Division Four (West) A:

Neyland are champions – but were given a fright!

 

Teirw Crymych 24 - Neyland 25

 

Congratulations to Neyland as they are crowned champions of Division Four (West) A after this nail-biting victory over Teirw Crymych earned them the bonus-point success with two matches left to play.

The All Blacks looked to have accomplished their task as they scored four first-half tries, all unconverted, but found themselves drifting from a 20-0 lead to being 24-20 in arrears with very little time left to play.

But then a concerted period of attacking play saw them camped on The Bulls’ line and skipper George Williams made a smart little break to put his brother Ben in for his second try and they were able to celebrate in style.

To be fair to Crymych, they fully deserved their two bonus points for all their hard work, with their tries coming from Sion Wilson, Jac Griffiths, Tomos Lewis and Sion Evans, two of them converted by Tomos Davies.

For The All Blacks, Matthew Coles, Henry Macbeth, Fletcher Picton and Ben Williams (2) grabbed the tries, with Ben the hero of the hour after that last-ditch winning score!

Congratulations to coaches Steve Hamer and Matt Richards, skipper George Williams and his team – and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will do our own special tribute to The All Blacks at the end of their campaign!

 

Teirw Crymych: Tomos Davies: Jac Griffiths; Tomos Lewis; Sion Evans; Steffan Rees: Nick Bevan; Owain Rees: Morgan James; Sion Wilson; Tomos Davies: Luke Freebury (Capt); Steffan Morris: Harri Vaughan; Griff Lloyd; Osian Thomas. Replacements: Lloyd Hughes; Rhys Richards; George Plummer; Scott Powell; Aled Harries; Richard Phillips; Luke Allsworth.

Neyland: Fletcher Picton: Matthew Coles; Patrick Bellerby; George Williams (Capt); Henry Macbeth: Oli Rothero; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales, Adam Peel: Dan Hart; George Evans: Alex Codd; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Jamie Parr; Andrew Slark; Ieuan Evasn; Josh Watts; Liam Rees.

 

 

Premiership Division:

Otters claim vital victory but just miss out on a bonus point

Narberth 22 - Bonymaen 6

Narberth went into their home match knowing that only a win would keep them in the battle to avoid relegation after their opponents had upset the apple cart the previous week with a shock win over Pontypridd that put them four points ahead of Narberth – and with a game in hand.

The Otters had won 29-27 in Bonymaen and managed to draw level with the four points earned here although they missed some very good chances to score that extra try to move a point ahead – but at least they defied their expected nerves on such a big day to keep alive their hopes with several games each to play.

Indeed, those nerves were evident from the outset as Narberth started with three strong attacks, led by Roy Osborn, Lewys Gibby and skipper Tom Powell in the opening six minutes but two knock-ons and an interception denied them on a day when a number of other half-chances were missed by both teams.

Midway through the half a classic Dean James run through the middle established a platform for The Otters to finally take the lead as quick hands, including a neat flicked-on pass by Jon Rogers, saw winger Llew Jones squeeze in at the corner and Rogers added the touchline conversion.

Bonymaen had Nathan Brooks and Harrison Dee looking dangerous but their only response was a 35^th minute penalty by Laurence Thomas which was cancelled out by a similar Roger’ kick soon after half time.

Narberth added a superb second score that showed centres Harrison Griffiths and Ilan Phillips at their best before James shrugged off a couple of tackles to score a try that Rogers converted.

It looked as if they would quickly add a third as Ashley Sutton picked up a loose ball and sped clear, only to be recalled by referee Nathan James, who certainly raised the ire of home supporters on a number of occasions.

Bonymaen had their chances but the home defence was superb and all the visitors could muster was a second Thomas penalty before George McDonald came on a at scrum half and exerted an immediate influence as he helped put No 9 Lewys Gibby, released wide out, to show his paces as he sped through for an unconverted try.

