llangwm outfit in which skipper Ian Griffiths led the Wasps’ struggle but Alan McClelland’s team was eager to redress their midweek defeat against Fishguard.
Stalbow had already scored three tries when Milford won 29-0 at Pill Parks and there was no stopping him on this occasion as Milford spread play wide at every opportunity and other tries came from second row Gareth Fawcett, replacement flanker Dai Sweeney (on for the lively Ben Johnson), winger Craig Thomas and veteran back row man Scott Walters.
Full back Lee Riley had a cracking game, according to his delighted coach McClelland, crossing for two good tries and landing four conversions to keep the Mariners well and truly in the promotion race.
Rugby Reports for
11th April 2009
Feature Match:
Division One (West):
Whitland battlers upset the odds
Narberth 13 points -
Whitland 20 points
Whitland called upon their battling qualities as they upset the odd laid by local bookies in beating near neighbours Narberth in such a manner that even the most committed Narberth supporter would have to admit their side were second best on this occasion.
The Borderers had lost 30-6 at home to the Otters and few would have given them much hope of success against a Narberth team which is third in the table and played some cracking rugby. But the old adage about only being able to play when you have the ball in hand proved true on this occasion because the Borderers’ pack, superbly led by skipper Randall Williams as my man of the match, squeezed the Otters’ eight to such an extent that their only try came in the dying seconds after the game was already won.
Whitland served notice of intent from the outset as prop Craig Kelly, playing on permit from Carmarthen Quins, ploughed his way into the home 22 and when he was grounded he did well to set up the platform for play to be spread right by scrum half Gary Davies so that centre Lee Glanville was able to cut inside for a try which No 10 Carwyn Jones converted before adding a penalty to put his team ten points to the good after only seven minutes.
 Jones hit the crossbar with another penalty attempt as Jack Mason, Carwyn Davies, Raff Williams and Ryan Michael all covered well before home outside half Aled Davies slotted two penalties and put a third attempt just wide right on the interval after team mate Jamie Bohata had been despatched for a ten-minute stint in the sin-bin.
The 10-6 internal scoreline in favour of the Borderers stayed right throughout the third quarter as Carwyn Jones missed two penalties for the visitors and a strong run by centre Gary Evans was only just halted.
Both sides made changes and Narberth thought they might have scored when good handling by replacement Sion Brace and Aled Davies put Steve Martin away on the right but he hit the flag when he dived for the line and referee Jon Mason ruled ‘no try’.
Whitland finally broke the deadlock after Carwyn Jones had left the field and centre Glanville took over the kicking duties to kick a close-range penalty – and converted a try by replacement Gareth Morris after two handling errors in midfield created the space for him to sprint to the line.
Narberth managed a late interception try by Brace which Aled Davies duly goaled but it was too little, too late for the Otters so that Whitland players and supporters will enjoy the bragging rights until these two committed teams meet again!
Narberth: Nick Jones: Tom Bonnell; Richard Davies; Steve Martin; Jonathan Morgan: Aled Davies; Adrian Killa: Tom Slater; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Jason Jennings; Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Andrew Dennis; Jamie Bohata. Replacements: Scott Payne; Aled Harries; Dai Ebsworth; Sion Brace; Richard Sharpe-Williams.
Whitland: Will Davies: Dion Thomas; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Aled Jones: Carwyn Jones; Gary Davies: Craig Kelly; Gavin Walsh; Alan Proctor: Raff Williams; Carwyn Davies: Jack Mason; Ryan Michael; Randall Morgan (Capt). Replacements: Romeo Colella; Craig Smith; Tom Dinan; John Bowen; Gareth Morris.
 Division Three (West):
Crymych records galore
as Tumble tumble
Crymych 103 points -
Tumble 14 points
Crymych created all sorts of club records as they achieved a three-figure score against lowly Tumble they loaned two players to a visiting side which travelled with only 12 players and were under the cosh from the outset as the Preseli Men led 55-9 at the interval and it soon became a question of just how many points they would score.
They eventually ran in no fewer than 17 tries, another club record, whilst scrum half Huw Rees, who had an off-day at Haverfordwest the previous week, scored three tries to go with eight conversions for a personal haul of 31 points.
As well as Huw Rees’s hat-trick, other tries came from second row Andrew Phillips (2), flanker Andrew Morris, skipper Richard Llewellyn, outside half Gareth Davies, flanker Mark Oakman (2), player/coach Elgan Vittle (2), full back Martin Jones and winger Guto Griffiths, who sped over for two tries and added a conversion.
Regular place kicker Steve Hewitt landed three penalties for beleaguered Tumble and there was a consolation try for Dafydd Humphries which was roundly applauded by the sporting Crymych crowd – but the Preseli Men maintained their recent momentum and certainly boosted their ‘points for’ column.
 Blues suffer as skipper Steve leaves the field with shoulder injury
Haverfordwest 10 points -
Lampeter 19 points
Haverfordwest’s hopes of a home win over Lampeter looked good as they opened up an early 10-3 lead but then skipper Steve Williams had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and although replacement Andrew Williams played well the Blues lost their momentum and Lampeter snatched victory to complete a double since they had already beaten the Blues by 26-15 in Lampeter.
Steve Williams landed an early penalty which was cancelled out by a snap drop goal from opposite number Huw Thomas before centre Alun Harries powered through for a good try from a quickly-taken tap penalty by Richard James, with Steve Williams adding the extra points.
