WRU National League and Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup reports and pictures

22nd February 2013

Championship League:

Otters shafted by Steelers

Tata Steel 61 - Narberth 9

Narberth endured one of their heaviest ever defeats sine the National Leagues were set up as they travelled to take on Tata Steel and lost by a 52-point margin.
The Otters had beaten the Steel Men by 45-21 on the opening day of the season but there was little chance of a repeat success as the Otters trailed 22-9 at the interval – and any lingering hopes were totally shattered in a seven-minute spell during the second half when Tata grabbed four tries in seven minutes!

Yet it was Narberth who opened the scoring after nine minutes with a well-struck penalty by winger James Russell, only for Tata to respond within two minutes with a similar kick by full back Gareth Walters. And that is how the game stayed until midway through the half, when Tata prop and captain Gareth Edwards was driven over for an unconverted try.
Back came the Otters with a second Russell penalty but then they were hit by two tries in three minutes from Tata No 8 Robbie Morgan and outside half Simon Evans, both converted by Walters before Russell slotted his third three-pointer near the interval.

27 points conceded in seven minutes

The hardy band of Narberth supporters who braved the icy conditions might still have harboured hopes of a come-back but two early penalties from Walters extended the Tata lead before the Otters' defence fell to pieces as flanker Stuart Edbrooke, winger Ricky Thomas, Simon Evans and replacement No 8 Cameron Evans all scored tries in quick succession, the first three converted by Walters.

Even then the rout wasn't completed because Tata added another seven points in the closing moments as flanker Edbrooke claimed his second try and Walters added the extras to complete an evening to forget for Narberth, who remain in fifth spot, still a place above their delighted opponents in this one-sided tussle.

Narberth: Johnny Morgan: Will Lewis; Steve Martin (Capt); Richard Davies; James Russell: Stuart Morris; Jarred Bayliss: Sion Lloyd; Craig Hawkins; Tom Slater: Chris Scarfe; Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Steffan Phillips. Replacements: Nick Jones; Steffan Jones; Jamie Kaijaks; Simon Griffiths.

Division Two (West):

Blues' match called off
Haverfordwest v Builth Wells

Match postponed – Ground too hard

Division Five (West):

Scarlets too strong for Ponty

Pembroke 31 - Pontyates 10

Pembroke were in control for most of their floodlight Friday night fixture against Pontyates as the Scarlets ran in five tries to earn a bonus point whilst restricting Ponty to a late consolation try.

“It was a solid, all-round team performance,” said coach Ossie Boswell, “and I was pleased with the way that we shut them out for long periods. The forwards played really well and this overall performance shows what we can do.”

The Scarlets used their tight five of Adam Blunsden, Gareth Jones, Shamus Wiseman, Will Edwards and Scott Powell to establish a steady supply of possession from the set pieces, whilst Dan Manning, Sean Beynon and especially Dom Colman revelled in the chance to win good ball on the ground for Scarlet half backs Darren Gilbert and Simon Hooper to utilise.
Pembroke deservedly took the lead when good handling by Barry Bowen and Simon Cole, making a welcome return to action, put winger James Skeels in for an unconverted try.

Then Pembroke's greater forward power established the bridge head from which second row Scott Powell scored a try which Barry Bowen converted 0 and an unconverted try by powerhouse No 8 Colman allowed the Scarlets to lead by 17-0 at half time.
It was a similar story after half time as Pembroke held the edge and had good cover from Mark Jones, Joe Jackson and the rest of the backs whenever Pontyates tried to get up a head of steam. The visitors did manage a dropped goal by Rob Jones but then the Scarlets added further really good tries by Barry Bowen and Gareth Jones, both converted by Bowen

Pontyates had the final word when Deri Williams ploughed over for a try converted by Jones but it was far too little, too late as Pembroke picked up a deserved five points and coach Boswell was able to enjoy his Indian meal on his way home!

Pembroke: Mark Jones; Joe Jackson; Simon Cole; Barry Bowen; James Skeels; Simon Hooper; Darren Gilbert; Adam Blunsden; Gareth Jones; Shamus Wiseman; Will Edwards; Scott Powell; Dan Manning; Sean Beynon; Dom Colman. Replacements: Richard Morris; John Williams; Jordan Gwilliam; Owain Johns.

Excellent pictures by Joseph Kiff

16th February 2013  

Championship  Division:


Otters edge through in local derby

Narberth 19 - Whitland 13

Narberth gained their expected win over near neighbours Whitland but not before they had been pushed all the way by a revitalised Borderers' side which might have felt they deserved a share of the spoils on the balance of play.

Both sides missed chances on a pitch that was heavy but it was the visitors who took the lead after early pressure was rewarded with a penalty from outside half Scott Newton before the Otters had a chance to draw level but winger James Russell missed a penalty that he would normally expect to slot between the posts.

Russell quickly made amends, however, with two kicks on target, and full back Andrew Morgan almost grabbed a try out of nothing as he kicked to the corner, gave chase and almost snatched the touch-down but was just denied by a Whitland hand!

It set up a pressure platform for the Otters and Alex Jenkins, Wayne Williams and Dan Smith were involved before Whitland did well to clear the danger and score a cracker of a try which started with a powerful surge from winger Tomi Jones before centre Lee Glanville put full back Dafydd Williams away on a 25 metre run to the posts for Newton to convert.

Dafydd scores a cracking try

A 6-10 deficit wasn't quite what Narberth expected and it stung them into action as Gareth Bateman ripped the ball clear at a maul to set up the platform from which Steve Martin supplied co-centre Richard Davies with the scoring pass.

The Otters struck again right on half time as Davies set up the chance with a run down the middle and his little kick ahead allowed Martin to kick over the line and win the race for the touch-down to give Narberth a 16-10 interval lead.

Tomi Jones featured in two other powerful runs for Whitland in the second half but he was held at key times, as was big No 8 Callum Tree as Andrew Jenkins often featured in their attacks. A Scott Newton penalty reduced the deficit to three points but Narberth remained cool under pressure and always posed a threat with Johnny Morgan and Martin looking to create space.

But the only other points came late on when Russell notched his third penalty for Narberth and helped them to a victory which keeps them in fifth place – but the Borderers are still in mortal danger at the foot of the table despite picking up a losing bonus point as reward for all their efforts!

Narberth: Johnny Morgan: Rhys Lane; Richard Davies; Steve Martin (Capt); James Russell: Stuart Morris; Jarred Bayliss: Sean Lloyd; Dan Smith; Tom Slater: Chris James; Alex Jenkins: Lawrence Reynolds; Wayne Williams; Gareth Bateman. Replacements: Steffan Jones; Steffan Phillips; Gyles Vaughan; Nick Jones; Aled Jones.

Whitland: Dafydd Williams: Will Davies; Carwyn Jones; Lee Glanville; Tomi Jones: Scott Newton; Andrew Jenkins (Capt): Rhodri Jones; Marc Jones; Nathan Price: Adam Clarke; Kieran White: Dylan Richards; Zac France-Miller; Callum Tree. Replacements: Gareth Lloyd; Gethin Jones; Dafydd Evans; Jonathan Thomas; Dai Ebsworth.
Referee: Justin Williams

Scott Newton gets this Whitland attack in motion
Narberth's Chris James confronts Nathan Price

Gareth Bateman puts in a big hit on Whitland No 8 Callum Tree

Swalec Plate Round Three:

Preseli Men bow out

of Swalec competition

Crymych 9 - Kidwelly 20

Crymych finally played their much rearranged Swalec Plate match against Kidwelly and although the visitors to Parc Lloyd Thomas were worthy winners there was action aplenty for the Preseli Men before they finally went down to defeat.

Their front row of Jason Nicholls, Josh Clark and skipper John Davies were strong in the set-pieces whilst Rhys Davies and Aled Harries were consistent ball winners as veteran centre Elgan Vittle tried hard to direct their defensive line.

Two penalties and a dropped goal by No 10 Dyfan Dafydd saw Crymych trail 13-9 at the interval as Richard Rees scored a try for Kidwelly alongside the conversion and two penalties from Gareth Rees.

Crymych had their chances in the second period against a Kidwelly side which plays its league rugby a division above them but they were unable to turn their pressure into points – and Kidwelly scored the only points of a tight session as Tom Gravell scored a try which Rees converted.

Elgan Vittle - played well for Crymych

Division Three (West): 


Seasiders struggle in second half

Amman United 33 - Tenby United 10

Tenby United were 10-5 ahead at half time against section leaders Amman United despite the fact that they had Nicky Guymer sent off and Gareth Edwards on his way to hospital with a suspected dislocated knee.

They also had Luke Hansford injured but with Richard Rossiter and Jason Ronowitz on as replacements managed to lead by five points at the break as No 8 Pat Roberts claimed their try, which was converted by Tom 'Turbo' Lewis to go with a well-struck penalty.

They tackled like demons throughout but the pressure of playing promotion favourites whilst a man down finally told as Amman United added 28 points without reply in the second session to gain revenge for their 20-6 defeat at Heywood Lane earlier in the campaign.

Pat Roberts scores Tenby's only try.

Picture by Dave Bolton

Wanderers win with something in hand

Llanelli Wanderers 53 - Milford Haven 22

Llanelli Wanderers gained revenge for an earlier 29-15 defeat at Milford Haven as they were 22-8 up at half time in this return fixture and finally ran in nine tries to win with something in hand.

Joe Kiff opened the scoring for the Mariners with a good penalty kick and there was also an unconverted try by outstanding young flanker Dewi Williams – but the Wanderers countered with tries from winger Carl Evans (2), full back Nick Gale and scrum half Carl Richards, one of them converted by Gale.

The Mariners found themselves under even more pressure in the second half, despite mustering two good tries from centre Grant Rogers, who played well alongside Ian Rusinek, and prop Aled Rees.

The Wanderers replied with further tries from Gale (2) and Carl Evans to complete their hat-tricks, plus a try brace for strong-running centre Dan Rogers. Gale converted three of them to bring his personal haul to 23 points, leaving Milford Haven with little to show for scoring three tries in an away match.

Adam Rees - good try for Milford

Cardis battle against the Bont

Pontarddulais 25 - Cardigan 18

Cardigan looked as if they were down and out at Pontarddulais as they trailed 19-5 at half time but rallied well to finish up a single score adrift in a match where they might have grabbed a share of the spoils.

The Teifisiders conceded an early 12 points through tries by No 8 Aled Thomas and fly half Jonathan Lloyd, who landed a conversion before the visitors replied with a try from Mike Diggle. Full back Josh Best grabbed the Bont's third try, again converted by Lloyd, and at this stage it seemed a certainty that the homesters were going to complete the double, having won by 24-15 in Cardigan.

But with Nathan Murphy looking strong in the centre on his return to action, and with Dylan Davies leading by example, all the Bont could muster in the second half were two Lloyd penalties. The Teifisiders claimed a second try through prop Aled Richards, which Iestyn Crompton converted to go with two penalties.

But, try as they did, the Cardis couldn't break down the resolute home defence again and they had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Mike Diggle - opened Cardigan's try count

Division Four (West): 


Seasiders stifled by table-topping Tycroes

Fishguard & Goodwick 0 - Tycroes 29

Tycroes showed why they have a 100% win record in this division after 13 matches as they came to the Moors and not only scored four tries but also prevented Fishguard and Goodwick from scoring a single point.

“We were absolute rubbish!” was the careful analysis of co-coach Huw Evans after the match, “we simply never got going and gave them far too much respect!”

Tycroes had already beaten the Seagulls by 31-8 at home and were already home and dry at half time here as they led 22-0 thanks to tries from winger Grant Williams (2) and centre Steve Roach, plus a penalty and all three conversions by Williams.

Williams also added the extra points when hooker Trystan Morgan scored the only try of the second period and Messrs Evans and Randall Williams will be looking to raise their team's spirits for their Swalec Bowl match in two week's time!

Huw Evans - Fishguard co-coach was not impressed!

Brilliant! Blacks win at last!

Neyland 28 - Furnace 27

Congratulations to Neyland as they finally broke their duck for the season with a thrilling victory over Furnace United in a real nail-biter at the Athletic Ground.

The one-point victory was perhaps all the sweeter as Furnace, now in seventh spot in the section, had thrashed the All Blacks by 70-0 earlier in the campaign.

But it was topsy-turvy stuff as Neyland opened up an early 14-point lead as powerhouse centre Adam Collins and winger Richard Smith rounded off good moved to score tries which outside half Mark Riley converted.

Back came Furnace with a try from centre Jonathan Eatley which No 10 Ashley Powell converted – but Neyland responded well as winger Craig Grice claimed a deserved try which Riley again goaled.

Then came  a moment which might have spelt disaster for the All Blacks as they were attacking on the Furnace line when an interception led to 95-metre try for Neil Stephenson  and Powell converted before notching a penalty to leave the All Blacks just 21-17 in front when they might have been 28-7 ahead!

Worse was to follow at the start of the second half when Eatley scored his second try and Powell converted to put Neyland three points adrift – but the homesters kept plugging away and recaptured the lead when Riley scored wide out and capped an excellent performance with the superb touchline kick.

Powell kicked another penalty for Furnace to reduce the Neyland lead to a single point and was just short with two long-range kicks in the closing stages. Riley also shaved the wrong side of the post for the All Blacks but it mattered little because the final whistle went soon afterwards and the Neyland faithful were able to celebrate a terrific win!

Neyland battle for possession
Mark Chamberlain reigns supreme in this Neyland lineout

Pictures by Gareth Lawlor

Division Five (West): 


Scarlets suffer tough decisions

Bynea 8 - Pembroke 7

Pembroke went down to defeat at Bynea by a single point in a low-scoring tussle that left coach Ossie Boswell with a scowl on his face at what he saw was injustice for his team.

“Our pack played really well,” said Mr Boswell, and we had two push-over tries disallowed because the ref was unsighted. Their try came from a clear knock-on and my boys deserved more from this match than a losing bonus point!”

The Scarlets took the lead with a try from Dom Colman as the rugged centre switched back to No 8 and blasted his way over from 15 metres. Phil Williams added the conversion but was off-target with two penalties.

Bynea, who had lost 14-15 at Crickmarren, reduced the deficit with a penalty by Jonathan Cronin and took the lead when winger Jac Morgans crossed for an unconverted try.

It proved to be the final score but the Scarlets remain fourth, just ahead of Bynea, despite this disappointing defeat.

Dom Colman - scored Pembroke's only try

Wasps wilt as Stars shine

Llangwm 7 New - Dock Stars 38

Llangwm found it hard going against second-placed New Dock Stars but battled hard throughout to keep the score to a reasonable level.

The Stars had already beaten the Wasps by 52-5 back in Llanelli and it seemed as if there might be a similar score here as the visitors led 28-7 at the break, but Ian Griffiths and co rolled up their sleeves for Llangwm and although they were unable to score in the second half the Wasps tackled hard and restricted the Stars to just 10 points.

It was Griffiths who scored Llangwm's only try with a solo effort from 40 metres out and Andrew Brock added the extra points from in front of the posts.

For New Dock, there were tries by centre Rhodri Owen (2), No 8 Ben Collard, skipper Jordan Evans, full back Iwan Mayze and winger Tom James as Nick Davies slotted four conversions and prop Ian Jones was voted man of the match for his all-round work-rate.

Ian Griffiths - try scorer and outstanding again for Llangwm

Quins never in the hunt

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 7 - Gowerton 56

“We were never in the hunt,” said a Quins' spokesman after the match, “as they were 36-0 up in the first half an hour.”

Gowerton showed why they have a played 12, won 12, record as they dismissed the Quins' challenge and almost matched their 56-0 success when the teams met in Gowerton – other than the fact that the homesters managed a try from Paul Jonkers which Lewis Davies converted.

There was a try hat-trick for outside half James Hayman and a brace apiece for twins Gareth and Rob John as Callum McKenzie and Gethin Lillycrap also got their names on the scoresheet, with Hayman and McKenzie sharing the six conversions for Gowerton.

Paul Jonkers - another try for the Quins

Saints go down after bright start

St Davids 12 - Cefneithin 38

St Davids started well against Cefneithin as they scored a cracking early try as talented youngster Scott James supplied winger Russell Watkins with the scoring pass and then added the conversion from wide out.

But then Cefneithin used their bigger pack to cut down the Saints' possession and gradually took charge in terms of scoring.

Ironically, their first two tries came in the ten minutes when they had a player in the 'sin bin' but managed to score through flanker Darren Thomas and centre Jonathan Morgan, converted by Owain Lewis. Just before half time Cefneithin added a third try through prop Simon Evans and the conversion by Lewis put the visitors 19-5 in front at half time.

The Saints found it difficult to build any real periods of pressure and further tries came for Cefneithin from No 10 Lewis, winger Anthony Morgan and centre Morgan, two of them converted by Owain Lewis.

But at least St Davids had the final word when Andrew Lamb scored a consolation try in the corner but Cefneithin completed the double over the Saints since they had already beaten them 48-22 earlier in the season.

Russell Watkins - good try for St Davids

9th February 2013  


Championship Division:


Otters edged out in the capital

Cardiff Met 15 - Narberth 7

Narberth travelled to Cardiff Met in the knowledge that the students of the old UWIC set-up are traditionally hard to beat at home and that is just what was proved, despite a lot of graft by the Otters.

The students opened the scoring as early as the third minute when former Narberth and Whitland prop Brinley Toms was driven over for a close range try which outside half Matt O'Brien failed to convert.

And that seven point margin remained in place until the 31st minute, when the Otters took a narrow lead as flanker Wayne Williams rounded of a period of pressure with a good try created by winger James Russell, who also did well to land the conversion.

Equally tight second half

The second period was equally tight as Alex Jenkins and Gyles Vaughan proved to good ball winners for the Otters but with the students defending well until they recaptured the lead after 50 minutes when good handling created the chance and centre Jack Lavin sliced through for a try which O'Brien converted.

O'Brien also added a penalty but Narberth were denied a vital response when skipper Steve Martin was held down by the desperate cover defence just a metre short – and the chance went a-begging.

It meant that with no further scoring it was Cardiff Met who proved to be victors, and the Otters couldn't even claim a bonus point because the gap between the teams was more than seven points at the conclusion!

