Featured Match – Division Four (West) A:

 

James leads Saints to local derby success

 

St Davids 31 - Llangwm 18

 
Full back Will James was the toast of his St Davids colleagues as he used his pace and elusive running to score tries in their bonus-point home win over Llangwm in a match where both teams deserve credit for trying to play running rugby in quite difficult damp and very cold conditions, writes Bill Carne.
 
Indeed, this was the sort of Pembrokeshire derby advocated by many rugby lovers in the county, including this pundit, rather than trips up the line which can cost up to £800 for buses, and with both sets of supporters turning up in droves, former players meeting up with old rivals for a few post-match pints – and current players eager to score a win over their rivals that they have encountered over recent years.
 
The home side suffered an early set-back when The Wasps made a cracking start with a close range try by flanker Morgan Rees after The Saints had messed up the first kick-off and conceded a penalty from which Breig Matthews kicked them into the corner and his pack kept plugging away and until they found a gap.
 
But then James made his first mark on events when The Saints were reduced to 14 men but still had pace aplenty in their back division via Zak Morgan and Owen Swain before Will Savage supplied the scoring pass and James outflanked the opposing defence and raced around to the posts to add the simple conversion.
 
Further forward pressure, led by George Raymond, Ethan Griffiths, Ben Evans and James Goldsmith saw outstanding skipper Nathan Foster power his way to the posts and again James added the extra points – before George James slotted a Llangwm penalty and St davies responded with a well-worked try by winger iwan davies, again goaled by James.
 
Even then there was time for another Llangwm score as centre James showed his pace and power on a run to the line that left the home side 21-13 to the good at half time.
 
The second half was equally absorbing, despite the worsening weather, and The Wasps managed a try by durable prop Callum Jenkins as reward for his tireless work – but  Will James pounded for his second try and scrum half Zac Morgan grabbed try No 5 to warm up the frozen Saints’ supporters, leaving The Wasps out in the cold but having given total commitment throughout an action-packed contest.
 
**Praise should also go to Saints’ injured player Rhys Meredith Barrett, who is also a talented musician and played ‘The Last Post’ to commemorate  Remembrance Day  in perfect silence as a mark of respect for our fallen heroes from our armed forces.
 
St Davids: Will James: Iwan Davies; Harvey Latin; Will Savage; Bob Froy: Owain Swain; Zac Morgan Ethan Griffiths; Adam Williams; Ben Evans: Iestyn Griffiths; James Goldsmith: Aaron Foster; Nathan Foster (Capt); George Raymond. Replacements: Chris Cooper; Joe Nash;  Noah Dark; Rhys Price; Dan Murphy; Michael Gurney.
 
Llangwm: Jed Evans: Jack Roberts; Josh Richards; George James;  Aden Rees:  Breig Matthews; Ian Jenkins:  Callum Jenkins; Owain Jones; James Morgan: Arwyn O’Loughlin;  Ashley James (Capt); Morgan Rees; Will Ridge; Jordan Cornick. Replacements: Matthew Rees; Joe Newton; Andrew Evans; Jordan Evans; Rhys Power.
 
 



 

Premiership Division:

 

Otters hold on to deservedly break their duck

 

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

 
After six consecutive league defeats for Narberth, they finally broke their duck against fellow basement-battlers Bonymaen with a bonus point thrown in for scoring four tries – but not before their followers had their nails bitten down to the quick as the home side battled back from what looked like a convincing Otters’ win at  29-8 to force a 19-point late flurry that meant Liam Gadd’s team had to show good discipline in the closing moments.
 
The Otters were 29-15 in front at half time after Nathan Brooks had opened Bonymaen’s account with an unconverted try but Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton responded alongside a Jon Rogers conversion for the visitors – only for Bony to bounce back with a penalty by Thomas.
 
Narberth raised the tempo even further with tries from skipper Tom Powell and Ilan Phillips, both goaled by Rogers – but were cut back before the break as home scrum half Gareth Andrews sniped through and Thomas converted.
 
Bonymaen were clearly intent on a second win of the season in the second half, however, with further tries by Andrew Richards, Brooks and Garin Williams, two converted by Thomas to take his side just two points in arrears.
 
With the possibility of any score taking the verdict from The Otters they did well to hold out – with hooker Tom Clarke taking the man of the match award for his work rate alongside Powell, Roy Osborn, Lewis Gibby, Sutton and the rest of the Narberth squad.
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Harry Fuller; Ilan Phillips; Harrison Griffiths; Geraint Llewellyn: Jonathan Rogers; Lewis Gibby:  Bradley Davies; Tom Clarke; Ryan Rees: Sam Martin; Will Blackburn: Tom Powell; Josh Hamer Roy Osborn. Replacements:  George Rossiter; Tom Kaijaks; Kyle Hamer; Sam Davies; Alex Williams; Osian Evans; Llew Jones. 




