Featured Match - Division Four (West):

 

Ollie inspires pacy Blacks

 

Llangwm 19 - Neyland 54

 
Referee: Colin Phillips (Who had a good game)
 
Matches between old rivals Llangwm and Neyland are usually hard-fought and this one was no exception in front of a large crowd at Pill Parks – but it was The All Blacks who held the aces as their backs were that little sharper in every aspect of play as Owen Hamer and Ollie Rothero called the shots, the latter making a welcome return to the club and scoring 17 points, including the try of the match when his team were already 39-12 ahead and he raced 65 metres, with pure pace and great guile to outfox the Wasps’ cover defence.
 
The writing was on the wall for Llangwm after 20 minutes, when they trailed 17-0 as Rothero landed a first-minute penalty and then converted tries from centre Alex Codd and winger Matthew Coles, with Llangwm showing what they could with a cracking break from half backs Steffan Thomas and Dylan Philpott, supported by winger Josh Griffiths, but it broke down at the last moment – and then a deserved corner try from full back Harry Makepeace after good play up front by co-captain Ashley James, Sam Rickwood and Jake Thomas.
 
But two terrible Llangwm  clearance attempts from penalties gave easy possession to The All Blacks in midfield from which they added further tries by winger Liam Rees and second row George Evans, followed by try No 5 from Owen Hamer to earn their team a deserved 32-5 interval lead.

It was a similar story after the break as Llangwm again showed total commitment and from a scrum in the Neyland 22 it was Ashley James who picked up at the base of a scrum and dashed to the posts without a hand being laid upon him, Makepeace adding the simple conversion.
 
But from there it was Neyland who took charge as both teams suffered injuries but they had the more experienced bench. Iestyn Evans grabbed a good try as reward for his high work-rate, followed by that wonderful score by Rothero and a late final try by skipper George Williams, making a welcome return to fitness and playing well alongside his brother Ben, Owain Evans, Tal Tamilia, Seb Mackintosh and Alex ‘Budgie’ Swales.
 
Llangwm were rewarded with their third try when they spread play wide and a high tackle on their last man earned them a penalty try – which was fitting reward because although they were out-gunned over all they battled all the way to the final whistle of an entertaining local derby.

 
 
 
Llangwm: Harry Makepeace:  Josh Griffiths; Jed Evans; Owain Jones; Jack Roberts: Dylan Philpott; Steff Thomas (Co-Capt): Joe Newton; Dan Woodward; Callum Jenkins: Jake Thomas; Arwyn O’Loughlin: Sam Rickwood; Morgan Scott Walker; Ashley James (Co-Capt). Replacements: Matthew Rees; Charlie Wilson; James Lewis;  Ollie Gerson; Yale Grice.





 
Neyland: Liam Rees: Matthew Coles; George Williams (Capt); Alex Codd; Josh Watts: Olie Rothero; Owen Hamer: Seb Mackintosh; Alex Swales; Adam Peel: Dan Hart; George Evans: Tal Tamilia; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Mark James; Jack Harries;  Iestyn Evans; Andrew Slark; Kieran Cookson; Delme Bateman.








 

Championship Division:

 

Preseli Men pipped at the post

 

Ystalyfera 32 - Crymych 31

 
Crymych came within four minutes of claiming a second successive victory in this tough division as they led Ystalyfera by 31 -29 but then they conceded a penalty from which home place kicker  Cellan Carter-Jones slotted the three points at that took them to their first success after a 46-19 defeat by tata Steel in their opening match.
 
It left The Preseli Men really disappointed by the final verdict and their only consolation was the fact that they pouched two bonus points, one for scoring four tries and the other for finishing within seven points of their opposition after they had played so well.

Crymych led 17-15 after a tight first half where they had been behind early on but  a penalty by Adam Phillips was also followed by good tries by flanker Tom Taylor and winger Sion Evans, both converted by in-form full back Phillips.
 
At the other end, Ystalyfera had tries by wingers Cellan Davies and Cellan Carter-Jones, who also notched a conversion and penalty.
 
The lead continued to change hands after the break as centre Lawrence Headlam, second row Rhys ‘Beaky’ Davies and skipper Carwyn Phillips led the way, with the Preseli Men adding further tries by scrum Dafydd Phillips and open-side flanker Jon Hill, again both converted by Adam Phillips, but the home side kept in the hunt as centre Tomos Davies and prop  James Williams crossed the whitewash, both converted by Carter-Jones to set up those pulsating final moments where Crymych fought hard to stay in the lead.
 
