Featured Match – Division Four (West) A:

 

Saints complete deserved double

 

St Davids 26 - Dreigiau Emlyn 20

 
St Davids sealed a second successive bonus-point win thanks to a first-half blitz against Newcastle Emlyn, writes Fraser Watson.
 
Zak Morgan, Harvey Lavin, Morgan Griffiths, and Ben Lloyd all crossed in a 20-minute period that ultimately proved decisive, although the hosts were pushed to the final whistle as their visitors fought back, thanks to two tries of their own and the reliable boot of winger Deiniol Rees.
 
In a frenetic opening, it was Rees who landed a penalty inside the first two minutes but when the Saints were presented with their own close-range penalty moments later, they opted for the corner and from the lineout drive that followed scrum half Zak Morgan sniped over.
 
Bob Froy converted before Rees immediately reduced the deficit with a simple three-pointer, but Emlyn were then hit by a hammer blow as they failed to capitalise on a prolonged spell of pressure. After the ball went loose, St Davids broke upfield and No.10 Ben Joyce opted to go wide - with player-coach Griffiths finishing clinically on the wing as he saw off four defenders before diving over.
 
Joyce was then involved in the next try as his chip forward evaded Emlyn full-back Celt Davies and the ball bounced kindly into the hands of home centre Lavin, who duly sped in from 35 metres out for Froy to add the extras.
 
The fourth try then came from second-row Lloyd after Joyce linked with No. 8 George Raymond who was tackled just short of the line before popping the scoring pass, and after Froy converted to make it 24-6, the contest appeared over.
 
But after Lloyd’s partner in the boiler house Noah Dark was sin-binned for preventing a quick tap penalty the away side gave themselves hope before the break, outside half Cian Jones going over in the corner before Rees brilliantly converted.
 
St Davids had a strong wind behind them in the second half, but the game was stagnated after the break. Froy missed a penalty chance and man of the match Rhys Price went close with a robust charge near the line, but the ball went forward from the ruck that followed. 
 
Home flanker Aaron Foster then also saw yellow for a trip as Emlyn tried valiantly to run the ball from deep against the elements, but then with four minutes left, they gave themselves a lifeline when hooker Edryd James received a short ball and burst through a gap to score.
 
Rees converted to set up a tense finale but the Saints managed to control the possession late on, and despite Froy missing another chance to seal matters from 40 metres out the final whistle soon went as Griffiths’ side backed up their win in Llanybydder the previous week.
 
“I’m really happy with the performances in the last couple of games,” said coach Griffiths afterwards. “It’s nice to get the two wins on the back of two heavy defeats. Our first-half performance today was definitely better than our second, but fair play to Emlyn they came back at us and gave us a real good run in the last 20 minutes.”
 
Emlyn coach Gethin Vobe could also be content with a losing bonus point, saying: “I’m pleased with the way we stuck in there because at 26-6 our heads could have gone down. In the second half against the wind, we were forced to play as we didn’t have the option to kick - but we persevered and got a well-deserved try at the end.”
 
St Davids: Michael Gurney: Morgan Griffiths; Harvey Lavin; George Raymond; Bob Froy: Ben Joyce; Zac Morgan: Ethan Griffiths; Rhys Price; Ben Evans: Noah Dark; Ben Lloyd: Aaron Foster; James Goldsmith; Nathan Foster (Capt). Replacements: Dan Murphy; Joe Nash; Adam Williams; Owen Swain; Morgan Davies.
 
Newcastle Emlyn 2nds: Celt Davies, Deiniol Rees, Sion Griffiths, Llew Morgan, Dafydd Adams, Cian Jones, Thomas Jones, Dan Irving, Edryd James, Ieuan James, Celt Jones, Tomos James, Adam Smith, Dylan Davies, Ifan Davies. Replacements: Niki Williams, Rhodri Davies, Meirion Thomas, Dafydd James, Dafydd Williams.
 
Referee: Simon Harris.





