Rugby report - Premiership Division:

 
 

Narberth 17 - Merthyr 27

 
Narberth came within a minute of receiving a losing bonus point against a Merthyr side that are certs to finish in the top two with Pontypridd, and still very much in contention for top spot, but with referee Joseff Rees already having looked at his stop-watch The Otters conceded a penalty and ‘The Ironmen’, who had already secured a bonus point for scoring four tries, opted to take a kick at goal and outside half Ben Jones slotted it over.
 
The Otters had already played really well the previous week at home to Pontypridd and might have well have snatched the verdict and a week later played with the same battling spirit, led up front by skipper Tom Powell, Roy Osborne, Josh Hamer and Sam Davies, who was later adjudged the man of the match, Lewys Gibby always posed a threat at the base of the scrum and the return for this match of Ilan Phillips alongside Hedd Nichlas in the centre certainly added some extra punch.





 

Merthyr looking to maintain their winning streak

 
But it was obvious from the outset that Merthyr had come  maintain their winning streak and their powerful pack. Led by skipper Paddy McBride in the second row, was a well-organised ball-winning eight so that James Soanes and Ben Jones could orchestrate matters at half back – and took the lead when this pair released Adam Hoskins and Tom Hughes in midfield and winger Finn Baker raced through for a try converted by No 10 Jones.
 
It says much for The Otters’ resolve that they kept plugging away, despite losing some vital lineout ball, but The Ironmen doubled their lead as the power of Daniel Phillips, Callum and Rhys Lewis set up the platform for skipper McBride to round off a controlled drive, and plough through for a try, again converted by Jones.
 
But The Otters opened their account just before the break as Ilan Phillips and Geraint Llewellyn made inroads into the visitors’ defence and flanker Josh Hamer scored the try as reward for his ball-winning on the ground, converted by outside half Osian Davies.



 

The ‘Iron Men’ start well again but The Others battle back

 
Merthyr got off to an excellent start after the break as within four minutes skipper Powell was shown a yellow card and during his absence hooker Ship rounded off another forward drive, although Jones’ conversion attempt rapped the post and bounced clear, as it did soon afterwards when they added their bonus-point try when full back Cole Swannack featured by scoring a smartly-taken score.
 
It says much for Narberth’s resolve that they didn’t throw in the towel and when Merthyr hooker Shipp was yellow-carded it gave The Otters’ replacement No 2 Lewis Jones the chance to catch the eye with a terrific thrust down the middle that eventually led to a try by stand-in winger Harry Fuller, who showed his ability to finish off, as he did again in the 66^th minute to show his finishing power, but on both occasions Jonathan Rogers, on for Osian Evans, was wide with the conversion attempts.



 

Last-moment loss of a vital point

 
At 17-24 adrift there was still a chance for Narberth but they were unable to add any other scores – and in those fateful final moments they had the possibility of a reward for their efforts totally wiped out as Jones slotted that penalty – but if The Otters can maintain the same belief when they travel to  ninth-placed Newbridge on Saturday they could well gain revenge for a 30-36 loss at home.
 
It is going to be a vital time for Narberth RFC over the remaining weeks but if they can maintain their current commitment and good basic skill levels they should be able to stay in this very high section of Welsh Rugby, which is important for Pembrokeshire because they provide a launch-pad for aspiring players in the county to move up!



 
 
Narberth: Llew Jones: Geraint Llewellyn; Ilan Phillips; Hedd Nicholas; Dylan Richards: Osian Evans; Lewys Gibby: Tom Kaijaks; Tom Clarke; Ryan Rees: Ryan Williams; Tom Powell (Capt): Josh Hamer; Sam Davies; Roy Osborn: Replacements: Rob Evans; George Rossiter; Lewis Jones; Will Hurley; Owain Thomas; Josh Thomas; Jonathan Rogers; Harry Fuller.
 
Merthyr: Cole Swannack:  Finn Baker; Adam Hoskins; Tom Hughes; Dafydd Thomas: Ben Jones; James Soanes: Callum Lewis; Ellis Shipp; Rhys Lewis: Aled Evans; Paddy McBridge (Capt): Daniel Phillips; Cerith Lloyd; Lennon Greggains. Replacements:  Ryan Hughes; Tavis Hawkins; Callum Dawes, Sam Cross; Kian Evans; Dafydd Land; Rhys Davies;  Jack Kathrens.
 
Referee: Joseff Rees.