But The Otters were unable to grab that vital fourth try, despite a lot of effort led by skipper Powell, who was again voted man of the match to earn a bonus point so they are tied with Bonymaen, who still have that match in hand – but this victory gave The Otters a little breathing space and now it’s all to play for on the run in to the avoid the ‘dreaded drop’!

Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Llew Jones; Ilan Phillips; Harrison Griffiths; Dean James: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: Rob Evans; Kyle Hamer; Tom Kaijaks: Will Blackburn; Sam Martin:  Caleb Salmon; Tom Powell (Capt); Roy Osborn. Replacements: Bradley Davies; Tom Clarke; Tom Slater; Rhys Williams; Jac Bennett; George McDonald; Osian Evans; Matthew John.

Championship Division:

 

Preseli Men widen the gap over Gorseinon

Crymych 31 - Gorseinon 26

 

Crymych did well to steer clear of the bottom two in this tough section, but there was a nerve-wracking finish after they had led 17-7 at the interval – and did well to hold on in the tense moments before the final whistle as two yellow cards saw them defend desperately with only 13 players on the pitch!

It means they now stand eight points clear of their opponents, who have two games in hand, and a point in front of Gowerton to see who joins Maesteg Quins going down a division.

Gorseinon had beaten Crymych by 33-31 at home but The Preseli Men held the edge in the first half as tries from Ifan Davies and Elis Thomas alongside both conversions and a penalty by centre Davies was only answered by a single try from No 8 Jamie Evans, converted by Luke Evans.

Crymych increased their lead with a try by Tom Taylor, again converted by Ifan Davies but the alarm bells started to ring when winger Luke Evans and scrum half Jonny Adkins responded, the second converted by Evans.

When prop Griff Williams ensured the bonus point and his try was converted it gave Crymych breathing space again but a late penalty try for the visitors saw a frantic finish that saw them take two bonus points home – but The Preseli Men prevailed to pouch five welcome points of their own.

Crymych: Adam Phillips: Laurence Headlam; Ifan Davies; Elis Thomas; Ianto Davies: Nico Setaro; Dafydd Phillips: Gruff Williams; Lee Griffiths; Ben Cox: Rhys Davies; Osian Davies: Tom Taylor; Llyr Davies; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements:  Osian Charles; Matthew Freebury; Jon Hill; Hedd George; Owain Evans.

Division One (West):

Seasiders stay in contention with this ten-try fiesta

Tenby United 64 - Felinfoel 19

Tenby United ran in ten tries as they dominated events at Heywood Lane, leading Felinfoel by 31-7 at the interval and were always in control to keep the pressure on Aberystwyth at the top of the table.

The visitors managed two tries by skipper Elliot Dawe, playing on the wing, and one by full back Tom Cadell, plus two conversions by No 10 Tom Allen, but after starting with a penalty try, they had others by Dan Colley (2), winger Gwion Jones (3), Jake Robers (2), George Rossiter and returning centre Toby Smith.

Half backs Dai Jones and Lloyd Thomas controlled play well as their pack secured quality possession, with Thomas also adding six conversions on a good day for The Seasiders.

 

Tenby United: Geraint Jones: Matthew Lewis; Liam Price; Toby Smith; Gwion Jones: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Ethan Morgan; Kyle Rossiter; Rob Luly: Alex Jenkins; Tom Barrass (Capt): Jack Brown; Max Brindley; Dan Colley. Replacements: George Rossiter; Luke Dedman; Jake Roberts; Dom Colman; Jordan Asparassa; Max Boswell.

Division Two (West):

Rhys marks his first time as Seagulls’ skipper with a try hat-trick

Fishguard & Goodwick 67 - Betws 12

 

Rhys Lewis has enjoyed a terrific season in Fishguard & Goodwick’s back row and in their home match against Betws the talented youngster not only captained the team for the first time but marked the occasion by scoring three of their nine tries.

The Seagulls were 41 points ahead by half time as they played some excellent rugby, played at pace with good handling, and although Betws did manage two tries by Johnathan Hier, one converted by Andrew Gosnold, it was The Seagulls who kept scoring at regular intervals, although they inevitably took their foot off the accelerator a little.