 
 

Premiership Division:

 

Otters lose vital basement battle

 

Llangennech 28 - Narberth 8

 
Narberth missed out in this basement battle as they conceded the double to Llangennech, who had previously beaten The Otters 17-8 at The Lewis Lloyd Ground and were already 23-3 in front at the interval before Liam Gadd’s side managed to stem the tide a little after the break as they limited the home side to just five more points and managed a try of their own from fitness and defence coach Matthew John, who showed he still has what it takes as a player with their only try.
 
After wholesale changes from the disappointing home 36-5 defeat to  Bargoed the previous week the Otters had actually taken the lead with a well-struck penalty from Jonathan Rogers but Llangennech responded with two penalties from his opposite number Steffan Marshall – and then Narberth suffered a double blow to their battle plans as former Welsh prop Rob Evans and winger Geraint Llewellyn were yellow-carded soon after each other and Llangennech grabbed tries from Jack Spencer and Josh Edwards, the latter converted by Marshall.
 
An unconverted try by Gareth George gave the home side a 20-point interval advantage before Callum Jenkins ran in their fourth try to ensure they also pouched a bonus point for good measure.
 
They did have that consolation score from ‘Snowy’ John but Llangennech leap-frogged The Otters and moved three places up the table and there was further disappointing news as bottom club Newcastle Emlyn beat Brecon to narrow the gap to four points from The Otters – and the only consolation for Narberth is the fact that Bonymaen and Newbridge are only two points ahead and have played a game more.
 
But top-placed Pontypridd are their next opponents, albeit with home advantage for Narberth, so they will have to play out of their skins to overturn a 52-23 result when they met at Sardis Road!
 
Narberth: Llew Jones:  Geraint Llewellyn; Hedd Nicholas; Harrison Griffiths; Matthew John: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby. Rob Evans; Tom Clarke; Tom Kaijaks:  Will Blackburn: Caleb Salmon: Tom Powell (Capt); Josh Hamer; Roy Osborne. Replacements: Luke Tucker; Kyle Hamer; Sam Martin; Ryan Rees; Rhys Williams; Sam Davies, Alex Williams; Osian Evans.
 
 
 

Championship Division:

 

Preseli Men concede the double to Ammanford after a slow start

 

Crymych 5 - Ammanford 21

 
Crymych were already 21 points adrift after a disappointing first half where missed tackles and a few basic errors let them down  and although they had marginally the better of the second period they were unable to turn pressure into more than a single unconverted try.
 
So, the Preseli Men conceded the double to third-placed Ammanford because they had already lost 33-20 when they had previously met a team renowned for its powerful pack and a canny set of backs who limited their basic errors, especially in that first half where they ran in three tries, all converted by full back Gareth Rees.
 
Crymych’s only score came from replacement winger Hedd George, which nicely rounded off a period of pressure from good ball retention, but this 11th defeat from 14 matches leaves them in ninth place, still out of the bottom two but knowing there is still plenty to do if they are to retain their championship status.
 
Crymych:
Try: Hedd George
Ammanford:
Tries: Dylan Phillips, Rhys Evans, Evan Harrow
Cons: Gareth Rees (3)
 
Crymych: Tomos Lewis: Jac Griffiths; Sion Evans; Jon Hill; Ianto Davies: Adam Phillips; Dafydd Phillips: Morgan James; Lee Griffiths; Ben Cox: Matthew Freebury; Osian Davies: Tom Taylor; Llyr Davies; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements: Carwyn Rees; Aled Hughes; Rhys Davies: Nick Bevan;  Hedd George; Aled Harries.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Seasiders bounce back with deserved victory

 

Tenby United 52 - Waunarlwydd 12

 
Tenby United showed great spirit as they bounced back from defeats in their previous two matches to easily beat Waunarlwydd at Heywood Lane as they ran in eight tries by playing the expansive rugby of which they are capable – completing the double because they had already won 17-12 against a team jokingly dubbed ‘One Eye Lid’ by local rugby fans.
 
