Premiership Division:

 

Magnificent Otters push Ponty all the way

 

Narberth 13 - Pontypridd 16

 
Pontypridd arrived with a very large and vociferous band of supporters ready to cheer on their team to a tenth win over a Narberth side embroiled at the other end of the table, and a significant lead at the top of the table as they snatched victory with two late penalties – but not before they had been pushed all the way by a home side which played some superb rugby and perhaps deserved more than the bonus point they received.
 
Indeed, even the ‘Ponty Crew’ had to admit their fantastic start, with a try by winger  Joe Davies after excellent handling by Jacob Symes, George Thorrington and Ioan Evans set him on an excellent run to the line – but the scoring pass was a yard forward and missed by young referee Carwyn Sion, who in general had an excellent game with his close control.
 
The Otters showed their resolve, however, as they had by far the better of the rest of the first half and were deservedly ahead by 10-5 at the interval.
 
Tom Powell led his pack by example to win the man of the match award, and he had support from Will Blackburn, Tom Kaijaks, Josh Hamer and especially hooker Tom Clarke, who was outstanding in broken play and must have pushed Powell for the man of the match recognition.
 
They went close on a couple of occasions via Lewys Gibby and Matthew John but Ponty’s defence was outstanding until the 35^th minute when a series of drives involving Caleb Salmon, Sam Martin, Ryan Rees and especially skipper Powell, all orchestrated by Alex Williams, who was chosen as the official man of the match for the third time running, ended with an important change of approach as centre Harrison Griffiths chose the right angle to join the fray and slice through without a hand laid on him.
 
Outside half Osian Evans converted and added another three points from the last kick of the half as further pressure ended with his using his trusty left boot to neatly drop a goal.
 
Narberth also started the second half well and for the first ten minutes were camped in Ponty’s 22 but again good defence by the visitors saw no points given away and there were warning signs for the Otters as the visitors went close after good work by skipper Cally James, Ieuan Davies and Kristian Parker saw winger Louis Rochefort-Shugar unable to grab the touchdown from a clever Syme’s kick.
 
But their pressure paid off soon afterwards as Evans, replacement Jeff Young, Joe Miles and Joe davies established just enough room for Rochefort-Shugar to squeeze in at the club house corner.
 
 
 Symes missed the tough conversion but after 68 minutes he rounded off another forward surge with a simple penalty – which was cancelled out by a 40-metre kick from replacement No 10 Jonathan Reynolds to set up a nerve-jangling final ten minutes.
 
And almost on time Ponty snatched the all-important penalty that was comfortable slotted by Symes, although he was wide soon afterwards with another penalty chance, leaving The Otters with the disappointment of defeat but knowing if they can maintain this kind of intensity for their remaining matches they should maintain their status at this high level.
 
And Ponty, their supporters, many of whom were staying in the area for the weekend,  left knowing that their expected repeat of a  52-23 win when the teams met at Sardis Road didn’t reach fruition – but they made their journey home relieved with a very narrow victory!
 
Narberth: Llew Jones: Lewys Gibby; Matthew John; Harrison Griffiths; Geraint Llewellyn: Osian Evans; Alex Williams: Tom Kaijaks; Tom Clarke; Ryan Rees: Will Blackburn; Sam Martin: Josh Hamer; Tom Powell; Caleb Salmon. Replacements: Rob Evans; Ricky Guest;  Guto Jones; Rhys Williams; Sam Davies; Roy Osborn; Jonathan Rogers; Hedd Nicholas.
 
 
 

Championship Division:

 

Great comeback by Crymych secures a bonus point win

 

Gowerton 36 - Crymych 41

 
Crymych gained an excellent, morale-bosting away win over Gowerton to gain revenge for a narrow 32-29 defeat at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, with talented winger Ifan Davies having a match to remember as he scored three tries, four conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 26 points.

The Preseli Men were 14 points down in the opening stages but levelled matters before trailing 21-14 down at the break as Gowerton grabbed their third converted try.
 
Fortunes continued to change in the third quarter as Crymych levelled matters again and then a third time to leave matters even at 28-apiece and then 36-36 with a penalty after Tomos Lewis grabbed his second score.
 