Wayne Williams - scored Narberth's only try

Athletic claim bonus-point

win over Borderers

Bridgend Athletic 29 - Whitland 3

Bridgend Athletic gained victory over Whitland by a comfortable margin and also picked up a bonus point for scoring four tries, leaving the Borderers with little to show for another battling display where things didn't quite go their way at key times.

Cardiff Met were only 10-3 ahead at the oranges after opening their account with a try by full back James Phillips which No 10 Dean Lewis converted.

Good work up front from Rhodri West, Marc Jones, Nathan Price, Dai Ebsworth and Adam Clark allowed full back Jonathan Thomas to kick a penalty for the Borderers, with the work-rate of Kieran White, Rhydian Davies and Callum Tree ensuring that skipper Andrew Jenkins and young fly half Scott Newton were able to set their backs in motion.

Whitland chances come and go

But half chances went in the wet conditions and the only other points in the period came from a penalty by fly half Lewis.
The Borderers also had chances in the second half as Daf Williams, Carwyn Jones, Lee Glanville and Tomi Jones joined Jonathan Thomas in trying to create space but the students. Cover was good.

They also capitalised on any Whitland errors and scored three tries in the final quarter from scrum half Aled Thomas, winger James Olds and Lewis, two of which he converted to put a slightly skewed look on the final scoreline, which does no justice to the part played by the Borderers in the game!

Jonathan Thomas - kicked Whitland's penalty

Swalec Plate:

Preseli Men match postponed again
Crymych v Kidwelly
*Match postponed – pitch unfit for play

Division Five (West): 


Griffiths guides Seagulls home

Fishguard & Goodwick 16 - Laugharne 12

Talented fly half James Griffiths was again the toast of his colleagues at Fishguard & Goodwick RFC as he scored all 16 of their points in a hard-fought win over old adversaries Laugharne.

Griffiths got the game off to an explosive start as he received the ball at a scrum and sped away down the blind side to score a first-minute try which he also converted

But Laugharne were strong up front and were 16-7 in front at the interval as the Seagulls conceded four penalties with range of James Stephenson, the influential Laugharne No 10 who found the target with them all.

Interval pep talk pays off

But whatever Fishguard skipper Steve Jenkins said, along with coaches Huw Evans and Randall Williams, worked because the second period saw them improving their ball retention as  Nathan Jenkins, Gwilym Evans, Mark George, Simon James and especially skipper Jenkins played really well to set up a few half chances.

Gerwyn Davies, Mark James and Andrew Morrillo anchored the scrum well until Morrillo was carried off late on, to be replaced by Neil Perkins, whilst young scrum half Rhodri Morgans also played well as he joined the fray in the last half hour.

Steve Jenkins halts Aberaeron's progress
Gwilym Evans and Nathan Jenkins arrive as Fishguard look to win ball on the ground
Pictures by Andrew Burtler

Wasps game postponed by Uplands
Swansea Uplands v Llangwm
*Match postponed- ground unfit for play

Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup:

Mariners make it to KO semis

Milford Haven 20 - Aberaeron 17

A late try by prop Joe Bradford helped Milford Haven reach the Knock Out Cup semi-final after a hard-fought battle against Aberaeron where the visitors had been two points ahead in the tense closing stages.

But then the Mariners were awarded a penalty and Lee Riley opted to kick for touch in the corner in a last-ditch attempt at scoring a try. Riley did his part by slotting the ball into the corner for a lineout where the home pack, with Rhys Thompson and Mark Wonnacott to the fore, set up a concerted drive from which Bradford emerged to claim the vital touch-down.

Thompson had also been prominent after only seven minutes as good work by Bradford, Mike Cockburn, Tom Manning and Adam Rees set the platform for the powerful young second row to power over before Joe Kiff added the extra points with a well-judged conversion.

Mariners' early lead falters

Owen Williams missed a penalty chance for Aberaeron on 27 minutes and eight minutes later the Mariners increased their lead to 12 points as quick hands allowed Lee Devonald to cross for an unconverted try.

But the visitors had the final word in the first period when consistent pressure near the Milford Lane saw them awarded a penalty try which Williams converted and Milford flanker Jonathan Coe was yellow-carded.

Aberaeron had an Owen Williams' penalty to open the second half but missed a similar chance after young Mariners' flanker Dewi Williams had been sent off. But it looked as if Aberaeron might win when they were awarded a penalty try with six minutes to go and Williams converted to put the visitors 17-15 ahead.

But then came that late Bradford try which gave Milford their dramatic win, which gives them a last-four place in the KO Cup as their reward!

Jonathan Coe bursts down the middle
Rhys Thompson on his way to his try
Joe Kiff slots the conversion
Pictures by Sheila Sear-Witts.

26th January 2013

Swalec Cup Round One:

Otters trapped in first half

Narberth 15 - Carmarthen Quins 36

Narberth bowed out of the Swalec Cup at the very first hurdle as Carmarthen Quins showed why they are a section higher in the league's pyramid setup by opening up an unassailable 31-3 interval lead.

To be fair to the beleaguered Otters they used the wind in the second half to cut the deficit by 12 points but the Quins had the final word of a typical local derby cup-tie as full back Chris Banfield claimed his second try before the Quins' name went into the draw for the second round.

First minute Quins' score

The Otters were shown how to take chances in the very first minute when their attempted move broke down near half way and Quins' centre Alex Pickersgill hacked through and won the race for the touchdown of an unconverted try.

Narberth winger James Russell landed a penalty soon afterwards but the Quins, with former Milford Haven player Aidan Laxton catching the eye alongside Ellis Lloyd and Rory Gallagher in their back row, began to dominate up front and a couple of surges led by skipper Ian Jones and Ricky Guest saw them build up pressure from which scrum half Rhodri Wells took a quick tap penalty to put centre Rheon James through a defensive gap.

Wells then added the Quins' third try after 25 minutes and half back partner James Dixon converted, as he did when a series of errors by the Otters, starting with a Stuart Morris penalty not finding touch, allowed the Quins to break out from their own 22 and full back Banfield rounded off a move he began, aided by a Pickersgill dart and dummy before supplying the final pass.

The Quins grabbed their third try right on half time as Wells claimed his second try as reward for being heavily involved and Dixon's conversion saw the visitors 28 points ahead at the interval.

Otters try hard to fight back

The Otters scored their first try when No 10 Morris did well to cut through to the line and Russell converted – but missed the simple conversion of a penalty try when the ball fell over before he could kick it!

As both sides made several changes of personnel it was the Quins who rounded of the scoring to shut out any lingering hopes of more Narberth points but both teams were glad to get the match played after so much awful weather – and there was a decent crowd who turned out to watch it.

Prior to the match there was a minute's silence observed by both teams and supporters in memory of Narberth player Andrew Davies's father and club stalwart Dorian Phillips' mother.

Narberth: Johnny Morgan; Will Lewis; Richard Davies; Steve Martin (Capt); James Russell; Stuart Morris; Jarred Bayliss; Sean Lloyd; Dan Smith; Tom Slater; Gyles Vaughan; Alex Jenkins; Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Steffan Phillips. Replacements: Lawrence Reynolds; Steffan Jones; Lewis Davies; Nick Jones; Rhys Lane; Adam Phillips; Aled Jones.

Carmarthen Quins: Chris Banfield; Darren Daniel; Alex Pickersgill; Rheon James; Dylan Morgan; James Dixon; Rhodri Wells; Ian Jones (Capt); Ricky Guest; Trystan Davies; Gavin Evans; Haydn Pugh; Aidan Laxton; Ellis Lloyd; Rory Gallagher. Replacements: Andrew Beaujohn; Gethin Robinson; Rich Wilkes; Carwyn Jones; Andrew Thomas; Connor Lloyd; Huw Rees.

Narberth full back Johnny Morgan is ready to tackle Quins on the rampage.
Narberth winger Will Lewis looks to breach the Quins' defence.

Pictures by Joe Kiff Photography

Whitland v Aberavon
**Match postponed

Swalec Plate Round Three:

Crymych v Kidwelly
**Match postponed

Swalec Bowl Round Four:

Seagulls stand firm for last 16 draw

Aberaeron 6 - Fishguard & Goodwick 15

Fishguard and Goodwick moved into the last 16 of the Swalec Bowl as their reward for fending off a strong challenge from Aberaeron in an uncompromising cup tie in heavy conditions.

The Seagulls had already completed a league double over their Cardigan Bay rivals, both by narrow margins, and this match was always likely to follow in a similar vein as all the points came in the first half, as neither side was able to really wrest the initiative thereafter.

Aberaeron took the lead with a penalty by outside half Huw Williams before Fishguard scored the first try of the match when talented young hooker Owain Morgans broke clear from near half way and sped to the line for James Griffiths to add the extra points.

Williams kicked his second Aberaeron penalty to reduce the deficit to a single point before Griffiths responded with a similar three-pointer – and the Seagulls scored a vital second try just before half time when second row Rhys Lewis, who is just out of youth rugby, crossed for a deserved unconverted try.

The second half was hard an uncompromising, with several yellow cards, but it was Fishguard who made sure that they kept a clean sheet for 40 minutes – and their reward was a place in the final 16 of the competition.

Owain Morgans - try for Fishguard

Division Three (West):

Teifisiders take charge

of a bonus point win

Cardigan 24 - Gorseinon 21

Cardigan played really well at the King George Vth Ground to claim a narrow, but deserved victory over fourth-placed Gorseinon.

This welcome win lifted the Teifisiders out of the bottom three in the section table and avenged a 36-13 defeat in Gorseinon, a result which shows that on their day they need fear no-one in the section.

Cardigan were 12-8 ahead at the break and although Gorseinon refused to allow them to pull away the real plus was the reward of a bonus point for Cardigan scoring four tries.

In the back row Llyr Griffiths and Gethin Davies led a fully committed pack and Iestyn Crompton used his wealth of experience to make sure the backs covered well in defence.

Crompton joined left winger Kieran Hurley, right winger Rhydian Jenkins and outstanding second row Matthew James on the try sheet, as well as notching two conversions.

For Gorseinon, there were tries by Kieran Craig and Andrew Colwell, who also kicked a conversion and three penalties, but it was Cardigan who held out for a great win that can only provide a real boost for the Teifisiders!

Matthew James - deserved try for Cardigan second row

Milford Haven v Pontarddulais
**Match postponed – Swalec commitment

Seasiders survive late stumble

Tenby United 29 - Tumble 20

Tenby returned to something like their best form as they secured a solid home win over a strong and resolute Tumble side which fought back from a 29-8 deficit when the Seasiders changed the balance of their team in a late attempt at giving some play time for other squad members.

The Carmarthenshire club snatched two quick tries from centre Gareth Jones and replacement hooker Kieran Richards, one converted by Steve Hewitt, but it was too little, too late, because Tenby were already assured of the points, plus a bonus point for their four tries.

Tom Lewis thundered over a penalty to open Tenby's account after five minutes and talented young centre Gregg Caine scored their first try after 21 minutes before Tumble replied five minutes later with an unconverted try for prop Dai Owen.

But the Seasiders struck either side of half time through a 39th minute try by Caine, and a 41st minute score by his fellow winger Craig Lees-Griffiths, both converted by Lewis to put Tenby 22-5 to the good.

Steve Hewitt slotted a good penalty for Tumble to bring them back into the game a little before Simon Stanford sliced through for the homesters;' fourth try, again with Lewis adding the extra points, to take the game away from Tumble.

The visitors did manage those two late tries which gave a little more respectability to the scoreline, but it was Tenby who moved back into third place whilst Tumble remain firmly rooted in mid table.

Simon Stanford imitates Chris Ashton as he scores a Tenby try.

Picture by Dave Bolton

Division Four (West):

Tycroes v Neyland
**Match postponed – Swalec commitment

Division Five (West):

Dock defeated

Cefneithin 22 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 6

Pembroke Dock Harlequins looked likely to get something out of their clash at Cefneithin but they flattered to deceive after being 6-5 ahead at half way and conceded another 17 points in the second half without adding any points of their own.

The Quins were several places above the opposition and had already beaten Cefneithin by 22-14 at Bierspool in September and the double was on the cards as Alex Pierce, Barry Parsons, Mark Van Rhyn and veteran prop Ian Osbourne caught the eye up front, Jake Newman looked promising at hooker and young No 10 Jonathan Rogers launched two successful penalties against an unconverted try for Cefneithin by flanker Nathan Davies.

The Quins had other chances in the second half but it was the home side that scored further tries by experienced No 8 Sean Peregrine, winger Jonathan Morgan and outside half Wayne Lewis, who managed just one conversion from four attempts.
But it mattered little because Cefneithin were worthy winners – and pouched a bonus point for scoring their four tries.

Jonathan Rogers - two penalties for talented young Quins' No 10

Scarlets show 'real character'

Pembroke 16 - St Clears 15

Two tries by talented No 8 Jordan Gwilliam helped Pembroke gain a nail-biter of a win over St Clears at Crickmarren, the second coming with seven minutes to go after the Saints had taken a 16-15 lead.

Coach Ossie Boswell said afterwards,
“That was one tough game. I was particularly pleased by the way that we stuck to our task because St Clears played far better than their lowly position would suggest. Our pack battled hard and there was some good defensive work behind the scrum which helped us keep our fourth place in the table.”

Phil Williams gave the Scarlets the lead with an early penalty which was cancelled out by three points from Saints' kicker Darren Rees – but the Scarlets took an 8-3 lead into half time thanks to Gwilliam's first try as he rounded off a combined move involving forwards and backs.

A second Williams' penalty increased the home advantage but the Saints raised the tempo with good tries by Luke Hannah and Jack Parcell, one converted by Rees.

There was some hard work up front by the Pembroke tight five of Shamus Wiseman, Gareth Jones, Tom Jones, Scott Powell and Will Edwards, plus 30 minutes from the emerging Adam Blunsden, which allowed Steve Dyde, Dan Manning and Gwilliam to get more and more involved.

The resulting pressure paid off as Gwilliam ploughed over for his second score – and the Scarlets stayed composed in the final seven minutes to pouch a welcome double after winning in St Clears by 31-17.

Jordan Gwilliam - two tries for Pembroke No 8

Ponty pose problems for the Wasps

Pontyates 22 - Llangwm 12

Llangwm played with real commitment in their basement battle at Pontyates but in the final analysis missed out on a few chances and paid the price as they stay bottom of the section whilst Ponty are now nine points ahead and seemingly out of the danger zone for the 'dreaded drop'.

Llangwm had won the home match against Pontyates by 34-16 but Ponty were now 14-5 ahead at the interval as they had tries by wingers Richard Langdon and Gareth Davies, both converted by their in-form outside half Kieran Evans, whilst Llangwm had a try from prop Aled Morgan as their only score.

The Wasps added another try after the oranges when Andrew Slark, playing on permit from Neyland, scored a good try which young full back Lewis Murphy converted.

But bustling No 8 Steven George scored Ponty's third try alongside a penalty from Evans to see them home - and the Wasps are still seeking the precious points to stop them plummeting into Division Six (West)!

Aled Morgan - try for Llangwm prop

19th January 2013

Division Four (West): 


Blacks battle in vain

Neyland 10 - Nantgaredig 32

Neyland put in a much-improved performance against visiting Nantgaredig but again were unable to turn several periods of pressure into more points than the tries they scored either side of half time.

The homesters actually made a bright start as Mark Chamberlain, Chris and Tony Busby, Mark James and Mark Wonnacott (playing on permit from Milford Haven) helped secure the possession for Mark Riley, Patrick Bellerby, Adam Collins and Dean Matthews to pose a midfield threat.

But passes were spilt and when referee Martin Williams showed Neyland skipper James a yellow card it was Nantgaredig who took advantage from the resultant forward drive which saw No 8 Wayne Davies drive over the line.

Darren Williamson missed the conversion but added a penalty and when other tries came from centre Carwyn Thomas and winger Gethin Page, the Nantgaredig No 10 converted one of them.

Neyland tries either side of half time

Neyland battled back with a try just before the break when powerful centre Dean Matthews powered through for an unconverted try and after the oranges the All Blacks added a second five-pointer when experienced No 9 Mark Riley rounded off a period of pressure with a well taken try.

But Nantgaredig showed what a useful side they are as they refused to be shaken by these home scores and added two more tries by centre Meirion Davies and winger Rhydian Evans, one again converted by Williamson as Nantgaredig moved into fifth place as their reward and left the All Blacks still seeking a morale-boosting first win after 12 defeats in a row.

Neyland: Andrew Slark; Delme Bateman; Dean Matthews; Adam Collins; Richard Smith; Patrick Bellerby; Mark Riley; Richard Banner; Ashley Mathias; Richard Jones; Mark James (Capt); Tony Busby; Mark Chamberlain, Chris Busby; Mark Wonnacott. Replacements: Alex Swales, Leigh Broome; Gareth Lawlor; Steve Evans.

Adam Collins on a typical burst
The Neyland pre-match huddle

Neyland try scorer Mark Riley before the match

Division Five (West): 

Scarlets secure the Palmer Cup

Llangwm 3 - Pembroke 23

Pembroke completed the double over old rivals Llangwm at Pill Parks and in doing so secured the Palmer Cup, which is competed for annually between the two sides.

The Scarlets had won the first leg at Crickmarren by a massive 86-3 but there was no chance of a similar margin here as the Wasps, superbly led by Ian Griffiths, were only 13-3 adrift at the break and never let the opposition take total control up front.
Griffiths was joined by Roy Venables, Ashley Jack, Aled Morgan and the rest of the Wasps' pack in setting up early possession for them to score first when full back Lewis Murphy landed a penalty.

Pembroke had young fly half Rhys Johns responding with an equalising penalty before the Scarlets grabbed the games' first try when Barry Bowen broke from his centre both to round off some quick hands.  Johns converted and added a second penalty to put the Scarlets ten points ahead at half time.

Hard-fought second half

The second half was equally as hard-fought as Pembroke had the bulk of possession but made lots of handling errors as Gareth Jones, Will Edwards, Jordan Gwilliam and Dan Manning caught the eye with some powerful surges. It was Jones who increased the Scarlets' lead soon after the interval as he powered over from a lineout take and drive – and centre Bowen claimed his second try midway through the half as he rounded off a 50-metre move with some style.