The Seasiders were already 28-0 ahead at half time and coach Jonathan Evans then gave a run out to his squad members on the bench, who responded well so that they maintained their tempo despite Waun scoring tries from centre Sion John and replacement winger Charlie Steadman, one converted by skipper Joel Maguschke.
 
The Seasiders were particularly pleased with the play of young second row Max Boswell (18) and Will James, who caught the eye on the wing, both playing the full 80 minutes, and again the back row was very much in evidence as Dan Colley and replacement Jake Roberts shared four of the tries, whilst the new centre pairing of Liam Price and Tom Edmonds looked very sharp and claimed a try apiece.
 
Scrum half Dai Jones joined half back partner Lloyd Thomas in controlling the patterns of play and scored a try as Thomas landed six conversions, with Will James the other try scorer to round off a good day for the ex-St Davids player.
 
Tenby United: Gwion Jones: Will James; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Jordan Asparassa: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Hywel Baker; Kyle Rossiter; Ethan Morgan: Max Boswell; Alex Jenkins: Tom Barrass (Capt); Jack Brown; Dan Colley. Replacements: Joe Poole; Luke Dedman; Charlie Patching: Jake Roberts; Geraint Jones; Matthew Lewis.
 
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls battle back but league leaders hold on

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 22 - Lampeter  Town 26

 
Lampeter arrived at The Moors with top place and impressive 100% record after nine matches, including a 29-0 win over Fishguard & Goodwick earlier in the campaign – and it looked after this return tussle would be another relatively easy tenth win as they led 21-8 at half time.
 
But The Seagulls showed their mettle as they hauled their way back to within a score of snatching a surprise win and the closest they came when was when impressive hooker Liam Wilkes, who had already pouched a try brace, looked as if he might make it a hat-trick but the touch-judge spotted he had placed a foot on the touchline!
 
Fishguard’s young squad again found help late on from ‘old hands’ like Gavin Walsh, Ryan McVeigh and especially Simon James, who was instrumental in setting up their third try with a typically powerful burst before off-loading to outside half Jake Jenkins for a run to the posts and a quality converted try.
 
 
Fishguard & Goodwick:
Tries: Liam Wilkes (2), Jake Jenkins
Cons: Marc Jones (2)
Pen: Marc Jones
 
Lampeter Town:
Tries: Tomos Rhys-Jones, Jack Williams; Ian Rees, Gareth Morgan-Isaac
Cons: Griff Morgan (3)
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Mark Jones: Dan Cleary; Mike Jenkins; Kial Keane; Rhys Evans: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh: Bryn Thomas; Cei Llewellyn: Will Lewis Sion Colella (Capt); Rhys Lewis. Replacements: Gavin Walsh; Simon James; Ryan McVeigh; Ryan Foot; Dan Evans. Reserve: Ed Bendall
 
 

Mariners collapse as Borderers go to town

 

Milford Haven 17 - Whitland 55

 
Local derbies between Milford Haven and Whitland are traditionally hard fought and at the half-way stage the score at The Obs was only 19-12 in The Borderers’ favour – but the home side collapsed in the second half and Whitland were worthy winners by a huge margin and had completed the double after a previously narrow 14-10 victory at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn.
 
Dan McClelland and Dan Birch, back helping out after a longish absence from the game, scored in the first half for The Mariners and the loudest cheer of the match was reserved for their third try scorer in 45-year-old second row Gareth Phillips as he rounded off a flowing move which started near half way.
Known to all ‘Savage’, he played for a number of years during his time as a policeman in Haverfordwest and was still registered with them and so required a permit to return to his home town team.
 
For Whitland, the whole squad played well, especially after the interval as a platform established by their powerful pack was exploited by half backs Gareth Davies and Rhys Nicholas so that almost all their backs scored tries as they ended up with nine tries, five of them converted to set the seal on a fine performance that keeps them in fifth place, whilst the struggling Mariners are firmly rooted at the foot of the table and but for a minor miracle look destined for relegation as they continue to battle bravely despite so many injuries to their depleted squad.
 