But then came that late penalty for Ystalyfera that snatched victory away from Crymych, who now face another tough tussle next Saturday as they entertain a Glynneath side which has so far won both its matches.
 
Crymych: Adam Phillips: Tomos Lewis; Sion Evans; Lawrence Headlam; Ianto Davies: Ifan Phillips; Dafydd Phillips: Morgan James; Lee Griffiths; Osian Charles: Rhys Davies;  Osian Davies: Tom Taylor; John Hill; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements: Carwyn Rees; George Rossiter; Llyr Davies; Rhydian Howells; Rhys Davies.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls swoop for bonus-point start

 

Milford Haven 12 - Fishguard & Goodwick 53

 
When Milford Haven recently entertained Fishguard & Goodwick in the KO Cup the result was in doubt until the final moments but The Seagulls were good value for an easy second win over their old rivals as a mixture of injuries and the shut-down at Valero reduced home coach Steve Martin’s options so that several players made their debuts and he actually played at outside half!
 
That takes nothing away from Fishguard’s excellent play, especially in the second period where they ran away with things and added 27 unanswered points, with tries coming at regular intervals as their young squad showed how much they are growing as a team.
 
The Seagulls also made a cracking start to their play as they opened up a 22-point gap, starting  with a Mark Jones’ penalty, then well-worked tries by centre Rhys Evans, skipper Sion Colella, Liam Wilkes (who formed a strong front row with props Ryan McVeigh and Will Delaney), plus another by powerful No 8 Jac Delaney, two of them converted by Mark Jones.
 
It says much for The Mariners’ battling spirit that they responded with a deserved try for outstanding scrum half Dan McClelland but Will Delaney ploughed over for the visitors before Korban Banner, making his debut for the Mariners, added their second score, converted by Martin.
 
But from then on it was one-way traffic as winger Dylan Scott touched down, followed by other scores from winger Mark and scrum half Max Jones to send them home with a maximum haul of five points, whilst Milford had to settle for a brave battle but in the final analysis no league points to show for it!
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: Dean McSparron; Dan Jenkins; Andrew Sinton; Ben Goodridge: Steve Martin; Dan McClelland: Luke Ryan; Dai Sweeny; Charlie Watson: Ethan Aldred; Brandon Cooper: Ryan Williams; Ieuan Davies; Jay Goodall. Replacements: Tristan Lewis; Chris Triber-Jenkins; Alan Davies; Johnny Lloyd; Korban Banner.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Dylan Scott; Mark Jones; Dan Cleary; Rhys Evans: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Ryan McVeigh: Rhys Lewis; Griff Williams; Will Lewis; Sion Colella (Capt); Jac Delaney. Replacements: Cai Llewellyn; Jack Phillips; Ben Bone.
 
 

Borderers miss out in local derby

 

Whitland 27 - Laugharne 32

 
Matches between these old rivals are traditionally hard-fought and in this first division two league match it was certainly the case as Whitland were nine points ahead at half time but Laugharne had the better of the second half and went home delighted with their narrow win.
 
The Borderers’ tries were scored by outstanding centre Tom Hughes (2) and winger Owyn Griffiths, all converted by full back harry Fuller to go with a penalty – with Laugharne responding via two tries by influential back rower Mikey Williams alongside a conversion and penalty by Nico Setaro.
 
The balance of play also ebbed and flowed after the interval but all Whitland could add to their 24-15 interval lead was another Fuller penalty – but tries from Laugharne skipper Richie Waters and second row Carl Smith, both converted by Setaro, along with a penalty on target, was enough to ensure Laugharne have the area bragging rights until the teams meet  again later in the campaign!
 
Whitland: Harry Fuller: Morgan Lewis; Tom Hughes;  Dom Davies; Owyn Griffiths: Will Hughes; Rhys Nicholas: Trystan Bowen; Marc Jones; Johnny Phillips: Raff Williams; Iestyn Comey: Dan Bennett; Cian Evans; Zac France-Miller (Capt). Replacements: Matt Driver; Ceirion Evans; Morgan Thomas; Jack Flanagan; Olly Hughes; Deian Davies (Reserve); Alan Proctor (Reserve).
 




 

Division Four (West):

 

Barnett hat-trick inspires Quins to derby victory

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 38 - Pembroke 17

 
The huge crowd at Bierspool demonstrated the passion felt by both sets of supporters as Pembroke Dock Harlequins entertained neighbours Pembroke in their traditional local derby – and the end product was a game played at pace and with true competitive spirit before classy centres Craig Barnett and Jack Price provided the ultimate bonus for The Quins as the former grabbed three tries and the latter was heavily involved in all The Quins did and also scored a try.
 