But neither side was able to add further points and Llangwm finished on the attack after a few moments of farce when the Scarlets conceded four lots of ten metres after debating a decision by referee Emyr Thomas, Even after the ensuing penalty looked to have failed to find touch properly the Wasps had another penalty awarded – but the Scarlets' defence held firm!

Llangwm: Lewis Murphy; Mark Brimacombe; Josh Davies; Adam James; Henry Brant; Chris Thomas; Jonathan Brock; Aled Morgan; Mike Terry; Roy Venables; Ryan John; Lewis Holder; Gareth Jones; Ian Griffiths (Capt); Ashley Jack. Replacements: James Lewis; Dan Morgan.

Pembroke: John Williams; Geraint Jackson (Capt); Barry Bowen; Dom Colman; Mark Jones; Rhys Johns; James Skeels; Shamus Wiseman; Gareth Jones; Adam Blunsden; Scott Powell; Will Edwards; Steve Dyde; Dan Manning; Jordan Gwilliam. Replacements: Simon Cole; Darren Gilbert; Sean Beynon. Richard Murray.

Barry Bowen - two tries for Pembroke

Saints battle back to share the spoils

St Davids 15 - Pontyates 15

St Davids called upon all their battling qualities to share the spoils with visiting Pontyates after trailing by eight points at half time and generally finding it hard going against a big Pontyates' pack.

Indeed, the Saints might have snatched the decision late on but influential outside half Jonathan Thomas was just wide with a difficult late conversion and they missed a couple of clear-cut chances but spilled passes in the Pontyates 22.

But perhaps a draw was the fairest verdict because Pontyates could still have gained victory with the last kick of the match as they were awarded a wide-angled penalty but ace kicker Kieran Evans hit the post low down and honours were even.

Evans had given Pontyates the lead in the first half with a well-struck penalty and he also added the extra points when their powerful pack drove the Saints back at a scrum 10 metres out and No 8 Daniel George claimed a push-over try.

Saints fight back starts

Back came the Saints with a deserved seven points as talented young centre Scott James made a nice midfield break and supplied the pass for winger Scott Candler to race over so that Jonathan Thomas could convert.

Pontyates had the final word in the half as Kieran Evans grabbed a solo try that he was unable to convert – and the Saints knew that they had to raise the tempo in the second half.

The home side managed just that as their two players named Rhys Price joined Neil Thomas in the front row and there was action aplenty from Ben Kirk, Sam Thomas, Aled Harries, Rhys Evans and skipper Jack Jones as they fought hard for every ball. Gareth Charles did the same when he joined the fray and with halves Geraint Morris and Thomas looking for gaps the Saints with a Thomas penalty and a good try for replacement winger Rupert Dunn as he benefitted from a good mis-move created by Thomas.

So it ended all square and both sides were left to reflect on chances not taken as they are involved in the relegation dogfight, and might have settled for that result when they set out.

St Davids: Andrew Lamb; Scott Candler; David Canning; Scott James; Craig Challonder; Jonathon Thomas; Geraint Morris; Rhys Price; Rhys Price; Neil Thomas; Ben Kirk; Sam Thomas; Rhys Evans; Jack Jones (Capt); Aled Harries. Replacements: Rupert Dunn; Ben Evans; Gareth Charles.

**All other matches postponed **

12th January 2013

Championship:

Johnny's superb try seals Otters' double success

Narberth 19 - Blackwood 13

A superb solo try by full back Johnny Morgan in the second half against Blackwood helped Narberth complete a hard-fought double of their opponents from Gwent.

The Otters had edged home by 35-32 in Blackwood and bounced back from the disappointment of defeat in their previous match as both teams tried to play constructive rugby in quite heavy conditions.

Otters turn pressure into points

Blackwood had their chances in the first quarter but found themselves 7-0 down as the Otters grabbed an excellent seventh-minute try from a forward drive which allowed flanker Wayne Williams to gain the touchdown in the clubhouse corner before Stuart Morris did well to add the extra points.

The Otters added a further seven points in the 28th minute from a prolonged period of pressure before play was switched wide for the umpteenth time and Tom Bonnell did well to create the space for fellow winger Will Lewis to power over in the corner, with Morris again adding the difficult conversion.

Warning signs

Johnny Morgan almost succeeded in putting Lewis into space again but the chance went a-begging and there were warning signs for the Otters as Blackwood fought back well and were rewarded with a penalty by No 10 Paul Emmanuelly.
Blackwood grabbed their first try just on half time as scrum half Mark Birkby spotted a gap on the blind side of a scrum and dummied his way over from 30 metres before Emmanuelly added the extras with the final kick of the period and so his side were only four points behind with second use of the wind.

Great ball retention

But the Otters played some great retention rugby in the second period which might have earned its reward but they managed a third try after Blackwood appeared to clear a lengthy pressure period. A ball hoofed out of defence found home full back Morgan, who chipped over his marker, showed good ball control with two other little nudges and dived on the ball.

Morris was unable to convert on this occasion but it mattered little because Blackwood could only muster a late Emmanuelly penalty which gave them a deserved bonus point – but it was the Otters who were good value for victory.


Narberth: Johnny Morgan; Tom Bonnell; Richard Davies; Steve Martin (Capt); Will Lewis; Stuart Morris; Rhys Lane; Sean Lloyd; Dan Smith; Steffan Jones; Gyles Vaughan; Chris James; Lawrence Reynolds; Wayne Williams; Steffan Phillips. Replacements: Tom Slater; Jarred Bayliss; Gareth Bateman; Alex Jenkins; Nick Jones.

**A special guest at the match was Welsh legend Delme Thomas, who captained Llanelli to the league title and that epic 9-3 win over New Zealand in 1972 which was immortalised by Max Boyce in 'I Was There'. Second row Delme was capped 22 times for Wales and led them against New Zealand – and toured with the British Lions to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He spoke pre-match about his experiences to the Narberth Former Players' Association and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk was privileged to enjoy a chat with Delme during the game! **

Narberth open the scoring from this heap of bodies!
Blackwood's Mark Curtis comes out best in this lineout duel
Narberth outside half Stuart Morris probes for a gap

Pictures by Bill Carne

Borderers miss out on

a deserved bonus point

Llanharan 27 - Whitland 19

Whitland produced a spirited team performance at Llanharan and were looking likely to gain a bonus point until the very last seconds, only for Llanharan kicker Harley Thompson to land a late, late penalty and deny the Borderers that precious point.

The teams were locked at 12-apiece at half time as both sides enjoyed periods of pressure. Llanharan opened up an early 12-point lead from an unconverted try by centre Tom Pascoe which was followed by a good try from Will Carey which Thompson converted.

But the Borderers refused to give up and fought back with an excellent team try rounded off by Kevin White before talented young centre Dafydd Evans intercepted and raced to the line before full back Johnny Thomas added the extra points.

Llanharan started the second half in similar fashion to the first as they had a try from full back Ryan Evans, converted by Thompson, and an unconverted try from winger Jack Phillips.

Whitland hooker Marc Jones gave the visitors the chance to fight their way back as he scored a try converted by Thomas but the Borderers were unable to turn further pressure into points and Llanharan claimed the double, having already won by 32-18 in Whitland!

Marc Jones - try for Whitland hooker

Division Two (West):

Preseli Men beat league leaders Builth

Crymych 6 - Builth Wells 3

Crymych showed true grit as they eased home against league leaders Builth Wells in a tough tussle at Parc Lloyd Thomas which produced only nine points but a great deal of combative rugby and no shortage of tension.

Builth Wells had edged home by 26-24 earlier in the season and this return fixture was always likely to be close after the teams shared six points in a gruelling first 40 minutes. Visiting No 10 Luke Offa opened the scoring as he dropped a goal which the Crymych faithful were convinced fell just inches short of the crossbar, but opposite number Dyfan Dafydd levelled matters just on half time with a well-judged penalty.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Crymych had a few chances as Rhys Richards, Carwyn Rees, John Davies, Andrew Phillips and Rhys Davies joined Llyr Evans, Tom Powell and Aled Harries in the ball-winning stakes, along with Jason Nicholls, Josh Clarke and Trystan Griffiths when they joined the fray.

Elgan Vittle steadied the midfield and Gareth Davies's experience was invaluable when he came on as replacement - and a 55th minute dropped goal by Dafydd proved to be the only score of an absorbing second period as Crymych claimed another scalp by playing well as a team.

Dyfan Dafydd - match-winning dropped goal for Crymych

Super Blues are enjoying 2013

Haverfordwest 17 - Seven Sisters 10

After losing all their Division Two (West) matches that they played in 2012, Haverfordwest appear to have turned over a new leaf in 2013 as they have now won both games played so far!

The rejuvenated Blues followed their excellent win at Maesteg Quins with this even more amazing result here against a

Seven Sisters' outfit which hammered them by 66-7 at home and are sitting pretty in second spot.

Haverfordwest had superb displays by their front five of Terry Lovell, Graham Jenkins, Gareth Green, Adam Clarke and Brett Davies as the launch pad for attacks but they were just five points ahead at half time thanks to a good try by Scott Candler.

Gritty second half display

Having to play into the wind in the second half the Blues knew they had to raise the tempo but Seven Sisters had a penalty from Matt Smith to go with an unconverted John Elkins' try, converted by Smith, to go 10-5 in front.

But the Blues refused to be daunted by the situation and good work by Lewis Wood, Matthew Clarke and Ryan Banner put such pressure on visiting No 10 that he dropped the ball over his own line and Brett Davies followed up to score and Ashley Sutton landed the conversion to put the Blues back ahead.

Wood then contributed an unconverted try from a close-range scrum and although the conversion went wide it didn't matter because Haverfordwest showed that they need fear no-one in this tough division if they can maintain this sort of momentum!

Lewis Wood breaks from base of scrum to score Blues' vital winning try.

Division Three (West): 

Mariners mauled by Haycock's Men

Gorseinon 49 - Milford Haven 3

Gorseinon skipper Sean Haycock certainly led by example as he grabbed two of the seven tries which had his team mauling a disappointing Milford Haven team which started the day in eighth whilst their opponents were fourth.

The Mariners took the lead with an early dropped goal but it was one-way traffic from then on as Gorseinon added further tries by full back Josh Simmons (2), centre Damian Rowe, hooker Josh John and flanker Kieran Craig.

To make matters even worse for Emori Katalau's men the hone side had Andrew Steele in form with the boot as he slotted all seven conversions to complete a day to remember for his team but one to forget for Milford Haven!

Seasiders disappoint
against basemen battlers

Llandeilo 10 - Tenby United 6

Tenby United suffered their fourth defeat in a row as they went down to bottom club Llandeilo in arguably the Seasiders' most inept display of the season.

“We seem to have got into a rut,” said a club spokesman, “and now it's time the lads got together and put it right. We are still fourth in the table and there are plenty of games still to go.”

The Seasiders had won against the same opposition by 27-9 at Heywood Lane but all they could muster in Llandeilo was a penalty in each half by fly half Tom Lewis.

Llandeilo led 5-3 at the break thanks to a good try by open side flanker Matthew Lewis and added a second five-pointer when No 10 Osian Williams rounded off some pressure with his team's second unconverted try.

Tom Lewis - scored Tenby's points at Llandeilo

Alex eases Emlyn to local derby double

Newcastle Emlyn 29 - Cardigan 6

Newcastle Emlyn had already won 19-10 at the King George Vth Ground at the beginning of the season and completed a local derby double at Ddol Wiber as they entertained near neighbours Cardigan and added a bonus point for good measure.

It was a case of missed tackles for the Cardis as they trailed 8-3 at half time as Mike Diggle kicked a penalty and Emlyn responded with a try by right wing Llyr Jones and a penalty from outstanding No 10 Rhydian Harries.

Tom Turner dropped a neat goal for Cardigan after the break and after Emlyn centre Dan Davies kept them on top with a try it was No 8 Alex Williams who applied the coup de grace with two late close-range tries.

Harries converted all three Emlyn second-half tries to keep them firmly in second place whilst Cardigan remain bottom with only three wins from 13 starts.

Mike Diggle - penalty in Cardigan's local derby defeat

Division Four (West):

Seagulls fly high at Betws

Betws 5 - Fishguard & Goodwick 23

Fishguard and Goodwick produced another impressive away performance to beat a strong Betws side that fears no-one at home but found the Seagulls something of a hand full.

Co-coach Huw Evans was delighted by the way his team played for each other as they led 8-0 at half time thanks to a good handling movement rounded off by ever-alert full back Rhodri Thomas, and although James Griffiths missed the conversion he slotted a 25-metre penalty.

The Seagulls opened their second-half scoring with another handling move amongst the forwards from which Gavin Walsh set powerful No 8 Simon James on a 30-metre surge to the posts for Griffiths to convert easily.
Griffiths added a penalty and an excellent break by Torau Ilaise set up the chance for the ubiquitous Griffiths to pop up on the blind side and race 30 metres to the corner.

Betws did manage a try from prop Jeff Phillips but it was clearly too little too late as Huw Evans was so pleased he spent a rare £1 on texting the result to co-coach Randall Williams, holidaying in New Zealand!

Brave blacks battle in vain

Trimsaran 43 - Neyland 0

Neyland found themselves 20 points down after the opening quarter but battled hard in the middle of the game before a flurry of late points gave Trimsaran a win that was fully merited, but perhaps not by such a wide margin.

Indeed, the All Blacks had five kickable penalties during the games' mid period but elected to run the ball and this opportunism came to nothing as final passes went astray.

Chris Banner, Steve Hamer, Adam Collins and Dean Matthews all played well for Neyland but Chris Bates ran the show for Trimsaran and the talented centre scored a try and four conversions.

Other home tries came from winger Rhodri Evans, winger Iwan Jones (2), scrum half Iwan Jones and centre Michael Daniels alongside a penalty try as Trimsaran stay in third place as reward for victory.

Division Five (West): 

Scarlets slam sorry Saints

Pembroke 54 - St Davids 0

St Davids hopes of a win hat-trick were brought to an abrupt halt at Crickmarren as they encountered a determined Pembroke side which ran in ten tries and kept a clean score-sheet which pleased coach Ossie Boswell.

“We were very disappointed to lose against the Quins last week,” he said, “but I was pleased with the way that the boys bounced back today. Five tries in each half showed that we try to play positive rugby.”

Although the Saints battled hard they were always on the back foot once Gareth Jones had scored the Scarlets' first try early on. Others followed at regular intervals and there was a try brace apiece for No 8 Rob Jones and second row Will Edwards, plus others from full back Mark Jones, second row Scott Powell, scrum half Andrew Davies, skipper Geraint Bateman and replacement Dom Colman, two of them converted by outside half Phil Williams.

Will Edwards - try brace for Pembroke second row

Wasps wilt in bottom spot

Penygroes 23 - Llangwm 3

Llangwm played with real determination at Penygroes but lost their ninth match in 11 outings to stay anchored at the foot of the section table.

Yet the Otters made a promising start through prop Steve Rees, scrum half Jonathan Brock, hooker Mike Terry, winger Henry Brant and full back Lewis Murphy, who gave the Wasps an early lead with a well-struck penalty.

But Penygroes utilised the power of their bigger pack and had tries by Gareth Beynon and Kenneth Evans (2) to pin the visitors back and a conversion and two penalties from the experienced Chris Powell made sure that Penygroes claimed their sixth win in nine matches.

Lewis Murphy - scored Llangwm's early points

Quins go down to surprise loss

Pontyates 25 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 20

Pembroke Dock Harlequins suffered a disappointing defeat at Pontyates but at least had the consolation of a bonus point for finishing within seven points of the opposition.

The Quins recorded an 80-3 victory against Pontyates at Bierspool but faced a much-changed side for this tussle and trailed 7-3 at half time as second row Emrys Williams scored a Pontyates' try converted by Kieran Evans, with Lewis Davies notching a Quins' penalty.

Williams added his second try soon after the restart, again converted by Evans, before Neil Harries pulled back five points with an unconverted Quins' try.

Quins' hopes of a come-back were soon negated, though, as Evans landed a penalty and Pontyates No 8 Steve George added a try.

Back came the Quins as Paul Jonkers raced through for his sixth try of the season but Evans again proved a thorn in their flesh with a snap dropped goal.

Good work by Barry Parsons and Gareth Scourfield kept the visitors plugging away and hooker Peter Roach scored his first senior try, converted by Davies, to set up a grandstand finish where the Quins might have snatched the verdict but were unable to add more points from late pressure on the Pontyates line.

Paul Jonkers - scored his 6th try of the season for the Quins

5th January 2013

Featured match:

Davies kicks Quins to local derby win

Pembroke Dock Quins 12 - Pembroke 10

Four penalties by outside half Lewis Davies were enough to give Pembroke Dock Harlequins the double over Pembroke in a tense, niggly affair at Bierspool.

There were yellow cards aplenty and Quins' hooker Phil Hughes picked up two of them to leave the field early as referee John Griffiths tried hard to keep the teams focussing on rugby in front of a big crowd.

Pembroke had lost 22-18 at home and must have made the post-match journey back up the hill to Crickmarren wondering how they could have chances aplenty but still lose, this time by just two points.

Chances not taken

One of their problems was that they went very close from a cracking diagonal run by Rob Weston but failed to turn resultant pressure into points, and missed first half penalties as outside half Phil Williams managed just one shot on target in three attempts whilst Lewis Davies slotted two penalties to give the home side a 6-3 lead.

It was a similar story after half time as Lewis Davies again did well to land two penalties for the Quins and the Scarlets had claims for tries by hooker Gareth Jones and skipper Geraint Jackson turned down before Jackson finally raced through for the game's only try late on.

Phil Williams converted but it was too little, too late for the visitors as the Quins will enjoy the bragging rights in the area for the rest of the season!

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Damien Miller; Simon Coleman; Sam Irwin; Lee Scourfield; Sam Richards; Lewis Davies; Adam Cawley; Brendan O'Driscoll; Phil Hughes; Ian Osbourne; Mark Van Rhyn; Darren Griffiths;  Alex Pearce; Barry Parsons (Capt); Kevin Bratcher. Replacements: Gareth Scourfield,

Jonathan Rogers; Neil Harries; Tom Osbourne.

Pembroke: Mark Jones; Geraint Jackson (Capt); Sean Dalling; Dom Colman; James Skeels; Phil Williams; Andrew Davies; Richard Morris; Gareth Jones; Richard Mason; Rob Weston; Mark Boswell; Jordan Gwilliam; Dan Manning; Rob Jones. Replacements: Simon Cole; Sean Beynon; Steve Dyde; Seamus Wiseman.