Then Carwyn Phillips and the rest of his excellent pack raised the tempo, assisted by help off the bench, before the ubiquitous Davies landed a penalty and claimed his hat-trick to put his team ahead at a vital time and push them well out of the relegation zone, whilst pinning their opponents into the bottom three,
 
Crymych Scorers:
Tries: Tomos Lewis (2), Ifan Davies (3), Hedd George
Cons: Ifan Davies (4)
Pen: Ifan Davies
 
Crymych:  Adam Phillips: Hedd George; Ifan Davies;  Jon Hill; Tomos Davies: Elis Thomas; Dafydd Phillips: Aled Hughes; Lee Griffiths; Ben Cox: Matthew Freebury; Osian Davies: Tom Taylor; Llyr Davies; Carwyn Phillips (Capt): Replacements: Rhys Richards; Carwyn Rees; Rhys Davies; Nick Bevan; Ianto Davies.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Strong Seasiders’ performance at Yr Hendy

 

Yr Hendy 24 - Tenby United 32

 
Mid-table Yr Hendy are never an easy option on their own pitch and Tenby United’s tussle was no walk-over against a big home pack and half backs adroit at keeping them pushing forward – but The Seasiders maintained their interest in promotion as they established a 22-7 interval lead to not only complete the double but secure a vital bonus point in the process.
 
There was an added interest to events amongst the Seasiders’ supporters because outside half Lloyd Thomas pre-match needed only ten points to complete a remarkable tally for the season of 1,000 points – but the talented No 10 perhaps left his kicking boots at home as he only landed one conversion and a penalty, so they will have to wait for their next match, as they travel to play Fishguard & Goodwick in the quarter-final of the KO Cup.
 
The Seasiders had joint men of the match in Tom Edmonds and Liam Price, who are forming a formidable midfield pairing – and up front there were outstanding performances by Joe Poole, who is able to play in all three front-row positions, Alex Jenkins (still a great ball winner) and Dan Colley, still scoring tries.
 
Yr Hendy:
Tries: Ifan Beynon-Thomas, Rhys harries, Gethin Thomas, Jordan Thomas.
Cons: Miles Harries; Ifan Beynon-Jones
 
Tenby United:
Dai Jones, Gwion Jones, Tom Edmonds, Dan Colley, penalty try
Con: Lloyd Thomas
Pen: Lloyd Thomas
 
Bottom club Milford Haven, who aTenby United: Geraint Jones: Will James; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Gwion Jones (Capt): Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones:  Joe Poole; Kyle Rossiter; Ethan Morgan: Luke Dedman; Alex Jenkins: Charlie Patching; Jack Brown; Dan Colley. Replacements: Tom Barrass; Max Boswell; Dom Colman; Gethin Bradney; Fletcher Broadhurst.
 
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seasiders struggle as Betws bag a deserved win

 

Betws 24 - Fishguard & Goodwick 10

 
Fishguard & Goodwick suffered a disappointing sixth defeat of the season against a Betws side in the bottom two but delighted with a deserved third victory of the campaign to gives them a pleasing breathing space over bottom club Milford Haven, who are 12 points adrift and having played two matches more.
 
The Seagulls were 14-3 behind at half way as they were unable to match recent form, where they lost narrowly away to top club Lampeter Town and beat promotion aspirants Laugharne at Wooford Park.
 
But The Seagulls stay in fourth place, well ahead of the clubs below them, but looking to up the ante in next week’s home KO Cup match with Tenby United, and for their remaining league fixtures.
 
Betws:
Tries: Dan Baker, Anthony Evans, Ryan Tancock
Cons: Steffan Gillard (3)
Pen: Steffan Gillard
 
Fishguard & Goodwick:
Try: Rhys Lewis
Pen: Marc Jones
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Ed Bendall: Dan Evans; Mike Jenkins; Dan Cleary; Rhys Evans: Marc Jones; Max Jones: Ryan McVeigh; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Cai Llewellyn; Bryn Thomas: Will Lewis; Sion Colella (Capt); Rhys Lewis. Replacements: Ben Jones; Will Delaney; Kev Ormonde; Ritchie Hunter; Dom Sinnott.
 
 
 

Borderers brave fight-back in vain

 

Whitland 14 - Nantgaredig 20

 
Whitland entertained Nantgaredig in search of a double since they played really well to beat their opponents by 25-20 in their previous encounter – but they didn’t get off to a good start and found themselves 0-20 down at half time.
 
They did manage to raise the tempo after the interval as they scored a try and added three penalties but were unable to find the converted try that would have seen them snatch victory, despite the efforts of Jack Evans in winning turn-overs, Gavin Smith and Ceiron Evans.
 
Harry Fuller was always a threat when given the ball and Johnny Thomas was a calming influence at the back.
 
Whitland:
Try: Iestyn Comey
Pens: Harry Fuller (3)
Nantgaredig:
Tries:  Ollie Watkins, Lloyd Evans
Cons: Lloyd Williams (2)
Pens: Lloyd Williams (2)
 
Whitland: Johnny Thomas: Harry Fuller; Will Hughes; Dom Davies; Deian Davies: Gareth Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Trysten Bowen; Nicky Frampton; Ceiron Evans: Alan Proctor; Jack Evans: Dan Bennett; Gavin Smith; Iestyn Comey. Replacements: Marc Jones; Charlie Watson; Johnny Phillips; Olly Hughes; Shane Rossiter.
 