Huw Thomas kicked his second penalty just on half time and added two further penalties in the 57th and 62nd minutes – and as the Blues tried to play ‘catch-up’ rugby they conceded possession and Lampeter full back Jason Thomas sliced through for a try which his namesake Huw converted to set the seal on a disappointing defeat for the Blues.
Haverfordwest v Lampeter action picture supplied by Matthew Kelly - rawphotography.me.uk and Narberth v Whitland derby action pictures by Bill Carne
 Cardis play part in a ‘cracking game’
Pontyberem 35 points -
Cardigan 31 points
“A cracking game of rugby” was the general view of all those fortunate enough to see a match between promotion favourites Pontyberem and a Cardigan side which amply demonstrated that they need fear no-one in this section as they picked up two bonus points in a narrow defeat where their pack played particularly well and Dafydd Evans ran well in the middle.
Cardigan had lost the home match against Pontyberem by 15-8 and this one was always going to be equally tight as Pontyberem led 17-7 at half time but were never able to assume anything against Colin Davies’s bonny battlers, who came back to 17-all but were never able to take the lead, despite their yeoman efforts.
The Teifisiders’ tries came from second row Dylan Davies, flanker Marcus Heighton, replacement winger Robert Davies and centre Dafydd Evans, all converted by skipper Colin Davies to go with a well-struck penalty.
Pontyberem scored five tries from prop Simon Roberts, right wing Matthew Murphy, left wing Richard Davies (2) and No 8 Adam Smith, with Mike Sauro notching two conversions and two penalties to help Pontyberem win a match where they knew they had been pushed all the way by another very good team.
 Division Four (West):
Jason jumps in with late Tenby try
Burry Port 27 points -
Tenby United 34 points
A late try by talented youth player Jason Ronowitz, converted by No 10 Del Brace, helped Tenby United to a nail-biting win at Burry Port against a team they had slammed 43-10 at home but found a different proposition on their own turf.
Indeed, the Seasiders trailed by 15-10 at half time and conceded another converted try before they finally found their tempo and Ronowitz’s late score when the teams were sharing 54 points, gave Tenby a nervy double.
Home outside half David Bower gave them the early lead with a penalty but Del Brace levelled matters with a penalty before converting a good try scored by Dan Colley, only for Burry Port to bounce back with a try by Bower and another from half back partner Adam Davies which Tom Price goaled.
A second Adam Davies try and Price conversion helped make Burry Port look unassailable at 22-10 but Dan Colley claimed his second try and two more tries by busy open side flanker Harry Bolton, one converted by Brace balanced out an unconverted try for Burry Port by Price to square things up at 27-apiece.
But the Seasiders held their nerve late on to score the winning try from Ronowitz and give them an expected win against a team in the relegation zone – but pushing Tenby all the way before going down to defeat.
 Lee leads Quins to ‘frustrating win’
Pembroke Dock 'Quins 20 -
Hendy 17 points
Four tries by flying winger Lee Scourfield helped the Quins to win at home against Hendy but it was all frustrating stuff for the Quins as their opponents weren’t ready to play until 3pm and opted for uncontested scrums from the outset.
This robbed the Quins of one of their key launch-pads and as the game wore on their frustrations became evident as they established a 20-0 lead just after the interval but lost their direction and focus to such a degree that Hendy fought back with tries from Terry Jenkins, Rhydian McGuire and Gareth Thomas, who also kicked their only conversion.
The Quins had three tries disallowed for forward passes and alleged ‘crossing’ but they also had a bonus point after Scourfield sliced through from 22, 30 and 35 metres to help the Quins establish a 15-0 interval lead before adding another from near the 22 early in the second period.
From the air on their plan disintegrated and although coach Lenny Scourfield wouldn’t condone their taking their foot off the pedal he could at least empathise with his young charges as the momentum was gradually soaked out of play and they certainly lost their way.
 Superb Scarlets show true potential
Pembroke 68 points -
Pontarddulais 22 points
“The best we’ve played in the four seasons I have been involved,” was the considered verdict of Pembroke team manager Darryl Willington as the young Scarlet team overwhelmed Pontarddulais to such an extent that they were already 40-plus points ahead at the break as they outclassed and outpaced a Bont side two slots above them in the league and looking to repeat the 27-13 verdict they gained at home.
But the magnificent Scarlet tight five of Chris Phillips, James Roberts, John Palmer, Robin Badham and Matthew Sprague took their opposing numbers apart so that Steve Dyde, Tom Surtees and Rob Jones linked well with diminutive scrum half Andrew Hay and tries came at regular intervals.
Rob Jones, Badham, and Sprague all got on the try sheet alongside full back Lewis Davies (2), replacement hooker Max Hayward and centre Luke Dow, whilst Mark Williams added another three tries in an excellent season.
Lewis Davies notched nine out of ten conversion attempts and although Pontarddulais had a small measure of success with a bonus point for tries by James Davies (2), Nick Walters and Matthew Harding, one converted by Daniel Hannah, it was the Scarlet runners who celebrated a win which shows what they can do when they are on song.
Division Five (West):
Saints struggle in Mid Wales
Aberaeron 36 points - St Davids 0
Aberaeron ran in six tries with response as their pack proved too strong for St Davids and the Aber backs were able to take control with so much quality possession.