Milford Haven:
Tries: Dan McClelland, Dan Birch, Gareth Phillips
Con: James Trueman
 
Whitland:
Tries: Jack Mason, Shane Webster, Dan Davies, Harry Fuller (2), Iestyn Comey, Tom Hughes, Gareth Davies, Deian Davies
Cons: Johnny Thomas (4), Harry Fuller
 
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: James Trueman; Dan Jenkins; Andrew Sinton; Aaron Cookson: James Williams; Dan McClelland: Jamie Parr; Ryan Williams; Luke Ryan (Capt): Chris Hall, Gareth Phillips: Dean McSparron; Jamie Lewis; Ieuan Davies. Replacements: Jordan Davies; Ethan Aldred; Aaron Davies; Dan Goodridge; Dan Birch.
 
Whitland: Johnny Thomas: Harry Fuller; Will Hughes; Dan Davies; Deian Davies: Gareth Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Trystan Bowen; Shane Webster; Ceirion Evans:  Alun Proctor; Iestyn Comey:  Dan Bennett; Gavin Smith; Jack Mason. Replacements: Johnny Phillips; Jack Evans; Charlie Wilson; Ben Evans; Olly Hughes.






 
 

Division Three (West):

 

Disappointing Blues still not firing on all cylinders

 

Haverfordwest 19 - Llandeilo 21

 
Haverfordwest suffered a disappointing home defeat to Llandeilo, albeit by only two points, where they showed the lack of confidence in their general play, which was error-strewn against a team two places below them in the table and whom they edged home by 28-26 when the teams met earlier in the season.
 
This was evident from the outset as The Blues conceded a first-minute penalty which Llandeilo No 10 kicked, as he did again after 14 minutes to double the lead – and sandwiched in between looked the better-organised team as Haverfordwest lost possession from a string of knock-ons – and even a penalty kick to the corner which flew past the corner flag and play restarted from just inside The Blues’ half!
 
They did open their account when outside half Jack Codd landed a penalty from his second attempt and they managed to snatch an 11-9 interval lead after Steff Roberts then added his third three-pointer and Codd also found the target again -  but The Blues finally showed their handling capabilities with a late corner try from Canadian winger Guy Barrons after some good handling.
 
The second half followed a similar pattern as Codd kicked a penalty but Llandeilo levelled matters with their second try – and took the lead with a converted try before Haverfordwest battled back with a good try.
 
But sadly, the  conversion attempt failed and so they had to settle for losing by two points and having to settle for a bonus point for being within seven points of their opponents  - but this was another game they should have won if they were playing true to form and ability.
 
Haverfordwest: Owain Roberts: Scott Candler; Iestyn Arnold; Jack Evans; Guy Barrons: Jack Codd; Liam Eaton: Dan Berry; Jamie Zambas; Tom Carrington: Jack Clancy; Teifion Owen. Dylan Williamson; Matthew Phillips; Karl Busch (Capt). Replacements: Andrew Edwards; Jamie Phillips; Crawford Hedman; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; George Hopkins.
 
Haverfordwest:
Tries: Guy Barrons, Scott Candler
Pens: Jack Codd (3)
 
Llandeilo:
Tries: Osian Rees, Toby Ricketts
Con: Steff Griffiths
Pens: Steff Roberts (3)





 
 
 

Back to earth with a bump for Cardis

 

Cardigan 19 - Llangadog 24

 
After their epic victory that earned them a place in the last four of the WRU Division Three Cup they were unable to maintain the same intensity against visiting Llangadog and lost their fifth win from 10 starts against a team they had already beaten 23-17 in the away match against a team below them in the section who had their fifth success, but from 12 games played.
 
The writing was on the wall for The Teifisiders as they surrendered an early lead to allow the opposition to draw level and then take a 14-7 advantage into the interval – and then four penalties by ace kicker Shaun Leonard gave them every chance until they conceded a late  penalty and later try which gave Llangadog the lead which they held for the final five minutes with some dogged defence.
 