Pembroke on the attack
Quins secure quality possession

Pictures by Bill Carne

Championship:

Borderers beaten by stylish students

Whitland 13 - Cardiff Met 30

Whitland battled hard against fourth-placed Cardiff Met and were only seven points adrift at the interval before the students increased their tempo in the second half to run out worthy winners.

Cardiff Met had already won by 26-10 in their previous encounter with the Borderers, who took the early lead with a penalty from full back Jonathan Thomas before pacy winger Pierre Tucker claimed the students' first try to punish some poor home tackling before outside half Matthew O'Brien added the extra points.

Back came Whitland with a good unconverted try initiated by  full back Thomas and Lee Glanville before winger Tomos Wilson claimed the touchdown – but Cardiff Met led 15-8 at the interval as Matthew O'Brien kicked a penalty from two attempts, hitting the woodwork with the other, before second row Josh Walker grabbed an unconverted score.

O'Brien opened the second half scoring with another three-pointer before the Borderers reduced the deficit with a well-taken try by Kevin White to raise hopes of a come-back.

But the Met grabbed other tries from wingers Jamie George and Pierre Tucker, one converted by O'Brien, to complete a good away win and keep them in contention at the top.

Otters suffer another narrow defeat

Newbridge 25 - Narberth 23

Narberth lost 31-30 at home to Newbridge and conceded the double to the Gwent-based opposition by only two points after another entertaining tussle where the Otters had their chances but had to settle for a solitary bonus point.

It seemed as if Newbridge would win by a much bigger margin as they led 17-0 after only 21 minutes as they had tries from centre Steffan Morgan and full back Ceri Young, both converted by No 10 Neil Burnett to go with a penalty soon afterwards.

The Otters finally found their way when James Russell kicked a penalty and then added the extra points to a good try by scrum half Jarred Bayliss which restricted Newbridge to a 17-10 lead at the oranges.

The Otters were level within two minutes of the restart when winger Will Lewis crossed for a try converted by Russell but the homesters responded with an unconverted second try by Young and a Burnett penalty

Russell found the target to collect another three points for the Otters and Stuart Morris also landed a penalty to give the Otter faithful some hope but Newbridge did well to shut up shop and remain third in the table as their reward for this narrow victory

Will Lewis - try for Narberth

Division Two (West):

Brilliant Blues bag first league win

Maesteg Quins 8 - Haverfordwest 13

Haverfordwest produced a superb all-round performance to claim their first win of the season against fourth-placed Maesteg Quins, after ten previous defeats, to show the true Blues' spirit that exists in the club.

They lost by 51-24 to the same opposition at Merlins Bridge but were clearly up for it as they were level at 3-3 after a tight first half where their tackling and covering was exemplary, preventing the Quins' backs from gaining the sort of possession normally enjoyed by the home side.

Leading the way in an outstanding team display were Adam Clarke, Tyrone te Ruroku and Ollie Reyland as Maesteg Quins took the lead with a penalty by skipper and outside half Gareth Lewis before talented young full back Ashley Sutton levelled maters with a well-placed penalty in reply.

The Blues had Brett Davies and Terry Lovell yellow-carded for ten minutes apiece in that first half but still kept their line intact – and when they were back to 15 men grabbed the all-important first try when New Zealander te Ruroku claimed a try which Sutton converted.

The Quins replied with an unconverted Lewis try but the Blues kept things under control and a second Sutton penalty was enough to give them the victory they so needed – and thoroughly deserved for this gutsy performance.

Ashley Sutton - eight vital points in great Haverfordwest victory

Division Three (West):

Mariners mauled in second half

Milford Haven 10 - Newcastle Emlyn 50

Milford Haven were only 12-10 behind at the half-way stage against Newcastle Emlyn but the visitors showed why they are in second place in the table as they added a further 38 points in the second period whilst stopping the Mariners scoring a single point!

After a competitive first half Milford were 10-5 ahead thanks to a Leigh Broome penalty and  try by Tom Arnold which Broome converted, against tries for Emlyn by Alun Howells and Rhydian Harries, who also landed a conversion.

Matthew Doncaster, Dewi Williams and Gareth Fawcett all played well for Milford but the wheels metaphorically came off their wagon in the second period as Howells scored his second alongside others from Steff Evans (2), Gareth Williams.

Talented No 10 Harries completed his hat-trick with two more tries and he took his personal tally to 25 points with another four conversions to keep the pressure on leaders Amman United whilst making it a day to forget for the Mariners!

Tom Arnold breaks away to score a try for the Mariners

Picture by Sheila Witts-Sear

Seasiders suffer single-point loss

Tenby United 17 – Llanelli Wanderers 18

Tenby United lost ground on the leaders in the section table as they went down to the narrowest of defeats against fifth-placed Llanelli Wanderers.

The Seasiders missed chances that would have put them as worthy winners and they had a last-ditch opportunity to snatch the result out of the fire but Toby Smith was unable to find the target with a very difficult penalty before the final whistle.

Tenby were expected to avenge their 26-19 reverse in Llanelli but found themselves ten points behind pretty soon at Heywood Lane as the visitors opened their account with a Nick Gale penalty and try by Dafydd Daniel which Gale goaled.
The Seasiders fought back with a good try by Toby Smith, which No 10 Lloyd Thomas converted to go with a penalty – but from being level they found themselves 18-10 in arrears at half time as the Wanderers had a try by Dan Nicholson and a second Gale penalty.

Tenby claimed the only points of a tense second half when Lloyd Thomas scored a 58th minute try, converted by Toby Smith but although they went close on several occasions they were unable to claw back that vital final score – and had to settle for a solitary bonus point.

Lloyd Thomas - ten points in Tenby defeat

Amman show why

they are table toppers

Amman United 40 - Cardigan 19

Amman United showed just why they are top of Division Three (West) as they completed a deserved double over a Cardigan side they had already defeated 34-3 and ran in no fewer than six tries to the Teifisiders' three in an entertaining clash that well refereed by Colin Kirkhouse.

Leading the way for Amman United with a try hat-trick was mercurial winger Dean Williams, whose brother Shane graced the Welsh team for so many years, with other tries coming from Ricky Jones, Johnny Bevan and big Matthew Wrigley in the second row.

Rhys Thomas slotted five Amman conversions as Cardigan responded with good tries by skipper and No 8 Llyr Griffiths, flanker Gethin Davies and winger Dafydd Owens, plus a conversion apiece by halves Mike Diggle and Llyr Tobias.

Gethin Davies - try in Cardigan defeat

Division Four (West):

Seagulls strong in vital victory

Fishguard & Goodwick 24 - Aberaeron 12

Fishguard and Goodwick scored four tries in a 24-0 interval lead against visiting Aberaeron and although the side from up the Cardigan coast fought back a little there was no doubt that the Seagulls were worthy winners.

Leading the way for Fishguard  were Simon James, outstanding alongside skipper Steve Jenkins in the back row, Gareth Adamson and Thomas Ilaise, and it was James and then Jenkins who claimed the opening two tries, the first from close range as the home pack flexed its muscles and the second a terrific charge from 15 metres out.

Pacy winger Ed Bendall added a third from a superb break by N0 10 James Griffiths and a beautifully-timed scoring pass, before a quick tap penalty from Alun George allowed ubiquitous hooker Gavin Walsh to plough over the line. James Griffiths notched two conversions and at half time the game was all but over.

Aberaeron deserve credit for not surrendering, however, and perhaps the Seagulls took their feet off the gas as the visitors had good tries from Gethin Hughes and Ollie Sawyer, one converted by Aled Sweeney. But there was no doubting that Fishguard deserved their win – and a deserved bonus point into the bargain!

Gavin Walsh - hooker's try gave Fishguard a bonus point

Blacks beaten by big Betws pack

Neyland 8 - Betws 19

Neyland battled really hard at home to Betws but the greater experience and size up front of the visiting team set the seal on an away win at the Athletic Ground.

Betws had already beaten the All Blacks by 33-10 at home but were never likely to repeat that sort of score as Chris Busby, skipper Mark James, Andrew Slark and Mark Chamberlain led the way up front and there was some determined work behind the scrum from Steve Hamer, Patrick Bellerby, Dean Matthews and Adam Collins, supported by Delme Bateman, Richard Smith and Craig Grice.

Bellerby gave Neyland the lead with a penalty but Betws led 7-3 at the break thanks to a push-over try claimed by big No 8 Wayne Comely which was converted by Nick White.

The All Blacks had good chances to score in the second period but all they could muster was a good try for winger Grice that was set up by Collins and Matthews.

Betws added two tries from nippy scrum half Owen Thomas, one converted by White, to collect the double over Neyland, who deserve every credit for the way that they stuck to their task.

Patrick Bellerby seeks a gap for Neyland

Neyland skipper Mark James secures lineout ball against Betws

Pictures by Bill Carne

Division Five (West):

Super Saints make it two in a row

St Davids 29 - Penygroes 15

St Davids produced a superb team performance to defeat sixth-placed Penygroes and also pouch a bonus point for scoring four tries against a team that had beaten them comfortably in Penygroes.

The Saints had played really well to overcome Bynea the previous week and were on even better form in this match despite trailing 10-3 in the opening quarter as Chris Powell kicked a Bynea penalty and then converted a push-over try by No 8 Gareth Davies – and Scott John landed a St Davids penalty in response.

But right on half time the Saints grabbed a vital try as they defended another scrum five attack and the ever-alert Russell Watkins intercepted a pass and made a dash upfield. He was caught by the cover defence close to the line but Andrew Lamb was up in support to score a deserved try and limit the half time deficit to just two points.

This score clearly galvanised the Saints in renewed effort after the oranges because talented young No 10 Scott James made a lovely break from 35 metres out and sped to the posts before adding the extra points, as he did soon after when winger Emile Matthews rounded off a good handling move which created the necessary overlap.

James was again involved with the Saints' fourth try as he put in a clever little chip ahead that allowed Matthews to pick up and race over for his second try, with James again on target with the simple conversion.

Penygroes had the final word when second row Josh Powell drove over but it was the Saints who prevailed as the outstanding back row of Rhys Morgan, Aled Harries and skipper Jack Jones joined half backs Geraint Morris and Scott James kept a tight rein on what happened throughout.

Andrew lamb - another try in Saints' success

Cronin stars as Wasps are well beaten

Llangwm 6 - Bynea 38

Llangwm produced a performance to get as they went down to a heavy home defeat against Bynea, who were already 21-6 in front at half time and never relaxed their tweezer grip on the Wasps after that.

“We looked ring rusty,” said team manager Richard Scriven, “and we never really got going, apart from Andrew Brock's two penalties.”

Jonathan Cronin was the undoubted man of the match for Bynea, scoring two tries and four conversions for a personal haul of 18 points, with other tries scored by Luke Hyams, Dan Williams (2) and Gareth Morgan – whilst prop Chris Mills certainly led by example in the Bynea front row.

Andrew Brock - only points scorer for Llangwm

Swalec Plate Round Two:

Dyfan does it for the Preseli Men

Crymych 19 - Aberystwyth 17

Dyfan Dafydd was the toast of his Crymych team mates as the talented outside half picked up 14 points from his accurate place-kicking to help the Preseli Men move into the next round of the Swalec Plate at the expense of Aberystwyth.

This oft-postponed match finally took place in heavy conditions and Crymych mastered the mud better than their Mid Wales' visitors as influential skipper John Davies was joined by Carwyn Rees and Rhys Richards in a determined front row supported by Rhys Davies, Gruff Howells, Llyr Evans, Tom Powell and Trystan Griffiths as key ball winners. As a result, the Preseli Men led 9-3 at the break as Dafydd landed three penalties on target whilst opposing kicker Gwilym Evans could manage just three points.

Dafydd added a fourth penalty in the second half and converted his team's only try, scored by centre Sion Rowland – but Aber somehow kept in contention as they grabbed two interception tries by wingers Matthew Green and Gwilym Evans as Crymych sought more scores but key passes went astray. Both conversions were landed by Evans to set up a nervy finale but player/coach Elgan Vittle made sure that the home defence was sound and a deserved win was the Preseli Men's reward!

Dyfan Dafydd - 14 points in Crymych Swalec Plate win

29th December 2012

Division Five (West):

Saints secure season's first success

St Davids 18 - Bynea 14

St Davids secured their first league win of the season as they held off a late Bynea fight back to edge home at Fishguard Road by just four points.

The Saints were seemingly in control as they led 18-0 with 15 minutes left, but two late converted scores from the visitors left Fintan Godkin's men hanging on in an exciting finale where they were forced to defend well and make sure there were no missed tackles.

Strong start for Saints

It was the home side who made the stronger start and missed a chance to take the lead when outside half Jonathan Thomas, playing on permit from Whitland, was short with a 40 metre penalty.

But moments later the same player fed centre Scott James, and his clever chip ahead was hacked on by winger Emile Matthews, who beat the cover defence to score.

Thomas was wide with the conversion before the visitors came into the game, and it took a superb cover tackle from Matthews on opposite number Jack Morgans to preserve the lead.

The Saints then went further in front on 25 minutes, as centre Phil Lamb intercepting a pass on half way and racing under the posts to score. Thomas converted and soon added a 35 metre penalty to open up a 15-0 scoreline at half time.

More chances for home side

Bynea turned around with the wind in their favour after the break but their hopes were dealt a further blow when prop Ceri John was sin-binned for killing the ball. The Saints threatened again when Thomas broke through in midfield but although the move broke down, the home side were awarded a simple penalty which the outside half kicked to make it 18-0.

The Saints had further chances to extend the lead but failed to finish off clean breaks from scrum half Geraint Morris and replacement hooker Dafydd Williams, before the visitors stormed back.

Bynea bounce back

Scrum half Simon Jones sniped over from a quickly taken penalty and after Thomas was sin-binned for The Saints, a sustained period of pressure saw hooker Chris Mills burrow over. Both tries were converted by winger Jonathan Cronin, leaving Bynea with five minutes on the clock to score a third try and salvage an unlikely win.

A kick ahead from centre Rhys Gingell put the home side under pressure but when Bynea secured a turnover, a big tackle from Aled Harries, outstanding all game at No 8 for The Saints, thwarted the attack.

Brave defence pays off

The visitors had one final chance but after hooker Mills failed to throw straight into a line-out, The Saints were awarded a scrum and Morris duly hammered the ball out of play to seal the win.

Afterwards, coach Godkin said:
"The boys dug deeply today against a decent team. They came back at us at the end but we defended well. I'm delighted for everyone and hopefully we can push on from this win."

St Davids: Adam Davies, Emile Matthews, Phill Lamb, Scott James, Scott Candler, Jonathan Thomas, Geraint Morris, Rhys Price, Rhys Price*, Nick Davies, Ben Kirk, Rhys Evans, Rhys Morgan, Jack Jones (captain), Aled Harries. Replacements: Gethin Murphy, Dafydd Williams, Ben Evans, Russell Watkins.

Bynea: Robert Charles, Jonathan Cronin, Jordan Dunne, Rhys Gingell, Jack Morgans, Mark Davies, Simon Jones, Ceri John, Chris Mills, Neil Davies, Andrew Lee, Leigh Daley, Andrew Taylor, Luke Hiorus, Dean Williams. Replacements: Martin Pegler, Dwayne Evans.
Referee: Dewi  Phillips.

PHOTOS:
St Davids are well organised at a maul against Bynea
Delighted try scorer Phill Lamb

The Saints prepare to defend at a late scrum

15th December 2012  


Championship   Division:

Whitland v Tata Steel
Match postponed – waterlogged pitch

Division Three (West):

Blues still await first win after failing to turn pressure into points

Haverfordwest 3 - Dunvant 20

Haverfordwest's hopes of a morale-boosting win against Dunvant were dashed as the Blues failed to turn key periods of pressure into points whilst the visitors defended well and grabbed three tries from fewer attacking chances.

Dunvant served notice of intent from the kick-off and were ahead in the second minute as skipper Ryan Shoemark rounded off a front-row surge with a close-range try converted by outside half Richard Lewis.

Blues open their account but gift five points

The Blues, boosted by former players Johnny Morgan, Gyles Vaughan and Zac France-Miller, on permit from Narberth,  looked capable of at least matching Dunvant and a period of pressure was rewarded when strong thrusts from Lewis Wood, Tyrone Te Ruruka and skipper Gareth Green earned a 31st minute penalty which Ashley Sutton landed with aplomb.

But within two minutes they gifted Dunvant five points when a move broke down near the touchline in front of the stands and Dunvant centre hacked the ball forward twice before scoring an opportunist unconverted try. There was still time for the Blues to mount a series of drives to the Dunvant try which looked likely to bring a try but referee Peter Evans (Brynamman) was unsighted and from the resulting scrum five the visitors wheeled the scrum and hoofed the ball out of danger.

Bad to worse

A 3-12 interval scoreline didn't do the Blues justice and things got worse as another sustained bout of pressure was halted near the Dunvant line when the Blues were penalised for over-zealous rucking when their supporters felt a yellow card might have been used for the Dunvant forward deliberately blocking the ball on the ground!

The Blues also missed other chances and Dunvant widened the margin with a penalty from No 10 Richard Lewis before a late try by centre Danny Davies saw Dunvant pouch the precious league points and leave the Blues without anything to show for their efforts in difficult playing conditions.

Haverfordwest: Johnny Morgan; Jamie Lewis; Scott Candler; Dan Birch; Darren Salmon; Ashley Sutton; Matthew Morgan; Lewis Davies; Gareth Green (Capt); Terry Lovell; Adam Clark; Gyles Vaughan: Tyrone Te Ruruka; Zac France-Miller; Lewis Wood. Replacements: Richard Brazell; Ryan Banner; Mikey Jones.
Dunvant: Mitchell Ford; Tom Davies; Sam Crowley; Danny Davies; Adam Williams; Richard Lewis; Sam Gallagher; Carwyn Williams; Ceri Davies; Ryan Shoemark (Capt); Jamie Nicholas; Lewis Buckley; Jonathan Arnold; Rhys Tucker; Jordan Jackson. Replacements: Alex Griffiths; Gareth Williams; Sam Evans.