They served notice of intent when they were awarded a penalty try from a five-metre scrum where a retreating Saints’ eight transgressed and the referee awarded a penalty try which was converted by Dylan Evans.
Pacy winger Aled Davies claimed an unconverted try before No 8 Alistair Severs added try No 3 from a close-range drive and Aberaeron were already 24-0 ahead at half time as they grabbed a fourth try by hooker Rhydian harries which Evans converted.
Phil Lamb played well for St Davids as the skipper tried to rally his troops alongside hooker Noel Lyons but they were rarely able to maintain any momentum so that the speed of Sion Morgan and Fraser Watson was rarely used, although Morgan did go close on one occasion – and Aberaeron had the only points of a tighter second period with tries from second row Adam James and replacement winger Dafydd Roberts, one converted by Evans.
 Wasps back with a welcome win
Llangwm 21 points - Pontyates 12 points
Llangwm played well at a sunny Pill Parks as they fought off a determined challenge by a Pontyates outfit two places above them in the section table to win only their third match from 17 starts.
In a tight first period where the Wasps played up the slope they led 7-5 from a good try, scored by strong-running centre Will Beresford as reward for all his excellent support play, with scrum half Steve Picton converting, whilst Aled Williams crossed for Pontyates.
The visitors took the lead with a try from Kevin Jones, converted by Jamie Hubbock but two huge penalties by teenage fly half Andrew Brock put the Wasps a point ahead. Then prop Will Scriven showed a clean pair of heels to the Ponty cover as he powered through from fully 35 metres for a solo try before Brock landed his third penalty to give Llangwm a morale-boosting victory that was no more than they deserved for a solid all-round team performance.
Milford Haven v Fishguard
(Match postponed because of a death in the Fishguard camp – to be played now on 15th April)
Neyland v Swansea Uplands
Match postponed until 2nd May – Uplands unable to raise a team)
Rugby Reports
for 4th April 2009
Feature match:
 Preseli Men’s power pays off
Haverfordwest 7 points -
Crymych 37 points
Crymych’s run of good form was maintained with a convincing win over Haverfordwest where the Blues gave it all they had but were unable to complete in the set-pieces well enough, their tackling was weak at times and they were unable to turn periods of pressure into points.
In sharp contrast, the Preseli Men are currently oozing confidence, are playing with commitment as a team and were 22-0 up at half time as reward for taking their chances, despite a rare off day for Huw Rees as their place kicker, as the scrum half missed two penalties and three conversions out of four in the first half – and was again off-target in the second period as Crymych failed to convert any of their three tries there.
 Talented young centre Carwyn Phillips opened the Crymych scoring after five minutes when he sliced through the middle – with left winger Guto Griffiths adding the second from another strong run where the tackling was non-existent.
Burly prop Rhys Richards grabbed the third try with a gallop through a huge gap from the 22 metre line, with Rees converting before Richards added his second wide out on the other flank when Huw Rees, John Davies and Trystan Griffiths had created the space with some good handling.
Haverfordwest started the second period well and were rewarded with a cracking try after Darren Salmon came in from his wing and popped up the pass for centre Dan Harries to score a try converted by skipper Steve Williams. The Blues had other chances as Richard Brazell and Mark Busch battled hard up front but they again failed to take half chances and were punished by the Preseli Men, who ran in further tries by Guto Griffiths, full back Aled Bowen and winger Noam Davey as Crymych sustained their third place in the table and completed a double since they had edged home 25-23 when the teams met at Parc Lloyd Thomas earlier in the campaign.
Haverfordwest: Ben John; Mike Venables; Jonathan Venables; Dan Harries; Darren Salmon; Steve Williams (Capt); Richard James; Terry Lovell; Dai Owen; Gareth Green; Mark Busch; Tom Pellowe; Dan John; Richard Brazell; Alun Harries. Replacements: Ieuan Jones; Gareth John; Andrew Williams; Dane Pindair.
Crymych: Aled Bowen; Noam Davey; Elgan Vittle; Carwyn Phillips; Guto Griffiths; Gareth Davies; Huw Rees; Rhys Richards; Trystan Griffiths; John Davies; Jonathan Hickin; Andrew Phillips; Mark Oakman; Andrew Morris; Richard Llewellyn (Capt). Replacements: Robert Davies; Cennydd James; Martin Edwards; Martin Jones.
Top action pictures supplied by Matthew Kelly - rawphotography.me.uk Second action picture by Bill Carne
 Division One (West):
Revenge win for Otters
Carmarthen Athletic 27 -
Narberth 30 points
Narberth gained a deserved victory over Carmarthen Athletic to gain revenge for an earlier loss against the Athletic by 17-8 at home.
Aled Davies gave the Otters an early lead with a cracking solo try which he converted but after home outside half Stefan Rees had been yellow-carded, talented Narberth centre Steve Martin claimed their second try with a strong run and although the Athletic pulled back three points with a penalty from full back Lee McKenna it was Narberth who moved to a 17-3 interval lead when winger Johnny Morgan rounded off a good handling move with a corner try.
A Davies penalty gave the Otters another three points soon after the restart but Carmarthen Athletic responded with a try by left winger Deian Augustus which McKenna goaled before missing the conversion when hooker James Jones ploughed over for a try.
Aled Davies notched his second penalty and Steve Martin continued a superb season with his second try before Davies added the extra points to put the Otters in a strong position – but the homesters battled until the end and were rewarded with further tries by prop Dylan Jones and scrum half Aled Thomas, the second converted by McKenna.