The other Seagulls’ scorers were Dom Sinnet, Max Jones (2), Mark Jones, Simon James and Ed Rathbone, with Mark Jones kicking really well to land eight conversions and two penalties for a personal haul of 27 points.

 

Fishguard & Goodwick: Rhys Evans: Ed Rathbone; Dan Cleary; Jac Delaney; Dom Sinnott: Mark Jones; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Gavin Walsh; Iwan McVeigh: Bryn Thomas; Cai Llewellyn: Will Lewis; Liam Wilkes; Rhys Lewis (Capt). Replacements: Ryan McVeigh; Ben Jones; Simon James, Will Robinson.

Borderers well-beaten by The Athletic

Whitland 19 - Carmarthen Athletic 45

Carmarthen Athletic completed a comfortable double over old rivals Whitland, having already won by 38-10 at home – and they were well on their way to victory again her as they were 28-7 in front at the interval.

For The Borderers there were tries from Ceiron Evans, Olly Hughes and Owen Griffiths, two converted by Johnny Thomas.

This success keeps The Athletic in third place but well behind Laugharne and Lampeter, whilst Whitland stand seventh after this ninth defeat in 14 starts.

 

Whitland: Shane Rossiter: Owyn Griffiths; Olly Hughes; Dom Davies; Deian Davies: Johnny Thomas; Rhys Nicholas: Jonny Phillips; Matt Driver; Ceirion Evans: Alan Proctor; Trystan Bowen: Dan Bennett (Capt); Gavin Smith; Iestyn Comey. Replacements: Wyndham Williams; Jack Flanagan; Gareth Davies; Aaron Cross; Ben Evans.



 

 

Division Three (West):

Blues batter Amman till they take their foot off the pedal

Haverfordwest 64 - Amman United 24

Pacy winger Scott Candler led Haverfordwest’s try fest against Amman United with a deserved hat-trick from a bag of ten tries.

The Blues were well on top before the break but were only able to score tries by Jack Evans (2), Jetman Temaki and Mike Griffiths, three of them converted by Liam Eaton.

Candler then sped home for his try trio alongside others by Matty Phillips, Liam Eaton and Guy Barrons, three more converted by Eaton alongside one from Owain Roberts.

As The Blues relaxed a little Amman fought back well and responded late on with tries by Dylan Matthews (2) and Rhydian Jones (2) alongside two conversions by Iestyn Griffiths as they pouched a bonus point.

Haverfordwest: Guy Barrons: Jetman Temaki; Jack Evans; Iestyn Arnold; Scott Candler: Matty Phillips; Liam Eaton: Dan Berry; Jamie Zambas; Terry Lovell: Jamie Phillips; Karl Busch (Capt): Crawford Hedmon; Mike Griffiths; Jake Evans. Replacements: Tom Carrington; Andrew Edwards; Teifion Owen; Isaac Kelso-Jones; Owain Roberts.

 

Cardis collect the points against basement battlers Ponty

Pontyberem 14 - Cardigan 32

Cardigan gained their expected bonus-point win over bottom club Pontyberem, who are still without a win from 13 matches but pushed The Teifisiders before they eventually proved worthy winners.

Cardigan looked likely to win by an even wider margin as they were 20-0 in front at half time but Jamie Jones and Daf Lloyd scored Pontyberem tries, both converted by Mike Sauro.

But the visitors were always in control after flanker Aaron Tomkinson had again put them ahead with a try, followed by others from wingers Aaron Evans (2) and John Lumb, plus scrim half Iwan Toft.

Shaun Leonard contributed two conversions and a penalty to round off the scoring, and Cardigan now expect a big crowd to turn up next Saturday as they entertain old rivals Haverfordwest.