Matthew and Johnny Morgan play together for the Blues against Dunvant

Lewis Wood is tackled and makes the ball available.

Division Five (West): 

Llangwm fight-back too late

Bynea 40 - Llangwm 19

Llangwm were already 33-5 adrift at half time against Bynea and although they managed two very good second-half tries to the opposition's one score they were never going to be in the race for the precious league points.

Bynea played well as the Wasps took time to shake off their long bus trip and had tries by Mark Davies, Rhys Gingell, Jack Morgans and Jonathan Cronin (2) alongside four conversions by right winger Cronin.

All the Wasps could muster was an excellent try by Ashley Jack after good work by flankers Ian Griffiths and James Lewis allowed No 8 Jack to speed up the touchline and cross for an unconverted score.

Wasps refuse to surrender

Bynea added their sixth try in the second period as Simon Jones claimed a try which Cronin converted to bring Cronin's personal haul to 20 points but Llangwm had a very good try by Adam James, away from his regular front row berth and doing well at centre, plus an interception try after a 50-metre dash from winger Sean Ace.

Both were converted by Andrew Brock but the Wasps were unable to secure a bonus point from scoring four tries and coach Jeremy Brock was understandably disappointed by that fact following so much hard work after the interval!

Adam James - scored a try for Llangwm in defeat at Bynea

Quins suffer against unbeaten league leaders

Gowerton 56 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 0

Pembroke Dock Harlequins found it hard going in this rearranged league match against undefeated section leaders Gowerton as the trailed 35-0 at the interval and ended up without a point as Gowerton secured their eighth win in as many matches.

The Quins could at least say that they fulfilled the fixture but had something of a makeshift side in which Alex Pearce caught the eye up front and Lee Scourfield tried to organize an over-worked Quins' defence.

Gareth Scourfield also played a key role before he had to leave the field and it was experienced flanker Anthony Burder who led the Gowerton offensive with two tries in the first half and other in the second period to complete a deserved hat-trick.

Other home tries came from centres Rob John and Bleddyn Thomas, plus hooker John Rees (2), and Chris Jones, all converted by outside half Josh Hamer (7) and Callum McKenzie as Gowerton maintained their maximum points at the top of the table and left the Quins with only their second defeat from nine starts.

Swalec Plate Round Two:

Crymych v Aberystwyth
Match postponed – waterlogged pitch

Swalec Bowl Round Three:

Seagulls soar to excellent cup victory over Scarlets at Crickmarren

Pembroke 6 - Fishguard & Goodwick 20

Fishguard and Goodwick moved into the fourth round of the Swalec Bowl as their reward for a hard-fought victory against a Pembroke team from a division lower but never afraid to battle hard.

The Seagulls are now the only Pembrokeshire representatives in the competition and co-coach Huw Evans was pleased by the final scoreline as he said,

“The game was inevitably scrappy on a heavy Crickmarren pitch but we did enough to deserve victory as Pembroke made sure we didn't run away with things.”

Ossie Boswell, the Pembroke coach, was of a similar view as he told us,
“Fishguard were a bit too street-wise for our relatively young side but I was pleased that we covered well and only allowed them three tries as Danny Manning, Gareth Jones and Jordan Gwilliam played well up front alongside young second rows Will Edwards and Scott Powell. It was nice to have Barry Bowen back in action again and we will have learned a lot from this encounter.”

Seagulls strong in second half

The Seagulls led 8-3 at the half-way stage as James Griffiths scored an excellent individual try from 40 metres – and although the classy pivot missed the conversion he added a penalty before Phil Williams claimed three points for the Scarlets with a penalty.

Williams also added a second three-pointer after the break but with Andrew Morrillo, Owain Morgans and Gerwyn Davies looking solid in the scrums and with lineout ball secured by Nathan Jenkins and Rhys Lewis, Fishguard had the lion's share of the play. Chris Shusha, back from college, Mark George and Mark James were always involved and a driving lineout from 20 metres allowed Mark Davies to claim a try  before  Griffiths cut through for his second try which he also converted late on to set the seal on a solid success.

Pembroke skipper Geraint Jackson was knocked out during the match and had to leave the field but was happily standing up and watching the end of play!

Mark James - try for Fishguard flanker at Pembroke

Youth Rugby:

Determined young Blues overcome

Mariners in heavy conditions

Haverfordwest 26 - Milford Haven 5

Haverfordwest and Milford Haven's talented youth players produced some excellent running rugby in heavy conditions at Merlins Bridge before the young Blues ran out worthy winners.

Most players in both teams still have further time in youth rugby but coaches Andrew Thicker and Dai Llewellin (Haverfordwest) plus Alan McClelland (Milford Haven) will have been pleased at the way their young and relatively inexperienced players approached the game.

Liam Hancock, Gregg Walters, Rhys Baker, Ashley James, James Roach and Christopher Williams all caught the eye for the Blues whilst there was no shortage of effort up front by a Mariners' pack in which the front row of Sean Devonald, Matthew Sinnett and James Carew were joined by Archie Smithies and Sam Dolling as ball winners.

Quick-fire start

Haverfordwest youth took the lead after only 49 seconds when full back Rhys Baker broke through and his try was converted by winger Liam Hancock They added a further seven points after ten minutes when Hancock sliced through for a try which he again converted.

Back came the Mariners four minutes later as winger James Smith rounded off some good handling but the Blues took a 19-5 lead into the break when centre Gregg Walters claimed a deserved unconverted try.

The second half was just as keenly contested but as the ground grew heavier there was just one score as Hancock grabbed his second try and notched the extra points to seal a home success in an entertaining tussle.

**Match scoring details supplied by Thomas Carew (Milford Haven)

Big tackling Blues
More action from the Young Blues v Mariners' match

Milford Youth go on a rumble

8th December 2012

Championship:

Bonnell secures a bonus-point win

Narberth 27 - Pontypool 6

Narberth were good value for victory against basement battlers Pontypool and a last-second try by winger Tom Bonnell, the Otters' fourth of the match, secured a precious bonus point as they sit proudly in third spot in the table.

Pontypool have a proud history and although they are almost bottom of the table showed some of their renowned fighting spirit – but had two penalties missed by No 10 Darren Pearce in the opening exchanges.

Narberth score vital first-half points

Narberth had similar chances and James Russell landed one penalty in two attempts before the Otters grabbed the first try in a period of pressure when a long pass by Steve Martin bounced up perfectly for Bonnell to gather wide out and cross for an unconverted try.

Josh Faletau and Jordan Williams featured for Pontypool but without and scoring success and right on the interval the Otters scored a second try when a series of forward rambles in which Dan Smith, Tom Slater and especially Steffan Jones were involved say lofty second row Alex Jenkins powered over in the clubhouse corner for Russell to superbly convert with the last touch of the half.

Pooler fight back quelled

Pontypool opened their account within two minutes of the restart when scrum half Josh Guy kicked a penalty and he added a second three points after Russell had been off target with an easy shot at goal for the Otters. But home full back Andrew Morgan punished a weak clearance attempt as he ran the ball into space and supplied skipper Martin with the scoring pass before Russell again put over an excellent touch-line conversion.

Narberth made lots of personnel changes, most in the space of six minutes, and it was left until the final minute before Bonnell pounced for his second score and although it went unconverted it mattered little because the Otters were home and dry by then.

Narberth: Johnny Morgan; Tom Bonnell; Richard Davies; Steve Martin (Capt); James Russell; Rhys Roberts (Stuart Morris); Rhys Lane (Jarred Bayliss); Steffan Jones (Lewis Davies); Dan Smith; Tom Slater (Sion Lloyd); Chris James (Gyles Vaughan); Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Steffan Phillips.

Tom Bonnell scores Narberth's opening try
Alex Jenkins beats Josh Faletau in a lineout battle
Narberth skipper Steve Martin sprints over for a good try created by Johnnie Morgan

Pictures by Joseph Kiff.

Benjamin beats the Borderers

Whitland 6 - Beddau 17

Whitland's disappointing season continued as a home defeat by a useful Beddau side kept them rooted to the foot of the table.

The Borderers deserve credit for the way that they battled hard but all they had to show for their efforts was a penalty in each half from outside half Jonathan Thomas.

They encountered Beddau's points machine Tom Benjamin in good form as the winger scored all the visitors' points starting with an early penalty which was soon cancelled out by Thomas after good work by Aidan Laxton, Adam Clarke and Carwyn Jones.

Benjamin added a second three-pointer in the opening 20 minutes and then was well-placed to score an unconverted try as he rounded off some good handling by Beddau's backs.

Thomas's second penalty at the start of the second period raised the Borderers' hopes of a come-back but they were unable to maintain any momentum and two further kicks on target by the ubiquitous Benjamin were enough to secure the spoils for Beddau.

Mike Georgiou takes out two tacklers
Picture by Paul Rodgers.

Division Two (West):

Huw's the hero with last-gasp drop-goal

Crymych 21 - Maesteg Quins 19

Crymych scrum half Huw Rees was the toast of his Crymych colleagues and their hardy band of supporters as his last-ditch dropped goal secured the spoils against fourth-placed Maesteg Quins.

The Preseli Men had been rocked by a late dropped goal from Quins' ace kicker Dan Griffiths which had nudged his side into a 19-18 lead but the home pack, led by veteran prop John Davies, managed one last surge into enemy territory and Rees's snap drop goal saw the No 9 palpably thrilled as the ball sailed between the uprights for the all-important score that helped move Crymych into a healthy fifth place in the section table.

Crymych had led 12-6 at the interval after Gareth Lewis had kicked them into an early three-point advantage and added another penalty later on in the half, whilst Crymych responded with excellent tries by flanker Trystan Griffiths, converted by full back Adam Phillips, and then an unconverted score by pacy winger Gavin Thomas.

In a tense second half the Quins took the lead back with a penalty try that Lewis converted – and he also kicked another penalty as fortunes ebbed and flowed. Adam Phillips also kicked two penalties for the Preseli Men after good work by Tom Powell, Aled Davies and Aled Harries – and Huw Rees was the man of the moment with his late piece of opportunism that secured victory for Crymych.

Huw Rees - hero of the hour for Crymych

Blues take an enforced rest
Haverfordwest – no game

Division Three (West)

Too much mud for the Mariners
Milford Haven v Amman United
Match postponed – waterlogged pitch at The Observatory

Seasiders suffer at Gorseinon

Gorseinon 33 - Tenby United 14

No details available for Tenby United but Gorseinon had tries by Darrell Wilcox (2), Anthony Pomp and Tim O'Kelly as Andrew Colwell contributed 13 points from two conversions and three penalties.

Cardigan seal victory in first half

Cardigan 34 - Pontyberem 19

Cardigan were delighted to celebrate their third win of a tough season as they were worthy winners against Pontyberem and hauled themselves above Llandeilo in the table alongside their opponents in this match.

The Teifisiders were good value for a 31-12 lead at the oranges but then were drawn into a war of attritition which saw both teams have players yellow and red-carded and cardigan contributing only three more points as Pontyberem responded with a converted try.

But that enterprising first half showed what the Cardis can do as they led 26-0 after the first 22 minutes and remained in control thereafter with tries from Kieran Hurley, Iestyn Crompton, Llyr Griffiths (2) and his brother Amlyn, both of whom were outstanding alongside Iestyn Crompton in the centre.

Crompton landed three conversions and that second-half penalty whilst Pontyberem had tries by centre Iwan Harries and No 8 Phil Rowe in the first period, one converted by No 10 Dan Griffiths. Outside half Griffiths also added the extra points to a try by prop James Prosser as Pontyberem tried to battle their way back into the game – but it was Cardigan who stood firm and were delighted by victory and a precious bonus point!

Kieran Hurley - set Cardigan on the road to victory

Division Four (West):

Blacks beaten by ten-try Llanybydder

Llanybydder 74 - Neyland 15

Neyland found it hard going against second-placed Llanybydder as they conceded 12 tries but never gave up trying nonetheless and were rewarded with two tries of their own.

The All Blacks are struggling to field a settled side and this match at Llanybydder was no exception but team manager Martin Rees was quick to praise the fact that the Pembrokeshire All Blacks never gave up trying.

“We had an early penalty from scrum half Mark Riley, who also converted a first-half try by half back partner Patrick Bellerby as we trailed 31-10 at the half way mark,” he said. “It was always hard going against a good side but we added a late unconverted try, his first for Neyland, by teenage prop Richard Jones.”

Brothers Llyr and Rhydian Davies shared four tries for Llanybydder and there were other try braces from Dion Thomas and Dr Rhys Bowen, playing at No 10. Second row Gary Evans, Aled Jones, prop Alun Davies, No 8 and captain Carwyn Evans also got on the try sheet whilst there were conversions from Llyr Davies (3) and Owen Davies (4) to complete the scoring for victorious Llanybydder.

Young prop Richard Jones - scored his first try for Neyland 

Griffiths guides Seagulls

to 'cracking win'

Burry Port 15 -
Fishguard & Goodwick 38

Fishguard and Goodwick outside half James Griffiths was the undoubted catalyst of their excellent away win at Burry Port as he scored three tries and landed four conversions for a personal haul of 23 points.

Burry Port might be bottom of the table but they are traditionally no mugs at home, with former Whitland prop Dai Jones as their coach, and although they trailed 19-3 at half time they scored second half tries from scrum half John Ruddle and prop Dai Basset to go with their early penalty by Dan Etteridge.

Bartlett also notched a conversion for Burry Port but winger Ed Bendall (2) and No 8 Mark George also got on the try sheet for Fishguard as there were convincing displays up front from Gerwyn Davies, Gavin Walsh and Neil Perkins in the tight alongside plenty of effort by George, Gwilym Evans, Simon James, Steve and Nathan Jenkins in the ball-winning stakes.

Fishguard co-coach Randall Williams was pleased with the Seagulls' 'cracking win' even more so than normal as he shared a pint afterwards with his opposite number, because he and opposing coach Jones had played together at Whitland!

James Griffiths - scored a try hat-trick for Fishguard

Division Five (West):

Scarlets secure deserved bonus point

Pembroke 22 - Cefneithin 3

Two tries by powerhouse centre Dom Colman helped Pembroke gain a deserved home win against Cefneithin which allowed the Scarlets to move into fifth place in the table.

The Scarlets were 12-3 ahead at the interval after Chris Moore had put the visitors into the early lead with a penalty – with Colman ploughing over for a try which returning outside half Phil Williams converted before winger Sean Dalling rounded off some excellent handling to cross for an unconverted try following good work by back row boys Danny Manning and Rob Jones alongside hooker Gareth Jones.

The Scarlets had second row Mark Boswell battling bravely on despite a bad back and Colman took good crash ball to add his second score in the second period before second row Will Edwards popped up late on to score the Scarlets' fourth try very late on as reward for his genuine endeavours – and secure that vital bonus point.

Coach Ossie Boswell was delighted by the Pembroke performance, especially after so few recent matches, and he was pleased that his Indian curry on Saturday evening tasted even tastier than normal!

Sean Dalling - excellent try for Pembroke

Pembrokeshire Saints
stumble at St Clears

St Clears 60 - St Davids 0

St Davids' hopes of a win to quick-start their season suffered a big set-back as they travelled to St Clears in the 'Battle of the Saints' and conceded ten tries whilst being unable to muster a point of their own.

The Carmarthenshire 'Saints' were 29-0 up at the break as they ran in five tries, two of them converted by full back Darren Rees, with David Jenkins, Andrew Deacon, Tom Hopkins, Matthew Lewis, Ceri Jones, Mark Pickersgill, Simon Griffiths,
Daniel Johnson, Dafydd Page and Gareth Thomas scoring a try apiece at regular intervals.

To be fair to St Davids, who had former St Clears' back Chris Rodenhurst playing for them on permit, they never gave up trying – but as St Clears' coach Rob Phillips said afterwards,

“We had a strong squad for today, with players returning, and if we can maintain this sort of form we will soon be climbing the table.”

Ceri Jones - scored a try for St Clears against St Davids

Great away win for Quins

Bynea 15 -
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 27

An excellent first-half performance by Pembroke Dock Harlequins saw them lead 17-3 and establish the foundation for a deserved win at Bynea which eased them into third place in the section table.

The Bierspool Boys secured their seventh success in eight outings as they played some excellent rugby and Lee Scourfield caught the eye in the threequarters and big Kevin Bratcher was a force to be reckoned with up front.

Yet it was Bynea who made a bright start where Rob Charles landed a penalty on target but the Quins quickly responded as experienced No 8 Gareth Scourfield rounded off a concerted shove by his pack at a scrum five to gain a touch-down which Jonathan Rogers converted, as he did when outstanding flanker Alex Pearce rounded off a good thrust initiated by Bratcher.
Talented young No 10 Rogers also kicked one penalty from three attempts as the Quins were good value for their interval lead of 14 points.

To be fair to Bynea they had the better of the second half in terms of territory but the Quins were always able to keep a measure of control, despite tries for the home side by flanker Mark Riley and scrum half Simon Jones, one converted by winger James Cronin.

Powerful winger Liam Smith brushed off two would-be tacklers to grab a good Quins' try and Paul Jonkers scored the try of the match as he took the scoring pass from Lee Scourfield and earned his team a bonus point for scoring four tries in another convincing Quins' overall performance.

Paul Jonkers - cracking try for the Quins

Wasps unable to field a team
Swansea Uplands v Llangwm

Match postponed

17th November 2012

Championship:

Otters win a tight tussle

Narberth 15 - Llanharan 14

Matches between these old rivals are traditionally close and this absorbing clash at the Lewis Lloyd Ground was no exception as Narberth finally edged home by a single point after Llanharan kicker Lewis Williams missed a late penalty chance to give his side victory.

The Otters made a good start with a James Russell penalty and unconverted try by Rhys Roberts after a quickly tapped penalty by Adrian Killa, who took the game by the scruff of the neck until he went off injured.

Llanharan replied with a try by second row Bill Carey which Williams converted to restrict the Otters to an 8-7 interval advantage – but they took the lead early in the second half when replacement winger Morgan Williams rounded off a good move and his namesake Lewis added the extra points.

Back came the home side when prop Sion Lloyd rounded off a period of pressure and Stuart Morris converted to put the Otters a point in front again – and it looked as if they might add more points when winger Thomas Bonnell intercepted and hared upfield, only to be nudged into touch before he could score.