 

Division Three (West):

 

Tycroes take revenge for only league defeat

 

Tycroes 26 - Cardigan 19

 
Cardigan caused a real upset when they were the only team to beat Tycroes at home as they rampaged away at the top of the table – and although The Teifisiders were unable to repeat that upset in this away match they deserve every credit for never giving up against a powerful pack and slick backs – and fully deserved their losing point for coming within seven points of Tycroes at the final whistle.
 
And that point was worth it when one considers The Teifisiders were already 19-0 down at half time and the chance of a heavy defeat in prospect – but they collectively rolled up their sleeves as Emyr Harries organised things at the back and No 8 Marcus Castle battled hard up front alongside Kieran Hurley, Nathan Bowen, Luke Palmer-Davies and Andrew Jones., plus diminutive flanker Aaron Tomkinson, who again showed his try-scoring capability alongside left winger Aaron Evans.
 
Tycroes went 26-0 ahead after only 43 minutes  but Cardigan never gave up and their fight-back saw them emerge with that bonus point, which keeps them marginally above the four relegation places – but knowing if they can maintain their second-half intensity they should climb the table.
 
Tycroes:
Tries:  Elgan Griffiths, Sam Icke, Connor Thomas, Ben James
Cons: Rhys Tench (3)
 
Cardigan: 
Tries: Aaron Evans, Aaron Tomkinson (2)
Cons: Llyr Jones (2)
 
Cardigan: Alun Jenkins: Sam Lloyd; John Lumb; Emyr Harries; Aaron Evans: Jack Davies; Llyr Jones: Nathan Bowen; Luke Palmer-Davies; Andrw Jones: Flynn Tjoonk; Dan Jones: Kieran Hurley; Aaron Tomkinson; Marcus Castle. Replacements: Will Brice; Ben Hughes; Colin Davies; Kieran Greenland; Rhodri Davies.
 
 

Ponty unable to find a team to travel

 

Haverfordwest P - Pontyberem P

 
Match postponed!
 
 
 


 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Saints score double win to secure the Johnny James Cup

 

Llangwm 13 - St Davids 20

 
St Davids secured a league double over Llangwm at a packed Pill Parks but the real rivalry that exists between these old foes is now further intensified by the fact that they play on a two-leg basis for the Johnny James Memorial Cup, named in honour of the live-wire late Wasps’ hooker who loved all his rugby but particularly against The Saints.
 
The Saints had won 31-18 earlier in the campaign and were 15-8 up at half time her after making a great start with a first-minute try and another late in the half, with a conversion and penalty already on the way to winning.
 
But The Wasps are always ready to battle hard and with powerful ex-Pembroke second row Craig Williamson making his debut alongside bonny battlers like Ieuan Power, Phill Llewellyn, Callum Jenkins and youngster Arwyn O’Loughlin  they grabbed a late penalty and try soon after the restart and other in the 64^th minute to get back into contention, urged on by their vociferous supporters.
 
The Saints defended well to stem the tide and they added a try with two minutes to go that sealed the league points and the sought-after silverware – which was presented to Saints’ skipper Nathan Foster by Llangwm chairman Dan Chesmer, who served The Wasps for so many years.
 
On this occasion, Llangwm outside half Breig Matthew was chosen as their man of the match. – whilst Saints’ vice-captain George Raymond was accorded the same honour from The Saints.
 
Llangwm:
Tries: Rhys Llewellyn, Andrew Evans
Pen: Breig Matthews
 
St Davids:
Rhys Price, Morgan Griffiths, George Raymond
Con: Bob Froy
Pen: Bob Froy
 
Llangwm: Harry Makepeace: Rhys Llewellyn; Josh Griffiths; Ieuan Grey; Steffan Williams: Breig Matthews; Dylan Philpott: Ieuan Power; Phil Llewellyn; Callum Jenkins: Arwel O’Loughlin; Craig Williamson: Aran Willliams; Owain Jones; Rhys Manwaring. Replacements: Joe Newton; Andrew Evans; Yale Grice; Mattie Lewis; Ollie Gerson.
 
St Davids: Mike Gurney: Morgan Griffiths; Harvey Lavin; Iwan Davies; Bob Froy: Ben Joyce; Zac Morgan: Ethan Griffiths; Rhys Price; Adam Williams: Iestyn Owen; James Goldsmith: Aaron Foster; Nathan Foster (Capt); George Raymond. Replacements: Ben Evans; Chris Cooper; Owain Morris; Aled Davies; Carl Evans.




