Championship (West):

 

Otters march on with a bonus point win

 

Ammanford 22 - Narberth 42

Narberth’s excellent start to this challenging season as they travelled to Ammanford and came back with an eighth win from eight starts and a deserved top of the table ahead of Brecon, also unbeaten but having played a game fewer, and with a bonus point as they ran in six tries against a side that is traditionally strong on their own patch.
 
Jon Rogers maintained his good form as the outside half landed an early penalty and then converted tries from full back Ashley Sutton and No 8 Roy Osborn, skipper for the day and certainly leading by example – and in an entertaining first half were already 27-19 ahead as centre Dean James and Hedd Nicholas also got in on the act with excellent tries.
 
Ammanford showed some good form as they responded with tries by winger Ellis Lewis, centre Llyr Richards and a pushover try alongside two conversions by outside half Sam Potter.
 
The home side also added a penalty by Potter but The Otters defended well to move comfortably ahead, with Bradley Davies having a good game in the front row along with Kyle Hamer and Sean Janes to be adjudged man of the match – and further tries coming from Josh Evans, Dean James again, and replacement Tom Powell.
 
Rogers completed another good game at No 10 with ten points from his left boot and The Otters were good value for victory in what could have been a real banana skin if they had not played so well as a squad.
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Josh Evans; Dean James; Hedd Nicholas; Rhys Harries: Jonathan Rogers; Alex Williams: Bradley Davies; Kyle Hamer; Sean Janes: Rhys Williams; Alex Jenkins: Richard Rees; Harry Phillips; Roy Osborn (Capt). Replacements: Tom Clarke; Tom Slater; Tom Powell; Lewys Gibby; Ianto Griffiths.
 
 

Crymych battle hard to deny Steelmen

 

Tata Steel 20 - Crymych 26

 
Crymych fended off a strong challenge from a Tata Steel side seeking a first win after seven successive defeats – and The Preseli Men’s victory was much narrower than perhaps expected by local pundits since they had to play throughout with only 14 men and with uncontested scrums as a result.
 
They started well with a an excellent try by winger Ianto Davies which was converted by outside half Ifan Davies – but found themselves 0-10 down as The Steelmen put their numerical advantage to good effect with a penalty and converted try.
 
But the commitment shown by Crymych was total as full back Eilir George scored an excellent try, followed by another try for No 10 Davies, which he also converted to put his side 19-10 in front at half time.
 
A second try for Tata hauled them back into contention before The Preseli Men created a fourth try, again claimed and converted by the ubiquitous Ifan Davies, to secure a precious bonus point.
 
Tata had the final try with their third try but The Preseli Men maintained their self-discipline and were good value for victory as reward for a strong performance and a fifth win of the campaign.
 
Crymych: Eilir George: Dafydd Phillips; Macs Page; Laurence Headlam; Ianto Davies: Ifan Davies; Tristan Jones: Carwyn Rees; Iestyn Wood; Matthew Freebury: Llyr Davies; Rhydian Howells; Carwyn Phillips. Replacements: Lee Griffiths; Jamie Gimblett; Osian Davies; Rhys Davies; Ned Bennett. Jon Hill.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Borderers beaten as Kidwelly hold on

 

Whitland 15 - Kidwelly 25

 
Kidwelly won their third match from five starts as they outlasted Whitland at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn after taking a 15-0 interval lead and limiting The Borderers to a converted try in the second half whilst adding another ten points of their own.
 
For The Borderers it was No 8 Zac France-Miller who was again on the try sheet as he formed part a useful trio alongside Cian Jones and Lewis Tingay, the ex-Haverfordwest back rower.
 
Kidwelly were denied a bonus point as they could only muster three tries by Kian O’Reilly, Robin Davies and Will Gaines, two of them converted by Declan Smith along with two penalties as his side inflicted a seventh defeat in eight starts on the Borderers, who occupy 12^th place as a result.
 
Whitland: Gino Setaro: Alan Small; Trystan Rees; Dom Davies; Owyn Griffiths: Geraint Jones; Rhys Nicholas: Trystan Bowen; Marc Jones; Ceiron Evans: Dan Bennett; Benji Kirk (Capt): Cian Jones; Lewis Tingay; Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Jack Worthing; Shane Webster; Rhys Evans; Raff Williams; Will James.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Superb Seasiders halt Loughor’s unbeaten run

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 16 - Loughor 14

 
Loughor travelled to play Fishguard & Goodwick with six wins on the bounce and top spot in the section table but The Seagulls showed real spirit and total commitment to gain something of a surprise victory.
 