 
 

Championship Division:

 

Preseli Men concede late points to lose this basement clash

 

Gorseinon 33  - Crymych 31

 
Once again Crymych managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory after they had led 31-19 midway through the second half but allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts with a very late try to tie matters up and then watch the conversion attempt sail over to have to settle for two bonus points, rather than the full quota their earlier form had perhaps warranted.
 
Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips celebrated the remarkable milestone of 250 games for the club’s first team and he was totally committed alongside fellow ball winners in Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood and Llyr Davies as  Osian Davies, Eilir George and Lee Griffiths scored tries, as they led 21-12 at half time, all three scores converted by George.
 
Skipper Phillips added the bonus-point try after the interval, converted by George along with a penalty which put The Preseli Men 31-19 in front before Gorseinon ended with tries from wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis. Outside half Tim O-Reilly had slotted three conversions and found the target for a vital fourth two-pointer that saw his team over the line – and leaving Crymych the disappointment of defeat after being in front of most of an absorbing clash.
 
Crymych:  Eilir George: Laurence Headlam; Ifan Phillips; Ellis Thomas; Ianto Davies: Rhys Davies; Rhodri Davies: Gruff Williams; Lee Griffiths; Ifan James: Llyr Davies; Iestyn Wood: Osian Davies; Jon Hill; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements: Morgan James; Osian Charles; Matthew Freebury; Tom Taylor; Jac Griffiths
 
 



 

Division One (West):

 

14-man Seasiders hold on for narrow win

 

Tenby United 17  - Yr Hendy 15

 
Tenby United managed a  sixth win and a still-100% record, against Yr Hendy but they were forced to play with 14 men for three-quarters of the game after key outside half Lloyd Thomas had been shown a red card which he saw as a misdemeanour but was missed by many on the field and touchline.
 
That is not to criticize the match official in any way but it inevitably affected The Seasiders’ plans because Thomas is a key man in their creative plans and coach Jonathan Evans, although disappointed by the way his team had to play in the circumstances, praised them for sticking to the task against a committed Yr Hendy team that was seeking a fourth win to go with a previous draw and solitary defeat.
 
Full back Geraint Jones switched to outside half and Gwion Jones had to change to full back whilst also acting as a kind of floating winger  - and the whole team rallied around against a strong Hendy side which had skipper Gareth Jones in the second row, centre Dyfan Williams and No 10 Tyler Payne catching the eye.
 
It was Payne who opened the scoring with a Hendy penalty, soon cancelled by three points from Geraint Jones as he took over the kicking duties.
 
Then skipper Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after his pack had effected a good turn-over and he piled over from close range – and although Geraint Jones was off-target with the conversion he made amends with a well-struck penalty that gave The Seasiders an 11-3 interval lead.
 
The second half was equally as combative as Yr Hendy had four penalties by Lynch but two more kicks on target for Tenby by Thomas saw them home as they maintained their defensive discipline, led by centre Gethin Bradney as he tackled well above his weight to win the man of the match award. Indeed, he brought off four tackles in one single Hendy attack and although coach Jonathan Evans praised his whole squad for their work-rate there was no doubt that Bradney had certainly merited selection for some nice touches alongside his efforts in that aspect of the game.
 
Tenby United: Geraint Jones: Gwion Jones; Gethin Bradley; Jack Golding; Matthew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones:  Ethan Morgan; Kyle Rossiter; Rob Luly: Tom Barrass (Capt); Luke Dedman: Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Dan Colley. Replacements: Alex Jenkins; Max Boswell;  Charlie Patching; Fletcher Broadhurst; Jordan Asparassa.
 
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Borderers bag deserved win

 

Nantgaredig 20 - Whitland 25

 
Whitland followed their recent good form with a third win in their last four league games as they made the journey to Nantgaredig and fought back from a 3-10 interval deficit to deservedly take the honours with a solid all-round team performance.
 
The game was halted before the interval when a Nant player was unfortunately injured and play was stopped for some time whilst waiting for an ambulance, and the second half was switched to the adjoining field for the injured player’s welfare and to ensure the game was completed before the light caused an abandonment.

The Borderers’  pack played really well as a unit but with Njabulo Madondo Nathan Bowen, Benji Kirk Courtney Bowman and later Jack Mason catching the eye – and with Owyn Griffiths and Jonathan Thomas always a threat behind the scrum they were good value for a 10-3 interval lead.
 