The Scarlets never gave up the battle despite trailing 24-5 at the interval, and having lost former captain Scott Powell after 15 minutes with a back injury, but they were rocked back after eight minutes when Price served notice of intent when he effortlessly sliced through from outside the 22 after a clever Barnett kick had given him the space.
 
Current captain Ben Hathaway added the extras and notched a penalty before The Scarlets bounced back with a try by young hooker Dan Davies, following good work by Will Edwards, Ma x Boswell, Johnny Palmer and skipper Lloyd Davies.
 
But again, the Quins took control as Barnett claimed his first try, converted by Hathaway, who soon after added the extra points to an opportunist try by No 10 Will Rogers after he intercepted some 40 metres out and held on well to beat the Pembroke cover defence, again with Hathaway converting.
 
Pembroke made a good start to the second period winger TJ Jones raced over for a try, converted by full back Luke Alderwick, before skipper Davies rounded off another concerted forward drive to make it 24-17 to The Quins – but after each team received a red card it was the home side which adapted the better as Barnett claimed the try of the match from a scything run and then completed his hat-trick as he combined well again with Price, both scores converted by outside half Rogers.
 
It meant The Quins won with a bonus point for scoring at least four tries whilst Pembroke just missed out from any reward as they will look back on missed tackles, especially in the first half, that cost them dearly!
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway: Tom Donovan; Craig Barnett; Jack Price; Josh Brown: Morgan Rogers; Elliott Lewis: George Bellmaine; Jordan Palmer; Dan McLeod: Taylor Rees; Liam Scourfield: Ryan Gammer; Danny Wilkes; Harry Owen. Replacements: Lewys Scourfield; Rhys Doyle; Damien Miller; Charlie Dearden; Ollie Lewis; Jack Mallitte; Tom Wheeler.
 
Pembroke: Luke Alderwick: TJ Jones; Fraser James; Jack Nicholas; Barry Alderman-John: Rhys Johns; Jarred Sharratt: Lloyd Davies (Capt); Dan Davies; Johnny Palmer: Scott Powell; Max Boswell:  Will Edwards; Rhydian Eynon; Robin Badham. Replacements: D Williams; T Oakley; C Weatherall; J Greenwood; E Brown.




 
 

Otters come out on top in battle of the Athletics

 

Crymych Athletic 7 - Narberth Athletic 27

 
For the development squads of Narberth and Crymych this match at Parc Lloyd Thomas was their first incursion into National League Rugby and it was The Otters’ second string which came out on top as their backs were just that little more able in the ball-winning stakes and their backs benefitted from that edge up front by scoring three quality tries before The Preseli Men 2nds claimed a late consolation score of a penalty try.
 
Livewire flanker Harry Phillips opened The Otters’ account and other tries came from replacement scrum half Andrew Williams and full back Shane Rossiter – who had been a major influence when the teams met recently in the KO Cup and his massive kicking out of hand played a significant role and he was at it again here because he didn’t only grab a five-pointer but he was also on target with two conversions and two penalties for a personal haul of 15 points.
 
Crymych skipper Luke Freebury and his brother Matthew joined Hedd James and Elgan Wilson in trying in vain to raise the tempo for the home side but if they can continue to play at this tempo, they are going to provide a stern test for any of the first teams involved in Division Four (West).
 
Crymych Athletic: Hedd George: Luke Allsworth; Hedd James; Elgan Wilson; Gruff Williams: Jac Griffiths; Callum James: Aled Hughes; Sion Wilson; Ben Cox: Luke Freebury (Capt); Matthew Freebury: Steffan Morris; Griff Lloyd: Osian Thomas. Replacements: Richard Phillips; Rhys Richards; Harri Vaughan; Gareth Owens; Dafydd Gibby. Reserve: Owain Richards.
 
Narberth Athletic: Shane Rossiter: Steve Brown; Will davies; Dylan Walsh; Owen Llewellyn: Archie Vallance; Jordan James: Declan Cole; Rhys Jenkins (Capt); Jac Norcross:  Henry Foster; Tom Parsels: Stephen Thomas; Yori Morgan; Sam Davies. Replacements: Ieuan barnes; Osian Phillips; Harry Phillips; Andrew Williams; Harri Harries;  Aeron Williams; Harry Williams.