It meant that it was still anyone's game going into the last minutes but a Lewis Williams penalty was off-target and so Narberth remain in fourth place as their reward.

Adrian Killa in control for Narberth against Llanharan
Johnny Morgan - another very good game for the Otters

Pics by David Davies of daiclick@hotmail.co.uk

Borderers fall just short

Bonymaen 9 - Whitland 6

Whitland came close to victory against fellow-strugglers Bonymaen but were eased out in a tight match where both sides had chances but the issue was finally decided on kicks.

A measure of how close these teams are came from the fact that they shared six points in the first half as Richard Cunniffe landed a penalty for Bonymaen and Nico Setaro responded for the Borderers – and both missed another two kicks each at goal.

Cunniffe notched two more penalties in the third quarter before the Borderers' supporters thought thought they might have the first try to cheers when Lee Glanville intercepted in his own half but was caught by the cover defence just short of the line and so the chance was lost.

A second Setaro kick on target gave Whitland hope but although they tried hard to get the vital winning score they were unable to build up enough momentum against a resolute Bonymaen defence and so they had to settle for a single bonus point for all their endeavours.

Division Two (West):

Preseli men eased out in Mid Wales

Aberystwyth 11 - Crymych 6

Crymych made the long journey to Mid Wales in the hope of gaining their fifth win of the season at the expense of Aberystwyth but were denied by a resolute home defence and their own inability to take chances.

The Preseli Men had player/co-coach Elgan Vittle leading by example alongside the doughty front row of Jason Nicholls, Josh Clarke and skipper John Davies as they opened up an early six-point lead thanks to two well-struck penalties by scrum half Huw Rees.

Home outside half Gwilym Evans reduced the deficit to three points at half time as he landed a penalty and he added a second later, with winger Rhodri Richards claiming the vital only try of the match which went unconverted – but it mattered little because it was enough to set the seal on Aber's fourth win of the campaign.

Elgan Vittle - played well in defeat for Crymych

Big defeat for Blues

Felinfoel 56 - Haverfordwest 12

Haverfordwest's difficult season continued as they found themselves already out of contention at half time at third-placed Felinfoel as they found themselves 30-0 behind.

The Blues did rally to claim good tries by back row men Lewis Woods and Alun Harries, one converted by outside half Ashley Sutton but Felinfoel scored four more tries to take their try tally to eight.

Felinfoel outside half Aled Roberts led the way with two tries, two early penalties and five conversions for a personal haul of 26 points whilst centre Jordan Gunne, full back Elliott Dowe and winger Rhodri Griffiths scored two tries apiece to keep the Blues firmly pinned at the foot of the table.

Alun Harries - scored a try for
Haverfordwest at Felinfoel

Division Three (West):

Cardis come a cropper

Lampeter 31 - Cardigan 8

Cardigan were very much in half-time contention at Lampeter as they were only 15-8 behind but they were unable to maintain their momentum after the interval as the home side added two more tries but the Cardis failed to contribute a single score.

Outstanding captain Dylan Davies scored the Teifisiders' only try and outside half Llyr Tobias landed a penalty but Lampeter always held the edge thereafter and secured a bonus point for their four tries, which were scored by prop Eirwyn Thomas, centre Gethin Roberts, winger Josh Burley and No 10 Huw Thomas, who also contributed a conversion and penalty as well as notching two dropped goals.

Each team had started with only two wins in the league but it was Lampeter who lasted the pace better and leap-frogged over Cardigan as reward for this win.

Dylan Davies scored Crymych's only try in Aberystwyth

Mariners miss out at Ponty

Pontyberem 34 - Milford Haven 20

Milford Haven targeted their match against lowly Pontyberem as a 'must win' match but although the Mariners battled hard they missed vital tackles and were 22-6 behind at half time and always chasing the game afterwards.

Joseph Kiff and Leigh Broome landed first-half penalties for the Mariners and Broome also converted good second half tries from Ian Rusinek and Torau Ilaise in good spell for the visitors where Rhys Thompson and Andrew Ling caught the eye with their ball-winning and tackling.

But the Mariners conceded two penalty tries, one in each half, alongside other home scores from No 8 Steve George, centre Richard Davies and winger Matthew Murphy, plus a penalty and three conversions from outside half Dan Griffiths that gave Pontyberem the spoils.

Ian Rusinek - scored again for Milford Haven

Emlyn ease Seasiders off top spot

Tenby United 14 - Newcastle Emlyn 16

Tenby United were edged off top spot in the section table with a narrow defeat at the hands of fellow promotion contenders
Newcastle Emlyn, who now share second place as Amman United move above both into first place.

Seasiders' team manager Peter 'Toe' James was full of praise for both teams as he said afterwards,

“This was a cracking game between two very good sides, one of the best matches at Heywood Lane for a long time. We had our chances and we will still be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

Rhydian Harries was the Emlyn hero as he scored all the Emlyn points, starting with two early penalties and a try which he also converted to put his side 13-0 in front before Tenby had time to settle.

Tom Lewis kicked two penalties for the Seasiders just before the interval and added a third kick on target five minutes after the restart – and it looked as if they might have a win to celebrate when talented youth winger Greg Caine was put over for a try which Lewis converted to put them a single point in front.

But Rhydian Harries found the target with another penalty and that proved to be the decisive score since Tom Lewis was just off the mark with a late Tenby drop-goal attempt and they had to settle for second-best on this occasion.

Greg Caine looks delighted as he scores a try for Tenby in their defeat aginat Newcastle Emlyn

Picture by Dave Bolton

Division Four (West):

Seagulls win Pembrokeshire clash

Neyland 7 - Fishguard & Goodwick 20

Fishguard and Goodwick gained their expected win over basement battlers Neyland but as Seagulls' co-coach Huw Evans said afterwards, We were on top but they never gave up trying and pushed us all the way.”

The undoubted launch-pad for Fishguard's success was a pack in which skipper Steve Jenkins, Mark James and especially Simon James caught the eye, with coach Evans directing matters at outside half and James Griffiths posing a constant threat in the centre.

They took the lead when quick hands put winger Matthew George in for an unconverted try and they added a second before half time when flanker James was powered over from a lineout drive for Griffiths to add the extra points.

But there was still time for the All Blacks to claw seven points back before the oranges as outside half Patrick Bellerby intercepted and did well to reach the line for half back partner Mark Riley to convert.

Chris Busby led the home pack and there were nice touches from No 9 Riley and full back Delme Bateman but Fishguard were able to retain control and a short range penalty by Griffiths was followed by an unconverted try by Simon James from a close-range scrum to set the seal on a Seagulls' success.

Fishguard co-coach Huw Evans, still able to call the shots at No 10
Picture Matthew Kelly, Raw Photography

Fishguard skipper Steve Jenkins beats Neyland's Mark Chamberlain in this local derby lineout

Picture by Sheila Sear Witts

Division Five (West):

Scarlets slump to Stars

New Dock Stars 32 - Pembroke 0

Pembroke were unable to find their best form against New Dock Stars and the home side ran in four tries to earn a bonus point that keeps them firmly in the promotion hunt whilst the Scarlets endured a complete shut-out.

Pembroke coach Ossie Boswell admitted afterwards,

“We just didn't play well and we can have no complaints because we missed vital tackles and rarely controlled play for any length of time.”

New Dock were already 18-0 up at half time with tries from Rhodri Owen and outstanding skipper Jordan Evans alongside a conversion and two penalties from outside half Nick Davies.

Scott Hanford and Ricky Harries added further tries for the Stars, both converted by Nick Davies, both scored in the last ten minutes, to set the seal on a comfortable home win for New Dock.

Miller stars as Quins win a thriller

Pembroke Dock Quins 35  -  St Clears 32

Talented youth team full back Damian Miller was the undoubted star of Pembroke Dock Harlequins exciting win over St Clears as he joined the fray during the second half and scored a hat-trick of tries to help his team edge home by three points.

The Saints took the early lead with two penalties from Colin Reynolds but Quins' young outside half Lewis Davies changed matters with a try and conversion, followed by two penalties before an unconverted try from Saints' Dai Jenkins made the half time score 13-11 in the home side's favour.

Good work by Neil Harries set up an unconverted try for home hooker Carl Williams but the Saints levelled matters when winger Gareth Thomas raced through and Reynolds added the extras to make it 18-apiece.

But then Miller intervened with three cracking tries, one converted by Lewis Davies – and although the Saints responded with further tries by Jenkins and then Anthony John in the last move of the game, both converted by Reynolds, it was the Quins who were good value for victory.

Lewis Davies - early points for the Quins

Wasps win local derby

St Davids 7 - Llangwm 15

Three unconverted tries were enough to give Llangwm an important win in their Pembrokeshire derby at St Davids and keep the Saints still seeking their first win after nine games.

With relegation to Division Six (West) in prospect for the bottom club at the end of the season this was a game that Saints' coach Fintan Godkin will have targeted as a very important match but they found themselves ten points adrift as excellent play by Ian Griffiths up front and Jonathan Brock in defence inspired the Wasps.

Outside centre Simon Preddy claimed the first try after some good handling and full back Jonathan Brock added the second before the Saints fought back with a Dan Lawrence try which Jack Jones converted.

Jonathan Brock - played well for Llangwm and scored a vital try

10th November 2012

Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup First Round:

Seasiders too strong in closing stages

Tenby United 45 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 19

Knockout Cup holders Tenby United gained their expected passage to the next stage of the competition but were pushed all the way by a Pembroke Dock Harlequins' side which was in contention until the last ten minutes, when they conceded three converted tries.

The teams had met at the semi-final stage last campaign and the Seasiders won through – and they were hot favourites to repeat that success as they sit proudly atop Division Three (West) whilst the Quins currently lie fourth but two sections lower.

The Quins arrived at Heywood Lane with a very young and much-changed side but they refused to budge an inch and were just 10-9 adrift at half time and 24-19 behind after 70 minutes but then lost influential No 8 Gareth Scourfield for a second yellow card and although Tenby lost Jason Ronowitz to a yellow card at the same time, following a heated exchange amongst both teams, the Quins conceded 21 points without response to leave a final margin that flattered Tenby a little, although they were deserved victors.

Seasiders in positive mode

The Seasiders started off in positive mode when talented full back Aled Bowen sliced through for an unconverted try but the Quins served notice of intent as Barry Parsons led by example and received good support from Alex Pearce, Mark Van Rhyn and the rest of the Quins' pack as talented young fly half Jonathan Rogers dropped a neat goal and slotted a penalty to nudge his side ahead.

Good work by Luke Dedman and Nicky Guymer set up a chance for winger Simon Stanford, who carved his way through to the line after being held up short just minutes before. Unfortunately, Stanford damaged a shoulder in the process and eventually had to leave the field, whilst a second Rogers' penalty limited the homesters to a single-point lead at the interval.

Hansford helps Tenby start second half well

Tenby made an equally good start to the second half as play was switched right and then left before a long Toby Smith pass allowed Luke Hansford to score a try which Aled Bowen converted.

Rogers landed a third penalty as the Quins plugged away but Tenby skipper Gareth Edwards scored under the posts after a superb 40 metre solo run and again Bowen added the extra points.

But good handling by the Quins when Tenby were reduced to 14 men allowed full back Damian Miller to score an excellent try which Rogers converted and with the Seasiders leading 24-19 it was still anyone's game.

Decisive last ten minutes

The last ten minutes proved decisive, however, when Rogers had a clearance kick charged down by Will Crockford and Roy Osborne did well to claim the touch-down as reward for his genuine industry, and Bowen converted, as he did when No 10 Toby Smith showed his strength on the ball as he shrugged off three tacklers to score an opportunist try.

With time running out a Quins' move broke down and Toby Smith provided the scoring pass for Crockford to cross wide out on the left – and Bowen did well to convert and set the seal on a deserved Tenby victory.

Tenby United: Aled Bowen: Chris Heesom; Jack Guerreiro; Dan Colley; Simon Stanford: Toby Smith; Will Crockford: Lyndon Jones; Nicky Guymer; Johnny Palmer: Gareth Edwards (Capt); Luke Dedman: Wyndham Williams; Luke Hansford; Roy Osborne. Replacements: Dave Meyrick, Tom Richards; Jason Ronowitz; Ashley Bonser; Gareth Caine; Roy Fairlie.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Lewis Davies: Damian Miller; Ross Lascelles; Tom Osborne; Liam Smith: Jonathan Rogers; Adam Cawley: Dean Wilcox; Chad Monk; Gareth Spure: Mark Van Rhyn; Barry Parsons (Capt): Mike Davies; Alex Pearce; Gareth Scourfield. Replacements: Jake Newman; Nathan Andrews; Mike Scourfield.
Referee: Adrian Slade (Milford Haven)

PHOTOS:
Tenby's flying winger Simon Stanford on a burst for the line
Will Crockford seeks early gaps in the Quins' defence
Adam Cawley snipes away for the Quins

Pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk

3rd November 2012

Feature match:

Division Five (West):

Quins' power pays off

Llangwm 14 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 29

Pembroke Dock Harlequins made the short journey across the Cleddau Bridge to Pill Parks and came away with a deserved win over a Llangwm side which never gave up trying and scored two tries in quick succession as reward in the second half.

That the game was played at all owes much to the good work of the ground staff because heavy rain and hail prior to and during the game made conditions difficult – and referee Colin Phillips used his commonsense with his decisions throughout.

Quins' pack plays well

But the Quins always looked stronger up front for much of the match as they took several Llangwm scrums in the first period and could well have score more than the two unconverted tries they managed but for over-elaboration and a ball that got more slippery as play continued.

Alex Pierce, Barry Parsons, Gareth Spure, Mark Van Ryan and Neil Harries caught the eye for the Quins as the front row of Peter Roach, Carl Williams and Dai Moseley looked strong in the scrums, and it was Van Ryan who opened the scoring after Harries and Parsons had done the spade work.

The Quins might have had a second during a long period of pressure and Adam Cawley added the second score after going close a couple of times before, to give the Quins a 10-0 interval lead despite some excellent defending by Wasps' full back Jonathan Brock alongside some big hits in the centre by Andrew Slark, playing on loan from Neyland.

Quins settle the issue with two more tries

The Quins scored a third unconverted try when Simon Coleman and Liam Smith put Sam Irwin over in the right corner – and they made the game safe when a powerful surge for the line was illegally halted and referee Colin Phillips awarded a penalty try which Jonathan Rogers converted from in front of the posts.

It says much for the Wasps' resilience that they responded will, with Ian Griffiths, Ben Llewellyn and Mike Terry leading by example, and after Andrew Brock had been bundled into touch just short they got on the scoresheet when second row Laurence Holder ploughed over for his first try and Andrew Brock added the extras.

Mackie makes a first-touch error

Veteran prop Richard McIntyre came on as winger for the Quins and his first touch, an attempted clearance kick, was charged down by Dan Morgan before the winger raced 35 metres to the posts for Rogers to convert.

McIntyre was quickly transferred into front row action and helped set up the final score of the game when another rolling maul saw Irwin and Carl Williams vying for the touchdown before Rogers converted to round off an entertain match enjoyed by a good crowd, considering the conditions.

Llangwm: Jonathan Brock; Dan Morgan; Andrew Brock; Andrew Slark; JoJo Francis; Chris Thomas; David Lewis; Gethin Lewis; Mike Terry; Adam James; Ben Llewellyn; Laurence Holder; James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Ashley Jack. Replacements: Simon Preddy; Lewis Murphy, Josh Morgan; Aled Morgan.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Damian Miller; Liam Smith; Sam Irwin; Tom Osborne; Sam Richards; Jonathan Rogers; Adam Cawley; Peter Roach; Carl Williams; Dai Moseley; Gareth Spure; Mark Van Ryan; Alex Pierce; Barry Parsons; Neil Harries. Replacements: Simon Coleman; Chris Harries; Richard McIntyre; Mike Scourfield.
Referee: Colin Phillips (Cardigan).
 

Ian Griffiths wins line-out ball for the Wasps.

Llangwm under pressure near their own line.

Quins' winger Liam Smith on the burst.

Pictures Bill Carne PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Championship:

Whitland v Blackwood
Match postponed – pitch waterlogged

Cardiff Met v Narberth
Match postponed – Waterlogged pitch

Division Two (West)

Crymych
Crymych no match since Tylorstown dropped out of the league

Haverfordwest v Dunvant
Match postponed – waterlogged pitch

Division Three (West):

Seasiders snatch victory by single point

Cardigan 9 - Tenby United 10

Mariners miss out at home

Milford Haven 5 - Lampeter 26

Milford Haven might have expected a home win against basement battlers Lampeter but the visitors showed the form that enabled them to beat Tenby the previous week in the Swalec Plate competition.

Lampeter used the Observatory Field slope to full advantage in the first half to lead 26-0 as the Mariners rarely looked likely to snatch the verdict.

Prop Zane Lowe opened the Lampeter scoring with a try, followed by a good try by inside centre Gareth Griffiths, both converted by ace kicker Huw Thomas.

Then Lampeter second row Geraint Thomas added the third, a superb solo try, followed by the fourth try, to secure a bonus point, by winger Josh Bailey, one of them goaled by Huw Thomas.

The Mariners held the edge after the oranges but as conditions worsened it was hard to string together enough flowing moves to recover such a huge lead – and all they could muster was a single unconverted try by forward Ian Rusinek as reward for his overall play.

There was a further blow for the homesters when talented scrum half Aaron Sprowell sustained a nasty leg injury late in the game and it is to be hoped that Aaron recovers soon.

Mariners captain Mark Wonnacott leading by example.

Picture by Sheila Sear-Witts

Division Four (West):

Fishguard & Goodwick v Laugharne
Match postponed – Waterlogged pitch

Burry Port v Neyland
Match postponed – Neyland unable to raise a team

Division Five (West):

Saints slammed in Swansea!

Swansea Uplands 95 - St Davids 0

St Davids suffered their second heavy defeat of the week as they followed up their 83-0 midweek loss at Aberaeron in a KO Cup match with this heavy loss at section trail blazers Swansea Uplands.

But the Saints deserve a collective medal for the way that they stuck to their task against the Uplands, who ran in 15 tries, with the Saints just getting 15 players together that included coach Fintan Godkin and talented centre Fraser Watson on permit from Whitland. To make matters worse, they lost influential ball winner Gethin Bateman with an early injury, leaving Ben Evans, Rhys Price and Dafydd Williams to battle on in the set-pieces as Raymond Owen, Mike Hodgson, Gethin Murphy and Rhodri Owen to shore up an overworked back line.