 

Cardigan: Shaun Leonard: John Lumb; Iwan John; Emyr Harries; Aaron Evans: Llyr Jones; Iwan Toft: Andrew Jones; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Dan Jones; Dean Harries: Kieran Hurley; Aaron Tomkinson; Marcus Castle (Capt). Replacements: Will Brice; Flynn Tjoonk; Colin Davies; Alun Jenkins; Sam Lloyd. Travelling Reserve: Jack Perkins.

 

Division Four (West) A - Friday Night Floodlit Rugby:

Athletic remain in promotion hunt

Narberth Athletic 27 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22

Narberth remained firmly in the promotion hunt at their first attempt since being allowed into the WRU league-set-up, fending off the challenge of a strong and experienced Pembroke Dock Harlequins side to remain in second spot behind runaway leaders Neyland, with Pembroke a point behind but having played to matches more.

The Quins took an early lead with an unconverted try by centre Jack Price, who scored many superb tries at this ground when he was in his prime for The Otters, before deciding to finish his playing days at the club where he started.

But The Athletic bounced back through a try by prop Declan Cole before two tries by livewire centre Brad Cramb put them in the driving seat, both converted by full back Shane Rossiter.

Back came The Quins with a try by pacy winger Owain Turner after their classy midfield trio of Price, co-centre Craig Barnett and full back Damien Miller - but a Rossiter penalty put the home side into a 22-10 interval lead.

In an entertaining tussle enjoyed by a large crowd under the excellent floodlights, The Quins battled back well as Sam James and skipper Ben Hathaway probed for gaps and centres Price and Barnett grabbed cracking tries, the second converted by Hathaway so at 22-apiece it was all to play for.

Both teams had chances but in the final analysis it was Narberth prop Jac Norcross who ploughed through, and their five points put them that vital point ahead in second place, with the Quins receiving two bonus points.

Flanker Jack Tucker was chosen as the Athletic player of the match for his ability to gain turn-over ball and defend well, whilst Jack Price was the undoubted Quins man of the match as his two tries and general play in attack and defence proved he is still a force to be reckoned with who could still play at a higher level if he wished!

 

Narberth Athletic: Shane Rossiter: Luke Conbeer; Brad Cramb; Will Davies; Harry Williams: Archie Vallance; Andrew Williams: Declan Cole; Rhys Jenkins; Jac Norcross: Henry Foster; Dan Owen: Sam Davies; Jack Tucker; Stephen Pilot. Replacements: Kyle Williams; Richard Watkins; Gareth Clifford; Shay Norcross; Stephen J Brown; Harry Phillips.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Damien Miller: Owain Turner; Craig Barnett; Jack Price; Gethin Bradney: Ben Hathaway (Capt); Sam James:  Ryan Neilson; George Bellmaine; Dan McLeod: Liam Baker; Mark van Rhyn: Harry Owen; Danny Wilkes; Taylor Rees. Replacements: Alfie Ball; Callum Jones; Rhys Doyle; Adam Jones; Jack Mallitte.

Division Four (West) A:

Saints slam Llan but the visitors collect a deserved bons point

St Davids 77 - Llanybydder 22

St Davids claimed one of their biggest wins ever in league rugby with this 13-try home thrashing of Llanybydder, who deserve every credit for battling hard against a juggernaut pack and speedy Saint’s back division to earn a bonus point for scoring four tries.

Leading the way for St Davids, with two tries apiece, were Harvey Lavin, skipper Nathan Foster, Mike Gurney, George Raymond and Ben Perkins, with others by Kiron Mason, player/coach Morgan Griffiths and Bob Froy, who also landed six conversions.

For Llanybydder there were tries from Stef Thomas, John Evans and Steffan Griffiths (2), one of them converted by Wayne Bonsall.

 

St Davids: Llion Mason: Morgan Davies; Morgan Griffiths; Harvey Lavin; Bob Froy: Ben Joyce; Mike Gurney: Ethan Griffiths; Rhys Price; Adam Williams: Iestyn Owen; James Goldsmith: Owain Morris; Nathan Foster (Capt); George Raymond. Replacements: Ben Evans; Aaron Foster; Carl Evans; Ben Perkins.