They brought the Athletic back to within three points but the Otters kept their cool near the end and the Narberth faithful were clearly delighted by their victory!
Narberth: Matthew Davies; Nick Jones; Steve Martin; Richard Davies; Jonathan Morgan; Aled Davies; Adrian Killa; Tom Slater; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt); Dai Ebsworth; Jason Jennings; Gareth Bateman; Andrew Dennis; Jamie Bohata. Replacements: Scott Payne; Aled Harries; Alex Jenkins; Chris James; Sion Brace.
Disappointment for Borderers
Whitland 14 points - Cwmllynfell 19 points
Whitland were unable to find their recent form as they went down to a disappointing home defeat against a Cwmllynfell side who are in 11th place in the section table but belied their lowly position to complete a double since they had already beaten the Borderers 12-3 at home.
The visitors played with wind advantage in the first period and early lapses by the Borderers were heavily punished by Cwmllynfell full back Peter Thomas as he slotted penalties in the fourth, sixth and eighth minutes to put his team nine points ahead.
Carwyn Jones missed a penalty chance for Whitland and Cwmllynfell moved further ahead when centre Paul Davies made an incisive break after good work by No 8 Jim Morgan, and scored a try which Thomas converted.
Whitland responded with a good try of their own when skipper Randall Williams picked up at a scrum and powered his way over the line for Jones to add the simple extra points – but Paul Thomas added a fifth penalty from two more attempts at goal as Cwmllynfell led 19-7 at the interval.
Whitland tried hard to claw their way back into contention but it took them until six minutes from the finish before Aled Jones, who had switched from wing to centre, finally broke the deadlock. Carwyn Jones landed the conversion but it was a case of too little, too late as Cwmllynfell held on for an away win and the Borderers had to settle for a bonus point in defeat.
Whitland: Will Davies; Dion Thomas; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Aled Jones: Carwyn Jones; Gary Davies: Alan Proctor; Gavin Walsh; Richard Smith: Raff Williams; Carwyn Davies; Celt Thomas; Jack Mason; Randall Williams (Capt). Replacements: Tom Dinan; Craig Smith; Ryan Michael; Gareth Morris; Romeo Colella.
 Division Three (West):
Teifisiders too strong for Tumble
Cardigan 68 points -
Tumble 0
Cardigan ran in no fewer than 12 tries without reply against a Tumble side who are bottom of the table and arrived at the King George Vth Playing Fields with only 13 players and having to play a man short throughout a one-sided affair where the Teifisiders led by 42-0 at half time and rarely looked troubled thereafter.
The Cardigan try fest began when centre Jack Griffiths spotted a gap and went through it for a try, with others following from Gethin Davies, playing his first game of the year and supporting a good mazy run by scrum half Mike Diggle, plus two tries from outside half Iestyn Crompton as cardigan took firm control.
Centre Dafydd Evans and skipper Colin Davies also added their names to the scoresheet, with Diggle (2), Dafydd Evans again, Dylan Davies and Huw Davies also getting in on the act, as well as winger Wayne Morris. Iestyn Morris kicked four conversions to help Cardigan to a high-scoring double since they had already won by 76-0 in Tumble.
Division Four (West):
Scarlets suffer another set-back
Pembroke 12 points - Betws 34 points
Pembroke’s topsy-turvy season continued as the Scarlets lost at home to Betws, who had won 17-12 against the Scarlets at home but found it easier going at Crickmarren as the Scarlets rarely looking in top nick and could have few moans about defeat.
They were already 17-7 behind at half time, despite another good try by centre Mark Williams, converted by outside half Phil Williams – and could only muster a further try from nippy scrum half Andrew Hay as reward for his hard work as Betws began to take control.
Pacy winger Mario D’Angelo grabbed two of the Betws tries and others came via No 8 Dan Howells, outside half Gary Davies and open-side flanker Gavin Thomas as experienced scrum half Aled Parry chipped in with a first-half penalty and three conversions to help his side to win with something in hand.
 Quins win local derby victory
Tenby United 6 points -
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 16 points
Pembroke Dock Harlequins proved far too strong where it counted at Heywood Lane as they recorded a deserved win over a Tenby United outfit which seems to have lost its way of late and could only offer two penalties by Tom Lewis against his former team-mates as the Quins scored the only try of the match and generally looked more lively and ready to take on the challenge than their old foes.
Nippy young fly half Dean Lawrence opened the scoring with a penalty and he also added the conversion of a good try which was scored by Simon Coleman after the move started near the Quins’ 22 and the ball passed through a number of hands before Coleman crossed at the posts to give Lawrence a simple two points.
Seasiders, place-kicker Tom Lewis landed a penalty prior to the oranges and kicked another penalty after the restart but the Seasiders were unable to settle into any rhythm as the Quins played well and the visitors added a second Lawrence penalty and neat dropped goal by Stuart Hay to apply the coup de grace and make sure that there wasn’t even the consolation of a bonus point for the disappointed home players or their supporters.
Division Five (West)
Wasps struggle at Pill Parks
Llangwm 7 points - Cefneithin 53 points
Cefneithin marched on in their quest for promotion as they easily accounted for Llangwm at Pill Parks, running in nine tries as full back Chris Moore exerted a major influence ion the match as he ran in no fewer than five tries and added three conversions for a personal haul of 31 points.