Geraint Morris, Phil Lamb, Craig Challonder, Jack Jones and Russell Watkins all tried hard alongside Godkin and Watson but they were 47-0 down at half time and always struggling to keep the marauding Uplands players at bay.

A feature of the game was the fact that brothers Sean, James and Tom Edmunds accumulated 50 of the Uplands' points with centre Sean (3), scrum half James (2) and outside half Tom amongst the try scorers, with Tom adding ten conversions. Other tries were scored by winger Harry Leese (2), Dai Parton, French winger Pierre Chaniclier, No 8 Tom Turner (2), second row Geraint Davies and replacement centre Ian Lewis on the Uplands' try sheet as St Davids didn't manage a single point despite a terrific effort on their part.

Pembroke v Pontyates
Match postponed – Pontyates unable to raise a team

27th October 2012

Championship:

Otters win in style

Narberth 41 - Bridgend Athletic 27

Narberth have served up entertaining rugby all season and their home match against Bridgend Athletic was no exception as the Otters ran in six tries to their opponents' three.

They were 15-6 to the good at half time as Adrian Killa put them in front from a tapped penalty and skipper Steve martin raced over for a try as reward for good handling, with James Russell slotting a conversion and penalty as the Athletic responded with two penalties on target by outside half Stephen Lewis.

Tom Bonnell scored after six minutes of the second period and Russell converted but when back rower Gareth Bateman was yellow-carded the Otters conceded a try for full back Mark Bennett-Jones which Leis converted for the visitors.

Home full back Johnny Morgan now looks a class act and he raced through for two tries, one from an astute chip through by Stuart Morris and the other from a clever cross kick by Morris, who converted the second after Russell had goaled the first.

Sandwiched in between was a second try for the Athletic by Bennett-Jones, converted by Lewis, but the Otters made sure of victory when hooker Dan Smith ploughed through for an unconverted try in the left corner.

Bridgend Athletic had the final word when Rhys Ward-Jones scored a try which Lewis again converted but it was too little, too late as Narberth's running rugby earned them a deserved win and a bonus point as well!

Johnny Morgan scored two tries for Narberth

Borderers battle in vain

Newbridge 26 - Whitland 12

Whitland played really well in the first half at Newbridge as they held the homesters to seven points each but were unable to maintain their momentum after the break and allowed their hosts to secure victory.

Newbridge have won seven out of eight matches so far in the league and sit in second spot – and looked like promotion candidates as they took the early lead through winger Trevor Evans which Neil Burnett converted, but with flanker Luke Owens playing really well, plus Callum Tree and Raff Williams also making major contributions up front, the Borderers played well and claimed seven points of their own near the oranges when Owens' support play earned him a try which Nico Setaro converted.

The Borderers continued to battle hard afterwards but it was Newbridge who took their chances to score a try by full back Ryan Lee alongside a try brace from replacement Dan Mock.

Neil Burnett landed two more conversions for Newbridge but all that the Borderers could muster as reward for a lot of effort was a late unconverted try by left wing Dafydd Williams.

Raff Williams - played well for Whitland in defeat at Newbridge

Swalec Plate (Round One):

Preseli Men too strong for Teifisiders

Crymych 43 - Cardigan 3

Crymych moved into the second round of the Swalec Plate competition as they proved too strong all-round for a gritty cardigan side in this local derby played in front of a big crowd at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

The Preseli Men were already 24-3 up at half time and although skipper Dylan Davies played well at No 8 for Cardigan alongside second row Matthew James and centre Aled Jones, all they could manage was a first half penalty from Iestyn Crompton.

But by then the Teifisiders were already 24 points behind as outside half Dyfan Dafydd opened the Preseli Men's account with a penalty and then slotted all three conversions as flanker Tom Powell, outside half Gareth Davies and No 8 Aled Harries got their names on the Crymych scoresheet.

It was a similar story after the interval as Crymych always held that edge over their neighbours and as well as a penalty try they had further scores from Aled Harries and Dyfan Dafydd, who also kicked another two conversions in a solid all-round display by the Preseli Men.

Tom Powell scored a good try for
Crymych in win over Cardigan

Blues slammed at Merlins Bridge

Haverfordwest 14 - Kidwelly 85

Haverfordwest had to put out something of a makeshift side against Kidwelly and the Blues paid a heavy price against a very experienced team who are currently fifth in Division One (West).

To be fair to Haverfordwest, they never gave up but the writing was already on the wall by half time as they were down 7-40 as their only points came from a try by flanker Ieuan Jones which Ashley Sutton converted.

The Blues also managed a try from No 8 Brett Davies in the second half, again converted by No 10 Sutton, but that apart it was mainly one-way traffic as Kidwelly ran in tries at regular intervals from outstanding centre Jason Smith (3), full back Dafydd Lewis (2), left wing Gareth Rees (2), centre Robin Davies (2), wing Andy Francis (2), outside half Matthew Davies and scrum half Andy Powell, plus ten conversions by Jonathan Williams to complete the rout.

Ashley Sutton - kicked two conversions and played well for Haverfordwest in heavy defeat

Jacobs jolts Seasiders in last seconds

Lampeter 22 - Tenby United 21

A last-gasp try by hooker Aled Jacobs, superbly converted from wide out by outside half Huw Thomas, gave Lampeter a surprise win over Tenby United.

Lampeter are currently bottom of Division Three (West) whilst the Seasiders sit in second spot in the same section, having already beaten the same opposition by 55-0 when the teams met at Heywood Lane.

But this was a different kettle of fish as Lampeter lead by 12-3 at the interval, thanks to tries from scrum half Carwyn Lewis and flanker Geraint Thomas, one converted by Huw Thomas as the Seasiders could only muster a penalty from Lloyd Thomas. Lyn Jones landed a second half penalty for Lampeter but Tenby took the lead with tries by prop Lyndon Jones and winger Simon Stanford alongside a conversion and second penalty by Lloyd Thomas alongside a penalty by Toby Smith.

At 21-15 it seemed as if the visitors had done just enough but Lampeter applied late pressure and up stepped Jacobs to cross the line – and Thomas did the rest to edge Lampeter through by the narrowest of margins.

Lloyd Thomas - kicked well for Tenby

Mariners make Aber battle hard

Milford Haven 18 - Aberystwyth 32

Milford Haven eventually went down to defeat against visiting Aberystwyth but pushed the Division Two (West) side very hard before running out of steam late on.

Indeed, the Mariners were level at 10-apiece when the half-time whistle arrived and Aber knew that they were in something of a tough tussle as Mike Cockburn, Dewi Williams, Rhys Thompson and Steve Mayne featured in an excellent pack performance that will have pleased coaches Emori Katalau and Alan McClelland. In that time the Mariners had a try by Leigh Broome and the conversion and a penalty from Joseph Kiff.

Kiff showed his worth to his new club as he also contributed a second penalty and an unconverted try to the Mariners' cause but Aber ended up victors with tries from Ieuan Ellis, Matthew Green (2) and Dafydd Owen (2), who also chipped in with two conversions and a penalty before the Mid Wales' side made the long journey home with a hard-fought win.

Joseph Kiff dives over for a try for Milford Haven

Picture by Sheila Witts-Sear

Swalec Bowl (Round Two):    

Scarlets show real strength

Pembroke 15 - Llandybie 5

Pembroke stood up well to the physical presence of visiting Llandybie to book their passage into round three at Crickmarren in a match which home coach Ossie Boswell labelled as being 'not very pleasant'.

Coach Boswell was less than impressed by some of the opposition's tactics on occasions but pleased with the way that his side stuck to their task. The Scarlets lost Mark Boswell with a dislocated shoulder and Sean Beynon also had to go off injured but they were 7-5 ahead at the break and always held the edge after that as Steve Dyde and Danny Miners led by example up front, Sean Dalling was in control at half back and Mark Jones had another good game at full back..

Their first half try was a cracker from Sean Dalling at the end of a concerted period of pressure and Dalling also added the extra points.

Scrum half Luke Yelland scored the Llandybie try but they were unable to add any further points as the Scarlets defended well and had a good try by James Skeels to go with a Dalling penalty.

Sean Dalling - scored ten points for Pembroke

Makeshift Quins pay the price

Cefneithin 46 - Pembroke Dock Quins 5 

Pembroke Dock Quins bowed out of the Swalec Cup at the second hurdle as they were well beaten at Cefneithin but did well to complete the fixture with so many players still unavailable with work commitments.

The Quins were already 22 points behind at half time but Gareth Scourfield scored a try for the visitors in the second half and another plus point for coach Mike Scourfield was the outstanding back row work of Alex Pearce, which was outstanding.

For Cefneithin there were tries by right winger Arwyn Watts, centre Will Holbrook (2), No 8 Sean Peregrine, flanker Nathan Davies, Sean Walker, Roy James and Jonathan Morgan, with outside half Owen Lewis slotting three conversions.

Alex Pierce - outstanding back row play for the Quins

Seasiders edge through
against newcomers

Pantyffynnon 32 - Fishguard 38

There were points aplenty as Fishguard and Goodwick rested several of their established regulars but still edged out relative newcomers Pantyffynnon in an entertaining match.

Co-coach Huw Evans turned out for a cameo performance at No 10 as James Griffiths moved to outside centre and both were heavily involves as Griffiths scored an excellent hat trick of tries and three conversions whilst the veteran Evans ghosted through for a try which he also converted.

Other tries for the Seagulls came from full back Gareth Adamson and hooker Owain Morgans as Simon James caught the eye at No 8 and Gavin Walsh played well as he helped out by switching from the front to the second row.

For Pantyffynnon, who are currently third in Division Six (West), there were tries by Stuart Sutherland, Luke Masters, Phil Daniels, Dylan Jones and Matthew James, with Nick James kicking two conversions and a penalty.

James Griffiths - 21 points for Fishguard centre

All Blacks miss out in second half

Tycroes 55 - Neyland 19

Neyland started their match at Tycroes as underdogs and eventually went down to defeat but deserve credit for the way that they kept plugging on until the finish.

Although the All Blacks found themselves behind by 14 points after just six minutes they played really well to claw their way back to within two points as Adam Collins and Lee Perkins claimed good tries and Patrick Bellerby converted one of them before Tycroes eventually led 19-12 at the break.

But the All Blacks lost key lineout man Mark Chamberlain and Perkins early in the second half through injury and Tycroes were always on top thereafter but Neyland deservedly scored their third try late on as Delme Bateman sped though and Bellerby added the extras.

For Tycroes there were tries from John Ogden (2), Matthew Edwards, Simon Cooper, Stephen Roach, Gareth Jones (2) and Scott Bevan as Dean Bromham also added six conversions and a penalty.

Delme Bateman scored a late try for Neyland

20th October 2012

Championship Division:

Setaro inspires brilliant Borderers

Whitland 30 - Ebbw Vale 29

Whitland played superbly as a team to record their first win of the season at home to Ebbw Vale, who started the match in second place in the table and boasting a proud 100% win record after seven matches.

But they reckoned without the Borderers' true grit as the lead exchanged hands several times before young outside half Nico Setaro sealed a famous win for Whitland with a late penalty as they trailed by 27-29.

Setaro finished up with 20 points but this was very much an all-round team display and will surely put the Borderers in fine fettle for matches to come.

Fortunes ebb and flow

Ronnie Kymes gave Ebbw an early lead with an unconverted try before Setaro landed a penalty either side of a good try by back rower Callum Tree which Setaro also converted.

Ebbw bounced back with a second Kymes' try which Dan Hammond converted but again Setaro kicked three points to nudge the homesters back in front – only for centre Polu Ohai to plough his way over before Hammond converted to give the Gwent side a 19-14 interval lead.

Setaro opened the second half with a penalty and after Cameron Regan scored a try converted by Hammond it looked all over as Ebbw led 26-17, but Setaro landed one penalty from two attempts and kicked the conversion of an excellent try by hooker Marc Jones, his third in recent weeks, to give the Borderers a one-point lead again.

Hammond kicked three points for Ebbw with time running out but there was still time for the Borderers to earn another penalty and Setaro kept his nerve to score the winning penalty that sent the home supporters ecstatic as the final whistle blew!

Callum Tree - scored a try in great Whitland win

Otters outfought

Bargoed 49 - Narberth 17

Bargoed showed just why they are top of the table, with a 100% record, as they were always looking to beat a strong Narberth side and ran in no fewer than seven tries, all converted by ace kicker Josh Rosser.

The Otters found themselves already 28-3 adrift at half time as their only points came from a James Russell penalty, whilst Bargoed were already assured of a bonus point from four tries shared by flanker Adam Coupe, winger Gareth Dare, hooker and captain Leigh Leads and prop James Howe.

Narberth managed tries from full back Johnny Morgan and James Russell, from a 60-metre interception, both of which Russell converted – but Bargoed added further tries from Dare and replacement scrum half Matthew Hutchings as Rosser maintained his 100% record as a kicker to give Bargoed a deserved win and a clear lead at the top of the section table.

James Russell - try for Narberth in defeat

Division Two (West):

Preseli Men concede early points

Felinfoel 33 - Crymych 10

Crymych battled hard against an experienced Felinfoel side but found themselves 19 points adrift before they finally got out of bottom gear and restricted the home side to a nine-point interval lead.

There was no shortage of effort from the Preseli Men as back-rower Richard Sharpe-Williams, second row Gruff Howells and scrum half Gareth Davies led the way, but they were unable to add to their first-half try by winger Tomi Jones which Dyfan Dafydd converted to go with his penalty.

But Felinfoel scored tries at regular intervals through Elliott Dawe, Jordan Dunne, Andrew Evans, Luke Marsh and Nick Morris, with four conversions by Aled Roberts adding the icing to the Felinfoel cake!

Richard Sharp-Williams -
played well for Crymych at Felinfoel

Blues agonisingly edged

out in last seconds

Penclawdd 21 - Haverfordwest 18

Haverfordwest played really well at Penclawdd and one stage, when they led 13-5, looked likely to record their first win of the season, only to be pegged back to 18-all before a penalty by Jamie Moore from the last kick of the match, denied them even a share of the spoils.

The only consolation for the Blues was the fact that they pick up a bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition.
Steve Williams opened the Blues' account with a penalty and he added a second three points after the Cocklemen had taken the lead with an unconverted try by outside half Dan Gianerri and added the extra points to a try scored by his brother David.

But Penclawdd responded with tries by scrum half Lee Gunnell and second row Martin Donahue to lead 15-13 at the half way mark – and added another three points from Moore's boot to open the second half scoring.

Haverfordwest's new New Zealand scrum half Tyrone Te Ruruku levelled matters with an unconverted try and it seemed as if the Blues would return home with a draw, only to be so cruelly denied in the final moments!

David Williams - scored a try for Haverfordwest

Division Three (West):

Seasiders power play stuns Mariners

Tenby United 53 - Milford Haven 22

Tenby United maintained their thrust towards the top of the section as they proved far too strong for a Milford Haven side which also battled hard but returned to the Observatory Ground without a point whilst the Seasiders accrued five precious points to stay in second spot.

The Seasiders were good value for a 22-3 interval lead as all the Mariners could muster was a Joseph Kiff penalty against Tenby tries from forward Luke Dedman, full back Aled Bowen and centre Mark Heywood, two of them converted by No 10 Lloyd Thomas, who also notched a penalty.

Tenby maintained their momentum in the third quarter to add further tries by winger Chris Heesom, No 15 Bowen and Heywood, the first two again goaled by Lloyd Thomas.

Milford deserve credit for sticking to their task to run in tries from full back Leigh Broome, hooker Craig Smith and winger Craig Thomas to go with two Kiff conversions.

But Tenby scored more tries through centre Toby Smith and Lloyd Thomas, both converted by the latter, to keep the Seasiders perfectly placed in the promotion race.

Tenby United's winger Chris Heesom dives in for a great try.

Picture by Dave Bolton.

Teifisiders stumble at Tumble

Tumble 34 - Cardigan 17

Tumble is never an easy place to secure an away win, as Cardigan found to their cost as they trailed 17-12 at the break and eventually went down by 34-17.

Scrum half Darrell Griffiths and full back Llyr Tobias scored first-half tries for the Teifisiders, one converted by Iestyn Crompton, but Tumble nudged their way in front with two tries by No 8 Josh George and a penalty try converted by Steve Hewitt.

Cardigan managed an excellent try after half time as Dafydd Owens rounded off a concerted handling movement but Tumble always held the edge to score further tries from winger Nicky Allinson, Aled Lewis and skipper Mike Powell, the experienced hooker, with Hewitt again added the extras to one of them to round off an entertaining clash where the Cardis might just have had a little more as reward for their part in it!

Division Four (West):

Superb away success for Seagulls

Hendy 15 - Fishguard & Goodwick 20

Fishguard & Goodwick co-coach Huw Evans was delighted by his side's gritty win at Hendy and who could blame him because it was an excellent all-round team display against a team who were second in the table.

“We stuck to our task, the forwards never gave an inch and we took our chances well,” he said afterwards, “and not many teams will win at Hendy this season.”

Try scorers for the Seagulls as they led 13-10 at the interval were outside half James Griffiths and second row Gwilym Evans, with Griffiths just off target with both conversion attempts but slotting a penalty.

Rob Richards scored a breakaway try for Hendy which was converted by Matthew Jones to go with a penalty. Jones also cut through for a second-half try but Seagulls' winger Ed Bendall scored a smashing corner try which Griffiths did well to convert as Fishguard were able to celebrate a deserved win.

Gwilym Evans - a good try from Fishguard's second row

All Blacks play well in defeat

Laugharne 27 - Neyland 20

Laugharne fended off a strong challenge by Neyland to secure the spoils but former Laugharne player Alun Jenkins, now a leading administrator at the club, admitted afterwards that the All Blacks had played far better than their league position would suggest.

“They pushed us all the way,” he said, “and they will soon be winning games if they show that sort of flair and spirit all season.”

Laugharne were 13-0 ahead at half time through a try by centre Luke Starkey which James Stephenson converted to go with two well-struck penalties, but Neyland responded after the interval with tries by Adam Collins (2) and Geraint Bateman, his first for the club, alongside a conversion and penalty from Patrick Bellerby.