Cardigan:
Try: Ben Hughes
Conversion: Shaun Leonard
Penalties: Shaun Leonard (4)
 
Llangadog:
Tries: Tom Brady, Steffan Thomas, Iestyn Williams
Cons: Ceri Williams 3
Pen: Ceri Williams
 
Cardigan: Shaun Leonard: John Lumb; Iwan John; Emyr Harries; Aaron Evans: Jac Davies; Iwan Toft: Andrew Jones; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Sion Phillips; Kieran Hurley: Aaron Tomkinson; Marcus Castle; Colin Davies. Replacements:  Will Brice; Nathan Bowen; Llyr Jones; Kieran Greenland; Alun Jenkins.
 





 

Division Four (West) A:

Match abandoned as referee took exception to crowd comments

 

Narberth Athletic 11 Neyland 24 (Abandoned after 62 minutes)

 
The match between Narberth Athletic and Neyland was abandoned after 62 minutes as the referee called a halt in a competitive a game which had plenty of good rugby from both teams and continued in the second period until the game was marred by a mass confrontation in front of the packed stand involving a number of players from both sides before the referee seemed to have restored order – although tensions were clearly still running high.
 
This was after Narberth had led 11-5 at half and were seeking the double after being the only team to beat The All Blacks in ten matches when they won a terrific tussle at The Athletic Ground by 23-20 – but then Neyland raised their tempo and had built a 24-11 advantage on the back of some excellent attacking play and seemed to be moving towards a bonus-point victory that could well prove decisive as they build a big lead at the top of the table in search of promotion.
 
Matters apparently came to a head when a Narberth player was shown a yellow card and allegedly came into contact with the match official, who then received abuse from a touchline supporter, and the official quite rightly instructed a Narberth official that removal from the field had to be done.
 
As the club official correctly carried out this instruction, the referee received an even more serious comment from another supporter and felt compelled to abandon the match, which he did.
 
The matter is inevitably in the hands of The WRU and debate now settles on whether the result should stand and appropriate punishment of anyone from either side - and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is of the belief that it should stand because otherwise the message that could go out that if your team is losing an important match then misbehaviour towards  a match official could benefit the team – hard to believe I know but the WRU have set the clubs a clear mandate about abuse of referees and Narberth RFC is a club with the highest standards and I’m sure will already have an investigation under way – which we would be delighted to report because we know what a proud reputation The Otters have built over many years of going there.
 
As club Hon Secretary Gareth Charles told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
“We are very disappointed to have this happen at our ground after we had played so well until half time and then Neyland fought back to get well on top. There is no place here for such behaviour during a really good match and once we have looked into the matter those involved will be dealt with.”
 
 
Narberth:
Try: Stephen Pilot
Pens: Shane Rossiter (2)
Neyland:
Tries: George Evans, Josh Watts, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer
Cons: George Evans (2)
 
Narberth Athletic: Shane Rossiter: Luke Conbeer; Brad Cramb; Will Davies; Harri Harries: Shay Norcross; Andrew Williams: Declan Cole; Rhys Jenkins; Jac Norcross: Henry Foster; Dan Owen: Harry Phillips; Sam Davies; Stephen Pilot. Replacements: Tom Parcells; Jack Tucker; Gareth Clifford; Yori Morgan; Wil Nicholas; Rhydian Jones; Archie Vallance; Harry Williams.
 
Neyland: Henry Macbeth: Jake Griffiths; Matthew Coles; George Williams (Capt); Josh Watts: Oli Rothero; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Owain Evans;  Seb Mackintosh: George Evans; Dan Hart: Tal Tamilia; Alex Codd; Ben Williams. Replacements: Alex Swales; Andrew Slark; Mark James; Iestyn Evans; Jasper Endean.
 
 

Six-try Quins to quick for The Wasps

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 42 - Llangwm 10

 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins scored three tries in each half against a hard-working Llangwm side which never gave up trying but lacked the real match-winners that The Quins had in Craig Barnett, Danien Miller, Euan McDonald and especially skipper Ben Hathaway, who converted all six tries, one of his own which typified The Quins’ attacking game that saw them run the ball from distance.
 