Cefneithin had won 62-3 against the Wasps at home and another heavy defeat was on the cards as Moore was joined by flanker Andrew Cudd, winger Martin Flear, second row Chris Davies and centre Jonathan Morgan in scoring tries, whilst Moore (3) and Ryan Davies kicked conversions.
Bustling No 8 Gareth Jones claimed the sole Llangwm try, converted by scrum half Steve Picton, with Will Beresford playing well at No 10 after switching from centre when Andrew Brock was injured – but although they tried hard there was no further scoring for the Wasps against a very strong and experienced Cefneithin side.
 Seagulls are century makers
Fishguard 101 points -
Swansea Uplands 7 points
Fishguard created all sorts of club scoring records as they achieved a century of points for the first time ever against a luckless Swansea Uplands side which is bottom of the table and been hammered out of sight in recent weeks.
The Seagulls even loaned the Uplands a player but there was little other sympathy shown as the home tight five of Alan Phillips, Mark James, Gerwyn Davies; Chris O’Connor and Richard ‘McCaw’ Hunter took control so that the back row of skipper Simon James, Ilaisa Torau and Martin Davey could work as a unit and have tries from skipper James (3), Torau (2) and Davey, whose late score took the score to 99-7 before Huw Evans slotted his 13th conversion in 15 attempts to take the Seagulls into three figures.
Half backs Graham Davies and Alun George called the shots well as they allowed Matthew George, Jonathan Jones, Andrew Gittings, Huw Evans and Tim Jones to run the ball at will, with George grabbing four tries alongside Graham Davies, Evans (2) and Phillips (2) to create a win to remember for the Seagulls – and there was even a rumour that player/coach Phillips was going to buy all the players a pint in the clubhouse afterwards!
 Victorious All Blacks
St Davids 8 points - Neyland 19 points
Neyland eased through to victory in this hard-fought local derby against St Davids, who were left to reflect on missed chances which might have influenced matters had they been taken in a tight first half.
The All Blacks led 12-3 at that stage through good tries by Mathew Williams, back in action after a lengthy period of suspension, and Mark Hamer, one converted by Mark Riley. Saints’ skipper Phil lamb kicked their penalty but outside half Geraint Morris was off-target with two chances from close to the posts.
Eddie Bolger, Gethin Bateman, Richard Lewis and Sion Morgan all played well for St Davids but all they could muster from lots of effort in the second half was a nicely-conceived try by Morris – and Neyland made sure of victory when powerhouse centre Adam Collins blasted his way through for a try which Riley converted to give his side the double after a hard-fought 19-10 victory at home.
Pembrokeshire KO Cup:
Borderers cruise into next round
Whitland 51 - Crymych 3
Whitland cruised into the next stage of the KO Cup in this floodlit match at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn as they built up a 25-3 interval lead and were always in control up front so that former Crymych player Carwyn Jones and half back partner Gary Davies could call the shots at half back for the Borderers.
Jones gave Whitland the early lead with a penalty which was soon cancelled out by a three-pointer from Crymych scrum half Huw Rees – but the Borderers took control with tries from winger Christiaan Roets, Carwyn Jones and flanker Jack Mason, with Jones converting the third of them.
Roets also crossed for the home side’s opening score of the second period, which Jones converted before flanker Ryan Michael crossed for an unconverted try.
Crymych showed real grit as they refused to totally submit but Whitland added two further tries by winger Aled Jones, both converted by Jones, to take them past the half century mark as reward for a polished performance where they gained in initiative up front and gradually applied real pressure which they turned into points.
Rugby Reports for 28th March 2009
 Division One (West):
Borderers back to winning ways
Llangennech 19 points -
Whitland 23 points
Whitland made a welcome return to winning ways as they fended off a late comeback from Llangennech to complete a deserved double over a side they had smashed 45-3 at home.
But this was always going to be a different kettle of fish because Llangennech are traditionally strong at home and served notice of intent with a good early try from winger Mark Lemon.
But the Borderers moved into a 16-5 interval lead as strong-running centre Lee Glanville sliced through for a try which outside half Carwyn Jones converted before a 21st minute penalty, 30th minute dropped goal and a penalty right on the interval as skipper Randall Williams and flanker Celt Thomas led the way up front.
Home winger Matthew Evans opened the second half scoring with another unconverted try but Lee Glanville showed his worth at centre by slicing through to the posts for Carwyn Jones to add the easy extras.
Llangennech kept plugging away as outside half Adrian Thomas landed penalties after 13, 15 and 23 minutes but the Borderers covered well and although Carwyn Jones missed a penalty chance it mattered little since Whitland did enough to merit an away victory.
Whitland: Will Davies: Dion Thomas; Gary Evans; Lee Glanville; Aled Jones: Carwyn Jones; Gary Davies: Gareth Lloyd; Alan Proctor; Richard Smith: Carwyn Davies; Raff Williams: Celt Thomas; Ryan Michael; Randall Williams (Capt): Replacements: Romeo Colella; Gavin Walsh; Tom Dinan; Jack Mason; Gareth Morris.
Otters gain Steel revenge
Narberth 26 points - Corus 7 points
Narberth gained revenge for an earlier defeat against Corus by beating the Steel Men at the Lewis Lloyd Ground as they crossed for three good tries whilst restricting Corus to a single try scored by current player/coach Chris MacDonald, the former Otter scrum half who had also scored when his side beat the Otters 34-10.