Nant had three tries from Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams and Aled Beynon, with Lloyd Williams adding a conversion and penalty – but The Borderers always held an edge after Jonathan Thomas opened their account with a penalty and tries followed from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason and Thomas for the bonus point alongside a conversion – as Whitland were deserved winners of a hard-fought clash
 
Whitland: Gareth Davies: Deian Davies; Owyn Griffiths; Dom Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Johnny Thomas; Maorgan Edwards:  Trystan Bowen; Marc Jones; Johnny Phillips: Benji Kirk; Courtney Bowman: Njabulo Madondo; Dan Bennett; Iestyn Comey. Replacements: Ceirion Evans; Matt Driver; Alan Proctor; Gavin Smith; Jack Mason.
 
 
 

Seagulls miss another home match

Fishguard & Goodwick P Betws P
**BETWS UNABLE TO RAISE A TEAM**

 


 
 

Division Three (West):

 

Codd features in the scoring stakes

 

Pontyberem 13 - Haverfordwest 23

 
Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd took over the kicking duties at Pontyberem and contributed 13 points which helped The Blues fend off the challenge of a home side desperately seeking a first league win after just one draw alongside five defeats – and starting off well in this tussle to take an early ten-point lead before Haverfordwest settled to their task.
 
As usual, The Blues’ pack had a huge part to play despite having powerful players like Jamie Zambas, Terry Lovell and Andrew Edwards waiting in the wings as Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, Tom Carrington and skipper Busch caught the eye after Rhodri Lewis opened Ponty’s account with a penalty and then converted a try by his namesake Mike.

 

 
Haverfordwest: Guy Barrons: Gabriel Thicker; Jack Codd; Iestyn Arnold;  Jack Evans: Matty Phillips; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones: Dan Berry; Ieuan Bevan; Tom Carrington:  Teifion Owen; Karl Busch (Capt): Dylan Williamson; Mike Griffiths; Jonathan Mason. Replacements: Terry Lovell; Jamie Zambas;  Andrew Edwards; George Hopkins;  Liam Kelso-Jones, Travelling Reserve: Johnny White.
 
 



 

Cardis claim last-gasp win over table-toppers 

 

Cardigan 29 - Tycroes 28

 
Cardigan produced a terrific all-round performance to bring Tycroes’s magnificent start to the campaign to an abrupt halt – and there was drama until the last kick of the match as The Teifisiders’ talented replacement John Lumb crossed for a try wide out and it was left to ace kicker Shaun Leonard to land the difficult conversion attempt.
 
And land it he did from the final kick of an absorbing clash which saw Tycroes 13 points in front in as many minutes at the start and ahead for most of the game, but with Cardigan showing great commitment in staying with them until those fateful late moments and then halting a Tycroes run of six wins and bonus points aplenty.
 
The Teifisiders were 12-20 adrift at the interval as they had two tries by in-form winger Jack Taylor, one converted by Leonard, who also landed the extras to a Sion Phillips try after 64 minutes alongside a penalty.
 
Tycroes claimed tries from No 10 Geraint Rees and scrum half Sean Trevelyan (2) as full back Rhys Tench slotted two conversions and three penalties to seemingly having done enough to win – but then, with the Cardis’ pack still tackling like demons and fighting for every ball on the ground, that final chance came which Lumb gratefully accepted – Leonard used his wealth of experience and kept cool, and the game ended with the Cardigan team and old faithful supporters thrilled at the outcome!
 
Cardigan: Shaun Leonard: Aaron Evans; Iwan John; Emyr Harries; Jack Taylor: Llyr Jones; Iwan Toft: Andrew Jones; Will Bryce; Ben Hughes: Dean Harries; Sion Phillips: Aaron Tomkinson; Jackson Tucker Lynch; Marcus Castle (Capt). Replacements: Nathan Bowen; Sean Owen; Jac Davies; Kieran Greenland; John Lumb.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 
 

Bulls win well at Bierspool

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 - Teirw Crymych 22

 
Teirw Crymych were pushed all the way by Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool and picked up their fourth win whilst inflicting a third defeat on the home side, who were even denied a bonus point as The Bulls scored a late  converted try to take the winning margin beyond seven points.
 
The Quins had their chances in the opening quarter but failed to turn pressure into points – and the visitors opened up a 12-point gap through tries by outside half Hedd George and hooker Sean Wilson, one converted by full back Adam Phillips.
 
And that’s the way the score stayed until right on half time as The Quins established an attacking  maul where centre Craig Barnett, always a key player, somehow emerged with the ball in space and sped to the posts for skipper Ben Hathaway to convert.
 
A Phillips’ penalty after the oranges extended The Bulls’ lead to eight points but it was suddenly reduced to a single point when some good handling was superbly rounded off by Euan McDonald and converted by Hathaway.
 