 
 
 

Dragons snatch victory at Ddol Wiber

 

Dreigiau Emlyn 25  - Pembroke 24

 
Dreigiau Emlyn and Pembroke fought out a tense finale in this match at Ddol Wiber, with The Dragons looking strong at the break down and being rewarded with some well-worked tries and victory by a single point after The Scarlets pressed hard in the closing stages but were unable to use their scrummaging superiority because of uncontested scrums called by Emlyn when a prop was injured.
 
Pembroke had won by 36-32 at Crickmarren and looked good value for the double as they scored three first half tries t lead  19-8, with the second and third scores initiated from their own 22.
 
The Scarlets were on a seven-match winning streak which had jetted them into second place but at  least they had the satisfaction of two bonus points for scoring four tries and ending just a point behind the Dragons, who now occupy third spot as The Scarlets had other chances when old stagers like Johnny Palmer and Seamus came on from the bench.
 
Pembroke:
Tries: Dai Rogers, Barry Alderman-John, Rhodri Williams, Evan Davies
Cons: Jared Sherratt (2)
 
Pembroke: Rhys Johns: Evan Davies; Jack Nicholas; Lewis Davies; Barry Alderman-John: Jared Sherratt; Josh Greenwood: Tom Cabot; Dan Davies; Lloyd Davies (Capt): Scott Powell; William Edwards: Rhodri Walters; Rhydian Eynon; Dai Rogers. Replacements: Seamus Wiseman; Johnny Palmer; Jack Oliver; Deryn Williams; TJ Jones.
 
 
 

All square between The Bulls and The Quins

 

Teirw Crymych 17 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 17

 
Honours ended even at Parc Lloyd Thomas as Teirw Crymych and Pembroke Dock Harlequins ended with a draw verdict as they shared 34 hard-fought for points.
 
Teirw Crymych: Dylan Thomas: Steff Davies; Steff Rees; Osian Rees; Luke Allsworth: Tomos Rees; Griff Williams: Richard Phillips; Sion Wilson; Tomos Davies: Luke Freebury (Capt); Harri Vaughan: Griff Lloyd, Aneirin Vaughan; Osian Thomas. Replacements: Lloyd Hughes; Liam Barber; Griff Owens; Aled Harries; Jonah Laidlaw; Sian Richards.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Damien Miller; Craig Barnett; Jack Price; Tom Donovan: Euan McDonald; Morgan Rogers: Ryan Neilson; Dan McLeod; Jack Davies: Rhys Doyle; Taylor Rees: Callum Jones; Jordan Palmer; Harry Owen. Replacements: Alfie Ball; Ben Gibby; Lewys Scourfield; Sam Davies; Owain Turner.
 
 
 

Llan unable to raise a team

 

Llanybydder P Narberth Athletic P

 
**Sadly, Llan unable to raise a team for this home match**
 




 
 

Pembrokeshire KO Cup – Plate Quarter-Final:

 

Mariners make it into plate semis

 

Milford Haven 28 - Neyland 17

 
Milford Haven gained entry into the last four of this season’s plate competition by beating Neyland at The Obs where both teams had periods of pressure, starting with The Mariners in the first half where their pack won good possession which half backs Dan McClelland and James Williams used well to jet their side into a 21-0 through three converted tries.
 
Back came the All Blacks after the oranges with two excellent converted  tries of their own alongside a penalty to cause a few flutters amongst their hardy band of supporters, only for Milford to ass a fourth converted try to seal the issue.
 
James Trueman and Zac Davies caught the eye for The Mariners alongside Robbie Jones, Dan Birch and veteran Gareth ‘Savage’ Phillips, whilst The All Blacks would be disappointed by the result but delighted to hear the news that their nearest competitors in Division Four (West) had come unstuck, leaving George Williams’ team with a lead of two points at the top but with three games in hand.
 
Milford Haven:
Tries: Aaron Mayne, James Trueman, Robbie Jones, Dan McClelland
Cons: James Trueman (4)
 
Neyland:
Tries: Ben Williams, Iestyn Evans
Cons: George Evans (2)
Pen: George Evans
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: James Trueman; Dan Jenkins; Jamie Lewis; Dan Birch: James Williams; Dan McClelland:  Jamie Parr; Luke Ryan (Capt); Aaron Mayne: Gareth Phillips; Chris Hall: Zac Davies; Ieuan Davies; Dewi Williams. Replacements:  Dai Sweeny; Ryan Williams; Dylan Evans; Ethan Aldred; Aaron Cookson; Dan Goodridge; Aaron Davies.
 
Neyland: Patrick Bellerby: Matthew Coles; George Williams (Capt); Alex Codd; Josh Watts: Oli Rothero; Owen Hamer: Adam Peele; Jack Harries; Seb Mackintosh: Iestyn Evans; George Evans: Dan Hart; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: I Hadley; Andrew Slark; Mark James; Chris Busby; Jasper Endean; L Hallett; N Wilson.