But the homesters were always that little sharper as second row Jason Jennings was voted man of the match for his endeavours whilst back rower Lloyd Phillips marked his return as a replacement with a try and helped create another with his bulldozing runs.
Fly half Aled Davies gave the Otters the lead after only two minutes with a penalty but then MacDonald struck for a good try which half back partner Simon Evans goaled before two further Davies penalties, one from long range, nudged the Otters into a 9-7 interval lead.
Johnny Morgan increased the Narberth lead with a quality try in 54 minutes as he scooped a loose ball up in midfield and raced 50 metres to the line for an unconverted score.
Then Lloyd Phillips made his timely incursion as he burst away from a scrum 40 metres out and then set up the platform for a try by classy centre Steve Martin which Aled Davies converted to set the seal on a solid Otters’ win over their fifth-placed opponents.
 Division Three (West):
Huw heads Crymych in right direction
Crymych 12 points -
Cardigan 7 points
Five penalties from scrum half Huw Rees helped Crymych win their hard-fought local derby against neighbours Cardigan, who had edged home in the teams’ previous encounter by 12-0 but were never able to wrest control up front as the Preseli Men played well as a unit and flanker Andrew Morris won the man of the match accolade for his superb support play.
Huw Rees gave his team a six points advantage with two well-struck penalties before Cardigan responded near the interval with a good try from centre Dafydd Evans as quick hands allowed the centre to cut back inside, wrong-foot the cover and score a try which scrum half Mike Diggle converted.
There was still just time, however, for Huw Rees to add a third penalty to put the Preseli Men 9-7 ahead at the break – and in a typically tight second period Crymych had two further penalties by Rees to keep them in front and delighted to win a 12th league success in 15 starts.
Llanelli Wanderers v Haverfordwest
Match postponed because of the death of former player Steve James.
 Division Four (West):
Seasiders stumble to sad defeat
Cwmgors 25 points -
Tenby United 19 points
Tenby United’s disappointing defeat at Cwmgors allowed the home team to celebrate only their second win of the league season as they gained ample revenge for a 66-10 thrashing they received at the hands of the Seasiders earlier in the campaign.
More importantly, though, it almost certainly signalled the end of Tenby’s lingering promotion hopes after so much good rugby earlier in the campaign.
Tenby played into a strong wind in the first period and found themselves 19 points behind as No 8 Mark Evans, centre Andrew Davies and lock Steve Edwards crossed for tries, two of them converted by Kevin Windsor.
Tenby fought back after the oranges to record tries by outside half Tom Lewis, second row Wyndham Williams and skipper Lee Tucker, two of them converted by Del Brace.
But Windsor was on target with two penalty chances for Cwmgors and they were enough to ensure a surprise Cwmgors win, with the Seasiders forced to settle for a bonus point in defeat.
Llandeilo maintain 100% record
Pembroke Dock Quins 3 points - Llandeilo 24 points
Llandeilo showed why they are top of the section tree as they not only beat Pembroke Dock Quins but secured a bonus point to maintain their runaway lead as the Quins were left to reflect on the fact that they were without several key players and had not trained fully in midweek.
But there was no griping from coach Lennie Scourfield as he admitted that Llandeilo were well-organised and played to their strengths whilst his side looked ring-rusty, despite the yeoman efforts of skipper Gareth Scourfield to lead by example before he went off injured.
Dean Lawrence slotted a single penalty for the Quins in the first period as they trailed 12-3 to tries by Llandeilo flanker Dylan Jones and prop James Hughes, plus an Andrew Morgan conversion.
Dylan Jones added his second try after the interval and second row Nathan Jones also got his name on the scoresheet whilst outside half Morgan notched another conversion as team manager Rhys Williams said that this was a very big win for Llandeilo in their quest for the divisional silverware.
 Scarlets suffer Trim defeat
Trimsaran 17 points -
Pembroke 11 points
Pembroke’s topsy-turvy season continued as they went down to defeat at Trimsaran, a side they had beaten 31-14 when they met at Crickmarren but with the Scarlets again suffering a dose of travel sickness against the team below them in the table.
Yet they started out well enough as their pack won good ball and when Trim conceded penalties under pressure it was outside half Lewis Davies who kicked two three-pointers for the visitors.
But Trim kept plugging away and were rewarded when right on half time a try by right winger Phil Griffiths was converted by No 10 Dafydd Latham gave them a single-point interval lead.
Pembroke had a second half try by No 8 Robin Badham, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, but midway through the second period conceded two tries in 60 seconds to second row Aled Bell. The first came as he ploughed his way over for an unconverted try and he fielded the ball from the kick-off, handed off his marker and galloped through to the Pembroke line for a soft score which helped ensure a home win against a visibly disappointed Scarlets squad.
Division Five (West):
Wasps stung in Mid Wales
Aberaeron 37 points -Llangwm 3 points
Llangwm found it hard going against Aberaeron as the Mid Wales outfit led 22-0 at half time and were always in control thereafter to complete the double since they had already won the reverse fixture at Pill Parks by 25-6.
Steve Picton grabbed the Llangwm points with a penalty but Adam Jones claimed a try hat-trick for Aberaeron alongside other tries from Steve Williams, Steve Jenkins and Dylan Evans, who also contributed two conversions and a penalty to complete the home scoring.