The match was played on the school pitch because The Moors ground was very wet indeed and it was Loughor who took the lead with an early penalty from full back Ryan Davies.
 
But The Seagulls’ pack played well as a unit although several promising attacks broke down by mishandling of the greasy ball near the Loughor line before they took the lead from a lineout catch and drive where Rhys Lewis emerged from the pile of bodies to claim the try and skipper James Griffiths added the extra points.
 
Loughor also had their chances in the unpleasant conditions but they eventually added a second Ryan Davies penalty before No 10 Griffiths had the final word of the half for The Seagulls as he banged over a 40-metre penalty where the wind seemed to relent at just the right moment.
 
Loughor recaptured the lead soon after the oranges with an unconverted try by powerful second row Jonathan Phillips, followed by Ryan Davies’s third successful penalty – and as time drifted on it seemed as if they might snatch the verdict but The Seagulls made a concerted effort as Lewis and Bryn Thomas caught the eye up front alongside Sion Colella and Jac Delaney to earn two penalty chances for ‘Jiffy’ Griffiths to take them ahead, the second deep into time added on.
 
They still had to keep their cool in a fraught finish and they did so to maintain their fifth place in the table, with Loughor knocked off their perch by St Clears – but they still have two games in hand over The Saints!
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Robbie Jones: Creegan Foot; Dylan Scott; James Griffiths (Capt); Dan Cleary: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Rhys Lewis; Bryn Thomas: Will Lewis; Sion Colella; Jack Delaney. Replacements: Matt Driver; Gavin Walsh; Dan Evans; Griff Williams; Cai Llewellyn.
 
 

Milford Haven P-P Tenby United
 
MATCH POSTPONED – OBS POST BLOWN DOWN!

Milford Haven: James Williams: Steve Martin; Dan Jenkins; Evan Morgan; Dean McSparron: Ollie Rothero; James Trueman: Ben Jenkins; Luke Ryan; Shaun Devonald: Jay Goodall; Dai Sweeny: Ben Groves; Dylan Morgan; Zac Davies (Capt). Replacements: Tristan Lewis; Ethan Aldred; Lee Riley; Jimmy Buirds; Dan McClelland.
 
Tenby United: Luke Hartland: Brad Cramb; Jack Gooding; Luke Waygood; Geraint Powell: Lloyd Thomas; Tom Lewis: Ethan Morgan; Dan Allen; George Rossiter: Tom Barrass; Luke Dedman (Capt); Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Dan Colley. Replacements: Rob Luly; Joe Poole; Charlie Patching; Mike Davis; Jake Roberts.
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Saints celebrate Crickmarren success

 

Pembroke 12 - St Davids 17

 
St Davies replacement Aled Davies was the hero of the moment for his team as they travelled to Crickmarren to take on Pembroke and came away with the Saints’ first league win there for as long as anyone could remember, although to be fair it is the first time the two protagonists have faced each other for several seasons.
 
Small wonder then that coach Jack Dudley was delighted and praised the commitment of the players since there have recently been as many as 30 training regularly and there is an air of optimism – and competition for places – in the club.
 
Pembroke certainly had their chances but in the final analysis could only muster two tries for skipper Lloyd Davies, giving total front-row commitment as ever, and centre James Jones, with No 10 Luke Alderwick slotting one conversion.
 
The warning signs were there for The Scarlets since they trailed 7-10at the interval as The Saints grabbed unconverted tries in the 14^th and 37^th minutes from outstanding No 8 George Raymond and hard-working second row Tomy Reynolds.

They might have had other tries as full back Fred Dorn made two terrific breaks but the final pass didn’t go to hand and after Pembroke had pounced for their second sore in the 43^rd minute to go 12-10 ahead it seemed that might be the final scoreline until The Saints mounted one final surge and it was Davies who emerged with the ball over the line and winger Bob Fray’s conversion was simply the icing on the cake – and a little later there was a great deal of Saints’ singing to match their performance on the pitch!
 