At 15-12 to The Bulls, it was anybody’s game but they repelled The Quins’ attacks before the final moments when influential full back Phillips, using his wealth of experience at first-team level, sliced through for a try and conversion to kill off home hopes and send Crymych back over the Preseli Hills with a narrow win.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Tom Wheeler; Damian Miller; Craig Barnett; Ryan Neilson: Morgan Rogers; Ollie Lewis: Alfie Ball; George Bellmaine; Dan McLeod: Jack Byrne; Lewis Scourfield: Jordan Palmer; Danny Wilkes; Harry Owen. Replacements: Rhys Spencer; Johnny Nicot; Jack Mallitte; Euan McDonald; Owain Turner.
 
Teirw Crymych: Adam Phillips: Hedd George;  Nick Bevan; Tomos Lewis; Gruff Williams: Elgan Wilson; Owain Rees: Tomos Davies; Sion Wilson; Richard Phillips: Luke Freebury; Rhys Davies: Osian Rees; Griff Lloyd; Gareth Owens. Replacements:  Aled Hughes; George Plummer; Hedd James; Tomos Rees; Dylan Thomas. Travelling Reserves:  Aneirin Vaughan; Steff Davies;  Steffan Morris; Jonah Laidlaw; Steffan Rees; Declan Harries; James Webb.
 
 
 

Scarlets score six tries in cracking contest

 

Pembroke 36 - Dreigiau Emlyn 32

 
Pembroke continued the upturn in their season as they fended off a strong challenge from Dreigiau Emlyn in an entertaining tussle at Crickmarren where both times played some excellent running rugby where fortunes ebbed and flowed and the result was in doubt up until the final whistle.
 
The teams shared 30 points in the first half but The Scarlets’ pack established superiority in the set pieces as their veteran front row of Jamie Brayford, Seamus Wiseman and Johnny Palmer took control, whilst the back row of Rhodri Walters, Rhydian Eynon and especially David Rogers were excellent winners of ball on the ground so that half backs Jarred Sherratt and talented youngster Josh Greenwood were able to use their backs to good effect.
 
Second rows Cyle Weatherall and William Edwards both featured on the try count as reward for their support play, with Edwards as man of the match and skipper for the day since Lloyd Davies was playing for the Welsh Academicals against Oxford University at Cardiff Arms Park.
 
Emlyn certainly played their part as they scored good tries from Thomas Edwards (2), Edryd James, Rhodri Evans and Osian Meilor, plus two conversions and a penalty from Deiniol Rees, to take two bonus points as reward for their efforts.
 
For The Scarlets, joining Weatherall and Edwards on the scoresheet were outside half Sherratt (who also landed three conversions), full back Luke Hartland, No 8 Rogers and replacement full back Lewis Davies.
 
Scarlets’ coach Gary Price has been working hard with his squad and the evidence was there again in this match as they move up to a respectable sixth place in the table after a slow start to their campaign!
 
Pembroke: Luke Hartland: Zach Evans; Fraser James; Jack Nicholas: Barry Alderman-John: Jared Sherratt; Josh Greenwood: Jamie Brayford; Seamus Wiseman; Johnny Palmer: Cyle Weatherall; Will Edwards (Capt): Rhodri Walters; Rhydian Eynon; David Rogers. Replacements: Dan Gosnold; Kieran Cookson;  Scott Powell; Lewis Davies; Ryan Bolton.
 
 
 

Ten-try Athletic trounce battling Llan

 

Narberth Athletic 66 - Llanybydder 0

 
Narberth maintained their winning start to Division Four (West) rugby as they scored five tries in each half to over-run a battling Llanybydder side which never gave up the struggle, despite having to play with 14 men for part of the game after losing a player from a red card.
 
The Otters’ second string were already 33-0 at half time and the second half was almost identical in the sense that Llan tackled and tackled but couldn’t match the home side in terms of ball-retention and quick hands that saw  winger Iestyn Doble top the try chart with three second-half scores in quick succession but this was a genuine team effort as The Athletic celebrated a fifth win in as many matches.
 
Other Athletic scorers were centres Brad Cramb and Stephen J Brown, plus flanker Wil Nicholas, full back Shane Rossiter, hooker Osian Phillips,  fly half Harri Harries and second row Henry Foster.
 
Rossiter landed eight conversions for a personal haul of 21 points and flanker Yori Morgan was chosen as man of the match for his superb support play and ball-winning alongside Nicholas and No 8 Stephen Pilot, who again led the team by example.
 
Narberth Athletic: Shane Rossiter: Harry Williams; Brad Cramb; Stephen J Brown; Iestyn Doble; Harri Harries; Andrew Williams: Declan Cole; Osian Phillips; Jac Norcross: Jack Tucker; Henry Foster: Wil Nicholas; Yori Morgan; Stephen Pilot (Capt). Replacements: Gethin Thomas; Kyle Williams; Alex Coaker; Archie Vallance; Harry Harries.