Mariners miss out in tense top clash
Cefneithin 15 points - Milford Haven 6 points
Milford Haven lost their unbeaten label in a tense top of the table clash against nearest rivals Cefneithin where Mariners’ young hooker Craig Smith was allegedly punched in the mouth by a home supporter.
Chris Moore was the architect of the home victory as he scored a try in each half to go with a first-period penalty and a conversion of his second try.
Leigh Broome landed two penalties for the Mariners as they trailed 8-6 at half time and coach Alan McClelland was the first to say that his team under-achieved against experienced opposition and had no qualms about defeat - but was less than happy with the way his team was treated off the pitch.
Seagulls suffer day to forget
Furnace 33 points - Fishguard 10 points
“A day to forget” was how Fishguard coach Alan Phillips described his team’s defeat at Furnace as the Seagulls rarely looked like finding their recent impressive form as they were 15-3 behind at half way and rarely looked likely to pull the game out of the Furnace fire.
Huw Evans landed the visitors’ first half points with a penalty and the veteran kicker also converted a late try by winger Matthew George but there was little else to enthuse over as home tries came from blind side flanker Steve Evans (2), right wing Mark Cook (2) and left wing James Rowlands as No 10 Simon James slotted four conversions out of five to help give Furnace a measure of revenge for a 29-0 defeat they sustained in Fishguard.
 Blacks batter depleted Saints
Neyland 46 points -
St Clears 0
Neyland ran in eight tries without a single response from a makeshift St Clears’ team which arrived at the Athletic Ground with a bare 15 players and was eventually reduced to 13 men as injuries took their toll.
The All Blacks opened up a 27-0 scoreline at the break as influential scrum half mark Riley used his experience to good effect with a try brace alongside two tries by young No 8 Calum Tree and a try by powerful centre Adam Collins, one of them converted by Mark Riley.
Pocket-battleship winger Delme Bateman, who had made two early try-scoring tackles, claimed two tries after half time with his direct approach and flanker Simon Phillips also got his name on the try sheet - and when Riley left the pitch injured Bateman took over the kicking duties and managed to convert two tries to earn the man of the match plaudits for his all-round performance.
Rugby Reports for 21st March 2009
 Superb Whitland Youth reach Welsh Final
Whitland Youth 19 points -
Ammanford Youth 3 points
Congratulations are due to Whitland Youth on reaching the final of the Welsh Youth Cup after proving too strong up front and skilful behind as they fended off the stern challenge of Ammanford and now wait to see if they play Blackwood or Bridgend Athletic in the final at the Millennium Stadium.
The young Borderers’ battle plan at Trinity Fields, the home of Carmarthen Athletic, was based on the power of a front five forwards providing the stable platform for the might back row of Danny Evans, James Davies and skipper Michael Jones to influence play alongside half backs Aled Davies and Jonathan Thomas – and that is just what they did as Carl Smith and Lewis Owen were outstanding in the lineout stakes and the front row of Rhys Thomas, Shane Webster and Brynley Toms dominated the scrums.
Duncan Evans and Dafydd Williams covered well on the wings whilst centres Alex Pickersgill and Lewis Thomas tackled like demons and were ever-ready to spread play wide as full back James Stephenson posed a threat with his timely incursions into the line – and as a result they dominated play in the second period after holding a narrow 5-3 interval lead.
 Ammanford hopes were boosted early on as outside half Carwyn Phillips landed a third-minute penalty but James Stephenson missed the chance of levelling matters two minutes later from a similar chance.
But the Borderers bounced back with a try midway through the half when No 9 Aled Rees sniped through on the blind side to put half back partner Jonathan Thomas away and he did well to pop up a pass which sent lock Lewis Owen over for a deserved try which Stephenson failed to convert as his kick rapped the upright.
Ammanford had two further penalty chances which Phillips missed but it was all Whitland after the break as their pack surged forward and following a lengthy period of sustained pressure skipper Michael Jones ploughed over for a try which Stephenson converted.
The Borderers made the game safe as replacement scrum half Dafydd Evans made a break on the blind side and his flicked pass found replacement prop Andrew ‘Chunk’ Howells up in support to crash through for a try which Stephenson again converted to set the seal on an epic all-round performance
WELL DONE THE WHITLAND LADS AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE FINAL!
Whitland Youth: James Stephenson: Duncan Evans; Alex Pickersgill; Lewis Thomas; Dafydd Williams: Jonathan Thomas; Aled Davies: Rhys Thomas; Shane Webster; Brynley Toms: Lewis Owen; Carl Smith: Danny Evans; James Davies; Michael Jones (Capt). Replacements: Dafydd Evans; Andrew Howells; Scott Newton; Dan McDermott; Owain John; Andrew Hawkins; Ben Kirk; Matthew Thomas.
National League Division One (West):
Borderers beaten by tough Ton
Whitland 3 points - Tonmawr 10 points
Whitland battled hard against Tonmawr at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn but in the final analysis lacked the fire-power behind the scrum to prevent the team seeking second spot in the table gaining a double over the Borderers – who at least had the satisfaction of a bonus point for their hard work up front.
All the points were confined to the first period as Tonmawr withstood an early period of Whitland pressure and showed their effective slip passing and good support play under the watchful eye of former Welsh international Gareth Llewellyn, now their coach. But it was Whitland who had the early chances as outside half Carwyn Jones missed two penalties in the fifth and seventh minutes, both from the 40-metre line.