Llangwm had real battlers in Ieuan Power, Ryan banner, Jordan Evans and especially scrum half Ian Griffiths, helping out as someone in his mid-40s and still able to play consistently well.
 
The Wasps started with their usual vigour to take an early penalty lead but three quality converted tries were no more than the homesters deserved.
 
They were good value for another try trio after the oranges but it was perhaps appropriate that Llangwm should have the final word when winger Matthew Hughes crossed the whitewash for a converted try, with The Quins pleased to have completed the double over their old rivals, but by a much wider margin than the 23-21 success they enjoyed at Pill Parks.
 
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins:
Tries: Tom Donovan, Craig Barnett, Harry Owen, Morgan Rogers; Ben Hathaway, Ryan Neilson
Cons: Ben Hathaway 6
 
Llangwm:
Try: Matthew Hughes
Con: Breig Matthews
Pen: Breig Matthews
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Damien Miller; Craig Barnett; Josh Brown; Tom Donovan: Euan McDonald; Morgan Rogers: Alfie Ball; Dan McLeod; Jack Davies: Callum Jones; Dannie Wilkes; Harry Owen. Replacements: Jordan Palmer; Ben Gibby; Liam Scourfield; Ryan Neilson;  Owain Turner.
 
Llangwm: Harry Makepeace: Matthew Hughes; Dylan Philpott; Mikey Phillips; Aidan Rees:  Breig Matthews; Ian Griffiths: Ieuan Power; Phil Llewellyn; James Morgan: Arwyn O’Loughlin; Gavin Jones:  Ben Llewellyn; Jordan Evans; Ryan Banner. Replacements: Kieran Sinclair; Jake Thomas; Matthew Rees.
 
 

Scarlets run riot despite Llan’s battling late effort

 

Pembroke 89 - Llanybydder 17

 
Pembroke produced a power-packed performance at Crickmarren as they ran in no fewer than 15 tries against a Llanybydder side that was in danger of being overwhelmed when they trailed 77-0 at the three-quarter mark but then managed to rally and their perseverance was rewarded with three tries before two late scores gave Pembroke their biggest score for a very long time.
 
The Scarlets had squeezed home by 31-24 at Llanybydder at the start of the campaign but since then have welcomed back some key players, seen former youth players develop under the coaching of Gary Price and Butch Gilbert – and this was their seventh win on the trot after losing their first four fixtures – with a 39-0 interval lead as proof of their dominance.
 
James Jones played really well in midfield alongside Sherratt and James, with Tom Cabot earing the man of the match accolade for his graft in the front row alongside Dan Davies and skipper Lloyd Davies – with Tom Powell also earning a mention because he was so desperate to score that he begged Butch Gilbert to put him back on – and everyone was pleased when he slithered in from all of a yard to calm the long-serving former captain down a bit!
For Llanybydder, there was some hard work put into tries from Iestyn Evans, Trystan Edwards and Mathew Rollins, one converted by Ifan Morris-Evans, but it was Pembroke who looked good value for the fact that they are deservedly sitting in second place in the table after doing so well of late!
 
Pembroke:
Tries: Barry Alderman-John 2, Rhodri Walters 2, Dai Rogers 3, Rhydian Eynon, Fraser James, Evan Davies, Scott Powell, Zach Evans, Tom Cabot,  Jared Sherratt, Lewis Davies.
Cons: Jared Sherratt, Lewis Davies 6
 
Pembroke: Lewis Davies: Evan Davies; Fraser James; James Jones; Barry Alderman-John: Jarred Sherratt; Rhodri Walters:  Tom Cabot; Dan Davies; Lloyd Davies (Capt): Scott Powell; William Edwards: Deryn Williams; Rhydian Eynon; Dai Rogers. Replacements: Seamus Wiseman; Johnny Palmer; Jack Oliver; Rhys Johns; Zach Evans.