Pembroke: Simon Stanford: Josh Griffiths; James Jones; Rhys Johns; Barry Alderman-John: Luke Alderwick; Elliot Lewis: Evan Phillips; Seamus Wiseman; Lloyd Davies (Capt): Scott Powell; Will Edwards: Andrew Edwards; Rhodri Walters; Sam Smith. Replacements: Dan Gosnold; Jamie Brayford; Robin Badham; Jordan Evans; Taylor Gullam.
 
St Davids: Fred Dorn: Harvey Lavin; Ben Joyce; Morgan Griffiths; Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Owain Swain: Adam Williams; Rhys Price; Ryan John: Iestyn Owen; James Goldsmith: Tommy Reynolds; Nathan Foster (Capt); George Raymond.   Replacements: Charlie Lavin; Jack Jones; Aled Davies; Harvey Godkin; Zac Morgan; Luke Bamford; Brad John; Ethan Griffiths.
 
 




 

Aberaeron play well to halt Blues’ run

 

Aberaeron 19 - Haverfordwest 7

 
Aberaeron won this top of the table clash against Haverfordwest to put them in second spot ahead of The Blues in the dog-fight at the top of the table. It was a performance based on resolute defence and opportunism which paved the way for Aberaeron to take away The Blues unbeaten start and leave the visitors reflecting on what might have been if they had not taken several wrong options or dropped passes at key times.
 
This was Aberaeron's opportunity to show their credentials because they are a strong, well-trained and resilient outfit and few onlookers could deny their deserved victory as they led 16-7 having used the elements in the first period and then defended so well afterwards that they scored the only three points thanks to their ability to soak up pressure.
 
After the initial skirmishes, Aberaeron were first off the mark with two penalties, landed once again by the boot of centre Rhodri Jenkins, but a reply came within minutes and impressive flanker Mattie Phillips crossed the line to put his side ahead as Archie Thomas added the extra points.
 
With scrum half Rhodri Thomas providing a constant supply of good ball, the backline strove to create openings and they were rewarded when captain and man of the match Morgan Llewelyn weaved his way under the posts and give Jenkins an easy conversion.
 
A further Jenkins’ penalty kept the scoreboard rolling and the hosts had a nine-point advantage at the break. The second half failed to provide the expected rush of points with defence by both sides to the fore. It was the visitors who had the early chances but they were thwarted by dour defence, and they were made to pay as Jenkins completed his fourteen-point contribution to their morale-boosting success.
 
For The Blues there wasn’t even the consolation of a losing bonus point and this Saturday sees them home to Pembroke and the chance to bounce back to winning ways – but The Scarlets will prove difficult opponents and will be eager to avenge their home defeat earlier in the campaign!
 
Haverfordwest:  Mike Jones: Johnnie White; Archie Thomas; Iestyn Arnold; Scott Candler: Liam Eaton; Lee Summons: Ben Llewellyn; James Zambas; Terry Lovell: Jack Clancy; Karl Busch (Capt): Andrew Williams; Matty Phillips; Liam Brown. Replacements: Jonathan Clout; D Williamson; Morgan Layton; Paul Thomas; Iestyn Hawkridge-Jones.












 




 

All Blacks win at a canter

Neyland 44 - Llanybydder 10

 
Neyland grabbed seven tries in their comfortable win over Llanybydder at The Athletic Ground but a good crowd who endured the inclement weather enjoyed an entertaining game where the mid Wales side certainly played its part and competed with a commitment that belied the fact that they are bottom of the table, not only with seven losses on the trot but without even a single bonus point for their efforts.
 
Playing down the slope in the first half The All Blacks served early notice of intent with a try from strong-running flanker Harrison Grice as he formed a useful back row unit with Ben Wiliams and skipper Owain Evans - and then centre Dan Hart burst over from close range for No 10 George Evans to convert as the home pack got up a head of steam, with Ben James, Alex ‘Budgie’ Swales and Jack Harries on top in the set-pieces and Iestyn Evans and Kieran Cookson also featuring in the ball winning stakes.
 
Then Ben Williams rounded off this forward superiority to score their third try and George Evans converted via the far post as well as hoisting a long-range penalty near half time to give Neyland a deserved 22-0 interval lead.
 
It says much for Llandovery that they started the second half well, driving into the wind through Dan and Wyn Davies, John Evans and Josh Jones so that scrum half Will Evans played a close game utilising his packs’ hard work, with centres Steff Bonsall and Iestyn Evans always in support in midfield.