But Tonmawr gradually built the intensity of their attack and a sustained period of pressure saw lock Howel Davies cross at the posts for No 10 Steve Lewis to add the extras, followed by a penalty shortly after Carwyn Jones had reduced the deficit with a simple penalty after good work by Raff and Randall Williams.
Carwyn Jones missed another penalty chance for the Borderers after the interval and Will Davies made a deep run from full back which raised expectation but came to nought – and the game spiralled into a contest where neither side could make a real impression so Tonmawr took the victory and the Borderers had to settle for a single point to their opponents’ three!
Whitland: Will Davies: Dion Thomas; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Aled Jones: Carwyn Jones; Gary Davies: Gareth Lloyd; Alan Proctor; Richard Smith: Raff Williams; Carwyn Davies: Celt Thomas; Ryan Michael; Randall Williams (Capt). Replacements: Jack Mason; Tom Dinan; Gavin Walsh; Gareth Morris; Romeo Colella.
 Martin master class boosts Otters
Maesteg 20 points - Narberth 24 points
Two tries in the final quarter by classy centre Steve Martin saw Narberth gain the verdict in an entertaining clash at Maesteg where the home team held the lead for some time but couldn’t shackle Martin as he sliced through for excellent scores in the 63rd and 76th minutes to help the Otters win an entertaining clash against the former top-class club.
Maesteg led 10-6 at the interval as Gareth Goodridge grabbed a penalty and then a converted try whilst the Otters responded with two penalties from outside half Aled Davies, either side of the Maesteg try.
The visitors took the lead for the first time in the second minute of the second half when winger Nick Jones was released near half way by No 8 Jamie Bohata and sped up the touch line for a quality score which nudged Narberth a point ahead.
But the lead was short-lived since Maesteg winger David Dwyer crossed after 48 minutes, only for another penalty by Aled Davies to reduce the deficit to 15-14 before home flanker Owen Walters powered his way through for an unconverted try.
But then Martin intervened as play began to open up and Narberth had their ace up their sleeve in martin, whose pace and strength saw him cross for those vital tries which kept the Otters firmly in the top three as their reward.
Narberth: Matthew Davies: Nick Jones; Steve Martin; Richard davies; Jonathan Morgan: Aled Davies; Adrian Killa: Tom Slater; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Jason Jennings; Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Andrew Dennis; Jamie Bohata. Replacements: Craig Barnett; Andrew Davies; Scott Payne; John Tennick; Aled Harries.
 Division Three (West):
Crymych keep up winning streak
Amman United 10 points -
Crymych 50 points
Crymych maintained their impressive run of form as they made the Friday evening journey to Amman valley and ran in 50 points against a team that are never easy to beat at home.
The Preseli Men were 19-10 ahead at the oranges but showed their overall squad strength in the second half as they ran in four tries, all converted by scrum half Huw Rees to go with a penalty – and secured a bonus point as well.
Yet it was Amman United who opened the scoring with a penalty from Hywel Thomas before Crymych replied with a cracking try from full back Aled Bowen – only for Amman to bounce back with a Huw Griffiths’ try which Thomas converted.
This score seemed to galvanise Crymych into raising their tempo and centre Carwyn Phillips sliced through for a try which Huw Rees converted, as he did when Rees crossed for a try of his own before the break.
Whatever player/coach Elgan Vittle said at the interval it certainly paid dividends because with John Davies, Trystan Griffiths and skipper Richard Llewellyn always to the forefront there were further tries for the Preseli Men from Vittle himself, second row Jon Hickin for his work-rate in the close exchanges, followed by a Huw Rees penalty and two further conversions of tries by Carwyn Phillips and replacement prop Robert Davies to neatly round off a half century of points and a resounding win for Crymych before next Saturday’s local derby against Cardigan.
Crymych: Aled Bowen: Noam Davey; Elgan Vittle; Carwyn Phillips; Mark Hamilton: Gareth Davies; Huw Rees: Rhys Richards; Trystan Griffiths; John Davies: Jonathan Hickin; Andrew Phillips: Mark Oakman; Andrew Morris; Richard Llewellyn (Capt). Replacements: Rob Davies; Martin Edwards; Cennydd James; Aled Morgan.
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Otters hold on to retain KO Cup
The tone for the evening was set from the first penalty of the match, awarded to the Borderers but reversed so that Davies could fire over a three-pointer from wide on the left – and the fly half also cut through soon afterwards but the final pass didn’t go to hand.
Carwyn Jones landed a good wide-angled penalty soon after the restart but missed an easier attempt when Narberth were penalised and hooker Dan Smith went into the ‘sin-bin’ for ten minutes.
But Whitland conceded a penalty straight after the restart and Aled Davies found the mark – and worse was to follow since the Borderers had their captain sent off and play ended immediately afterwards with Narberth delighted to have retained the trophy.
Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final
It allowed them a measure of consolation for defeat in the Welsh Youth Cup Final and with their greater overall strength and experience they were able to ease to victory by 38-5, scoring five tries in the process.
Cardigan did get a consolation unconverted try by second row Dan Jay as reward for their part in an entertaining final where the young guns from Whitland always held the edge. 
Division One (West):
Division Five (West):
All Blacks’ points bonanza
Division Three (West):
Blues battle in vain
Cardis clinch derby double
Division Five (West):
Mariners' victory keeps championship hopes alive
Pembrokeshire Knock-Out Cup:
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