They were finally rewarded when outside half Llion Williams kicked a penalty and later in the game the No 10 converted a try by Josh Jones that was reward for their efforts.
 
But The All Blacks secured a bonus point with try by young winger Callum O’Riorden and as Owen Hamer and Evans kept Neyland on the front foot powerful centre Adam Peel shrugged off tackles to score, as did Hart and Ben Williams for their second scores.
 
George Evans finished with nine points and other plus points for coach Steve Evans and Steve Hamer were the performances by other youngsters in Liam Rees, Jasper Endean, Lucas Jones and Lewis Hallett, who were involved as Matthew Coles also appeared on the bench after almost a year out injured.
 
Neyland: Liam Rees: Jasper Endean; Dan Hart; Adam Peel; Callum O’Riorden: George Evans; Owen Hamer: Ben James; Alex Swales; Jack Harries: Kieran Cookson; Iestyn Evans: Harrison Grice; Owain Evans (Capt); Ben Williams. Replacements: Mark James; Ebs Sokoiwasa; Lucas Jones; Lewis Hallett; Matthew Coles.




 
 

Cardis go top after comfortable victory

 

Cardigan 41 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 0

 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins played far better in the first half than their trailing by 0-19 might suggest because they had played some good rugby but failed to turn pressure into points – and were shown how to do it by promotion candidates Cardigan, who, after soaking up a fair bit of pressure, claimed three well-conceived tries by scrum half Llyr Jones, centre John Lumb and winger Iwan John, two of them converted by full back Shaun Leonard.
 
Perhaps the Quins allowed their heads to drop a little after the interval because although they played some good rugby on the front foot their defence let them down as The Teifisiders showed them how to do it with some quality possession obtained by their pack.
 
Four tries emanated from No 8 Tom Taylor, prop Nathan Bowen, winger Jack Taylor, and prop Luke Palmer-Davies, with No 15 Leonard unusually off target with three of the conversions – but it mattered little because The Teifisiders were well worth their success and stay top of the table as a result!
 
Cardigan: Shaun Leonard: Alun Jenkins; John Lumb; Kieran Greenland; Iwan John: Jac Davies; Llyr Jones: Will Brice; Luke Palmer-Davies; Nathan Bowen: Dean Harries; Kester Adams: Aaron Tomkinson; Jackson Tucker Lynch; Tom Taylor. Replacements: Rhodri Parry Jones; Ben Hughes; Sion Phillips; Gwern Phillips; Jack Taylor.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway:  Owain Turner; Gethin Bradney; Jack Price; Jordan Asparassa: Euan McDonald; Kieran Machin (Capt):  Mark Van Rhyn; George Bellmaine; Dan McLeod: Rhys Doyle; Andy Edwards: Jack Mallitte; Jordan Palmer; Liam Scourfield. Replacements:  Danny Wilkes; Bronzac Borley; Thomas Wheeler; Tom Donovan; Alfie Ball.

 




 

Classy Laugharne run in ten tries at Pill Parks

 

Llangwm 0 - Laugharne 64

 
Laugharne continued to put pressure on other teams near the top of the section table as they ran in ten tries against a gritty Llangwm side who never gave up trying but with such an experienced squad that includes so many potentially talented teenagers were always against it as the visitors had players of the calibre of Liam Price, Carl Smith, Mike Ryan and Antonio Setaro, as Nico Setaro directed on-field operations as player/coach and topped the points chart with two tries and five conversions for a personal haul of 20 points.
 
Pacy centre Price raced over for a try hat-trick and others came from Ryan (2), Antonio Setaro, Smith and their own teenager in Lennon Reynolds, who also landed two conversions on the seconds’ pitch at Pill Parks.
 
For Llangwm, there was plenty of chasing and tackling but relatively few chances as The Wasps found it hard going but battled all the way in the heavy conditions.
 
Llangwm: Finley Elrick: Jack Roberts; Owen Jones; Ollie Gerson; Wade Lloyd: Dylan Philpott; Steff Thomas: Aled Rogers; Phil Llewellyn; Callum Jenkins: Gavin Jones; Gethin Thomas: Matthew John; James Lewis; Ashley James. Replacements: Charlie Wilson; Dan Woodward; Andrew Millward; Luke Hayman; Matthew Hughes.