Laugharne were always just that little too far in front, however, as they claimed tries from centre Liam Price and Stephenson, a major influence in the game, who converted both to leave Laugharne victorious but with the All Blacks pouching a deserved bonus point.

Adam Collins - two more tries for Neyland's powerhouse centre

Division Five (West):

Eight-try Quins good value for victory

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 46 - St Davids 21

After having two matches postponed Pembroke Dock harlequins showed few instances of ring-rustiness as they ran in eight tries against a St Davids team which played their part in an entertaining match by scoring three tries of their own.

Leading the way for the Quins, who were already 19-7 in front at half time, were Gareth Scourfield and Adam Cawley, who shared four tries, with others coming from the industrious Barry Parsons, second row Darren Griffiths (after a Dean Wilcox charge), Paul Jonkers and Liam Smith, whilst Adam Cawley slotted two conversions and Lewis Day also claimed two points.

Strong-running centre Russell Watkins grabbed the Saints' first-half try, converted by scrum half Geraint Morris, and Watkins added his second, converted by Phil Lamb, after Fraser Watson added another try to his considerable tally this campaign, also converted by Morris.

 Gareth Scourfield - scored a try brace for the Quins

'Disappointing' Scarlets

suffer home defeat

Pembroke 12 - Swansea Uplands 15

Pembroke coach Ossie Bowell admitted that he was 'disappointed' by his team's home defeat that allowed Swansea Uplands to leap-frog the Scarlets and into third place in the section table.

“We had our chances but lost possession at key times so that Uplands capitalised on our errors to edge home. We know that we can play better than this.”

One such error allowed the visitors to take an early lead with an unconverted try by Dai Evans before the Scarlets took the initiative when pressure at a scrum allowed scrum half Darren Gilbert to go over unopposed for Sion Dalling to add the extra points.

But back came Uplands with a penalty from Matt Hughes to give his team an 8-7 interval lead, which was increased in the second period as Dean Jones crossed for a try which Hughes converted.

It stung the Scarlets into a realisation that they needed to raise the tempo and they scored a cracking unconverted try from their own 22 which was claimed by Sion Dalling. But they were unable to add any further points and Swansea Uplands won their fifth match from six starts.

Darren Gilbert - a try for Pembroke's scrum half

Makeshift Wasps

mauled by league leaders

Gowerton 88 - Llangwm 10

Llangwm travelled to table-topping Gowerton with a bare 15 players and paid a heavy price as the home side ran in no fewer than 14 tries as the gritty Wasps were always on the back foot but managed ten points from centre Andrew Brock.

Brock managed an early penalty and also sliced through for a try which he converted as his side trailed 33-10 at the interval despite some brave defence from Steve Thomas, Carwyn Morgan and Jonathan Brock as skipper Danny Chesmer stood out for his efforts alongside Dan Hughes.

But the pressure told after the oranges as Gowerton added another 55 points to maintain their 100% start to the campaign, with outside half Josh Hamer accumulating 33 points from three tries and nine conversions.

Andrew Brock - scored all ten points for Llangwm

13th October 2012

Featured match:

Division Five (West):

Wasps struggle against experienced pack

Llangwm 10 - Cefneithin 30

Llangwm battled really hard in their match against very experienced opponents from Cefneithin but the Wasps were always under the cosh in the scrummaging department and paid the price as the visitors scored three tries from close-range scrums.

To be fair to the Llangwm pack, which included teenager Ryan John alongside more experienced campaigners like the outstanding Ian Griffiths and skipper Danny Chesmer, they never gave up trying.

The Wasps actually took the lead early on with a cracking try by Robbie Neill after he was given a little space by half backs David Lewis and Chris Thomas. Neill shrugged off two would-be tacklers and dumbfounded the cover defence to score an unconverted try in the left corner.

But Cefneithin soon camped in the home 22 as they used experienced campaigners like Anthony Hopkins, Carl Pritchard, David Thomas and Richard Anderson to set up the platform before No 8 Sean Peregrine ploughed over the line for two push-over tries.

Owain Lewis missed both conversions but slotted a penalty and then added the extras to a penalty try after the referee decided Peregrine had been illegally stopped from grabbing his third score.

Another Lewis penalty in the second half increased Cefneithin's lead before Neill raced over for his second Llangwm try – but powerful centre Will Holmbrook had the final word for Cefneithin as he scored a try which Lewis converted.

Llangwm's new strip was sponsored by Hywel Davies Welders, whose son Jonathan used to play for the Wasps but now works in Australia.

Llangwm:  Jonathan Brock: Mike Preddy; Robbie Neill; JoJo Francis; Lewis Murphy: Chris Thomas; David Lewis: Adam James; Mike Terry; Dan Hughes: Ryan John; Gavin Jones: James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Danny Chesmer (Capt). Replacements: Daniel Morgan; Aled Morgan; Josh Morgan; Andrew Phillips.

Cefneithin: Sean Walker: Richard Evans; Will Holmwood; Jonathan Morgan; Steve Evans: Owain Lewis; Daniel Bonner (Capt): Anthony Hopkins; Rhys Dickie; Carl Pritchard: Simon Evans; James Goronwy: David Thomas; Richard Anderson; Sean Peregrine: Replacements: Hywel Thomas; Sean Murphy; Simon Jones; Owain Jones.

Llangwm RFC in new kit sponsored by Jonathan Davies
Ian Griffiths, Chris Thomas and David Lewis move in to make a tackle

Picture by Bill Carne of PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Championship Division:

Otters win well in Ely

Glamorgan Wanderers 10 - Narberth 25

Narberth travelled to Ely in Cardiff to play Glamorgan Wanderers at the Memorial Ground and did well to return home with the win the cements their fourth place in the table whilst keeping the former first-class club in the bottom four.

The Otters took a lead in the eighth minute when back-rower Wayne Williams scored a good try which left-winger James Russell converted but the Wanderers were soon level as full back Josh Hurley sliced through and Ianto Griffiths added the extra points.

Back came the Otters with a smashing try by full back Johnny Morgan, again converted by Russell, who added two penalties before the break to give his side a 20-7 interval lead.

Very heavy rain caused a change in the conditions underfoot alongside a slippery ball and there was no scoring in the third quarter until Ianto Griffiths landed a Wanderers' penalty after 62 minutes.

But home hopes of a come-back were soon dispelled as the Otters brought on half backs Jarrod Bayliss and Stuart Morris to steady things up, plus prop Tom Slater - and Wayne Williams' excellent support play was rewarded by a second try, this time unconverted to secure the Otters' fifth try from seven starts..

Wayne Williams - two tries for Narberth flanker

Borderers battle in vain

Pontypool 33 - Whitland 23

Whitland scored 23 points at Pontypool Park, including three tries, against fellow stragglers Pontypool but came away without any bonus points as 'Pooler' grabbed their first victory of the season to leave the Borderers as the only team in the section without a win.

The visitors might reflect on the fact that they were already 12 points adrift in the first seven minutes as full back Clayton Gullis and skipper Chris Macey scored tries for Pontypool, one converted by Gullis.

Whitland responded with an interception by Lee Glanville near his own line and a gallop into the home 22 before winger Tomi Jones got up to score a try converted by Dan Newton.

Gullis landed a penalty but a good try by Borderers' hooker Marc Jones after a series of drives meant that they were only 15-12 in arrears at half time.

And the Borderers grabbed the lead soon after the interval when flanker Luke Owen scored an unconverted try – and although a Gullis pen followed shortly afterwards Whitland were good value for a 20-18 advantage when Scott Newton dropped a goal.
But Pooler soon responded with a good try from winger David Sandells which Gullis converted and although another Newton penalty kept Whitland in touch a third Gullis penalty kept his side ahead. To add insult to injury, Pooler skipper Macey powered over for a last-gasp try which not only ensured a welcome bonus point for the home side but denied Whitland a deserved bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition!

Marc Jones - another try for Whitland hooker

Division Two (West):

Preseli men make it four in a row

Crymych 20 - Dunvant 14

Crymych achieved a creditable fourth win in a row as they scored vital points at key times and defended well when needed to restrict their former first-class opponents Dunvant.

Yet such a useful performance hardly seemed likely early on as some loose marking allowed Dunvant flanker Rhys Tucker to open the scoring with a try converted by Richard Lewis.

But the Preseli men are made of stern stuff these days and responded with a penalty from Rhys Davies and seven points of their own when hooker Josh Clark grabbed a try which outside half Dyfan Dafydd converted.

Dafydd also slotted two penalties to put his team 13-7 in front at the oranges and they increased their lead after the break when left-winger Carwyn Phillips rounded off some good handling to score a try converted Dafydd.

Crymych thought they had scored a decisive try when player/coach Elgan Vittle crossed but the centre was recalled – and Dunvant fought back with a try by winger Adrian Williams which Lewis goaled. It set up a tense finale but Crymych held their nerve, and their discipline, to stay firmly in the top half of the table.

Carwyn Phillips - good try for Crymych winger

Blues are beaten in basement battle

Taibach 25 - Haverfordwest 3

Haverfordwest hopes of a first win of the season against fellow basement battlers Taibach were dented by half time as Taibach were 14-3 ahead and already favourites to leave the Blues as the only team in Division Two (West) without at least one win.

Blues brothers Matthew and Adam Clark featured well alongside Alun Harries up front for Haverfordwest whilst Richard James had experienced half back partner Steve Williams back in Harness – and it was Williams who fired over a first-half penalty after Alan Jones had kicked Taibach into an early lead.

Scrum half Craig Whelan then sliced through for a home try and although Jones was off-target with the conversion he added another two penalties before half time.

The Blues had chances to reduce the deficit but some misplaced kicks and the odd missed tackle cost them a second try by Matthew Noble for the homesters after Jones had added his third and fourth kicks on target – to leave the visitors holding up the section table.

Division Three:

Kiff kills off Tumble hopes

Milford Haven 32 - Tumble 7

Joseph Kiff showed what a useful asset he is to Milford Haven after the former Llangwm winger claimed 14 points in an excellent win over a Tumble side which had started the day above the Mariners in the table.

Kiff opened the Mariners' account with a well-struck penalty and then converted tries by Tom Arnold and Graham Badham to put his side into a 17-7 lead at the half-way mark as all Tumble could offer in reply was a 34th minute try by Steve Hewitt which the talented full back also converted.

Grant Rogers featured in the Mariners' defensive line-up, as did forwards Matthew Doncaster and Mark Wonnacott, and such was the excellent cover at the back that Tumble were unable to grab a single point in the second 40 minutes and a Leigh

Broome dropped goal announced his return from football before Craig Thomas and Kiff added further Milford Haven tries, one of them converted by Joseph Kiff.

Joseph Kiff - 14 points for Milford Haven

Cardis win despite late Llan come-back

Cardigan 20 - Llandeilo 15

Cardigan beat Llandeilo to move off the foot of the section table but had to quell a late revival by the visitors after the Teifisiders had looked comfortable with a 20-3 lead running into the home straight.

Cardigan had most of the territorial advantage in the first period and were good value for a 13-3 lead as flanker Stuart Worrell, back at the King George Vth Playing Fields on permit from Glamorgan Wanderers, scored the only try which Iestyn Crompton converted to go with two penalties.

Kelvin Davies notched a penalty for Llandeilo but Cardigan moved further ahead with a try from right winger Kieran Hurley which Crompton duly converted.

But Llandeilo refused to submit fully and their efforts were rewarded with tries by hooker Dan Roberts and scrum half Emyr Thomas, both converted by Kelvin Davies – but the Teifisiders held on well for a deserved victory, their first of the season.

Kieran Hurley - a try for Cardigan

Seasiders snatch vital victory

Pontyberem 15 - Tenby United 17

A late penalty by outside half Lloyd Thomas, with the score 15-14 in favour of home club Pontyberem, earned Tenby United a vital away win that keeps them firmly ensconced in second place and just two points behind leaders Amman United.

The home side, traditionally strong at home, took the lead with a try from Dan Griffiths, converted by Mike Sauro, before the Seasiders, with Gareth Edwards, Roy Osborne and Jason Scarfe to the fore, levelled matters when second row Ashley Bonser scored a try which Thomas converted.

Pontyberem again went in front when Steve George scored an unconverted try – only for the visitors to take the lead for the first time when full back Aled Bowen claimed his second try in as many matches and Thomas again added the extra points.

Sauro found the target with a Pontyberem penalty to give his side the lead by a single point but Thomas calmly slotted his three-pointer before Sauro missed a long-range attempt that would have denied the Seasiders a deserved victory.

Tenby United's full back Aled Bowen scores in the mud!

Picture by Dave Bolton.

Division Four (West):

Griffiths' points help Seagulls soar

Fishguard & Goodwick 22 -

Furnace United 14

A second-half try and penalty by talented young fly half James Griffiths helped Fishguard & Goodwick seal victory over Furnace United that pushes the Seagulls comfortably into a middle of the table slot.

Neither side was able to pull away from the other in a tight first half where home No 8 Mark George opened the scoring with a push-over try that Griffiths converted – but the lead was short-lived as centre Craig Watts scored a good Furnace try which Jamie Herbert goaled.

It was like Groundhog Day as No 8 George added his second push-over try from a close-range scrum – only for the Seagulls to momentarily relax so that Furnace pulled level when winger Tom Barnes raced over and Herbert again added the extras.

The Seagulls were on top up front as Andrew Morrillo, Mark James, Richard Hunter, Gwilym Evans and Gerwyn Davies tightened matters up (aided by replacement Nathan Jenkins) so that the outstanding back row of skipper Steve Jenkins, Simon James and George could influence matters more.

It lead to Griffiths powering his way over for a try to go with his penalty and Fishguard claimed their third win of the campaign so far.

Mark George - two tries for Fishguard No 8

Blacks so unlucky in defeat

Neyland 24 - Hendy 26

Spare a thought for Neyland after the All Blacks came within two points of a draw against Hendy, who are now settled into second spot in the table but know how close Neyland had come to upsetting their apple-cart.

Neyland started well as Dean Matthews claimed opening score and Mark Riley converted before Hendy responded with an unconverted try by prop Richard Kramer. Richard Smith sped over for an unconverted try for the All Blacks but the winger damaged a hamstring and had to leave the field.

Three Rob Richards' penalties pushed Hendy into a 14-12 interval lead and the visitors moved steadily into a 14-point advantage with a try from second row Iestyn Evans alongside a harsh penalty try which Richards converted.
It says much for the All Black spirit that they didn't give up but carried on playing rugby and Dean Matthews put Patrick Bellerby through for a try which Riley converted to set up a grandstand finish where Craig Grice dived over in the corner for the homesters.

Sadly, the difficult conversion was just off target and Hendy could breathe again – and although Neyland players and supporters will be disappointed they can take a measure of consolation from the fact that their yeoman efforts did earn them two bonus points.

Craig Grice - late try for Neyland

Division Five (West):

Saints slammed by nine-try Gowerton

St Davids 0 - Gowerton 55

St Davids struggled at home in a one-sided first half against Gowerton, who ran in no fewer than seven tries without allowing the Saints a solitary score.

It meant that the Saints were already 43-0 down at the break but they at least showed some battling spirit thereafter as they restricted their table-topping opponents to only two tries and a conversion!

Tom Jones again had a useful game in the centre alongside Dai Canning as Goodwick United were without a game, whilst half backs Geraint Morris and Jack Jones played their hearts out in defence as full back Scott James also tried in vain to stem the tide against a big opposing set of forwards.

For the visitors, tries by prop Craig Thomas, wing Liam Hedges (2), outside half Josh Hamer, flanker Lewis Bradley, full back Callum McKenzie (2), scrum half Bleddyn Jones and flanker Scott Jones were rattled up as McKenzie also landed five conversions as Gowerton maintained their maximum points in five games so far this season – and the Saints have just two bonus points from six defeats.

Geraint Morris - played well at scrum half for St Davids

Swansea Uplands v Pembroke Dock Quins
Match postponed – Quins unable to field a team.

Penygroes v Pembroke

Match postponed – Waterlogged pitch.

6th October 2012

Championship Division:

Otters earn bragging rights

Whitland 8 - Narberth 24

Narberth confirmed their form-book status as they won this local derby against old rivals Whitland as the Otters led 7-3 after a tight first half and never relinquished their advantage thereafter.

But it was the Borderers who opened the scoring after both teams had missed early kicking chances before Scott Newton fired over a three-pointer as reward for a period of Whitland pressure – only for Narberth to gain an advantage up front where they were awarded a penalty try for a scrum offence and Rhys Roberts added the simple extra points.

Whitland were reduced to 14 men at the start of the second half when Mike Georgiou, playing against his former team-mates, was yellow-carded and Roberts slotted a Narberth penalty before adding the extra points to a good try for his captain Steve Martin.

Otters' outside half Richards also claimed a cheeky try for the Otters which he also converted to make the game safe for the visitors to Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and although winger Tomi Jones grabbed a consolation try for the Borderers it was too little, too late, as Narberth made the short journey home with the area's bragging rights sorted until the teams meet again!

Dan Newton makes a break for Whitland

Picture by Paul Rodgers

Division Two (West):

Preseli men make it three in a row

Haverfordwest 19 - Crymych 25

Crymych made it three wins in a row as they held off a strong challenge from a Haverfordwest side still seeking their first success of the season.

The Preseli men were 15-3 in front at half time as their pack held the edge and managed to resist a late come-back from the battling Blues.

Rhys Davies opened the scoring for Crymych with a 15th-minute penalty and he also added the extras ten minutes later when the Blues were penalised for diving in at a retreating scrum five and conceded a penalty try.

Ashley Sutton notched a penalty for Haverfordwest near the end of the first half but there was still time for Crymych to mount another close-range scrum attack from which No 8 Simon James ploughed over for an unconverted try.

The Blues made an excellent start after the oranges when Lewis Woods broke away from half way and did well to score a solo try but Crymych quickly responded with a try from Gavin Thomas after quick hands had provided the space.

Ashley Sutton landed two Blues' penalties, one either side of a Crymych try for second row Andrew Phillips – and a try from Adam Clarke took them to within six points of the visitors with 12 minutes to go.

But Crymych, who were reduced to 14 men when Rhys Davies was sent off, defended stoutly and the final whistle saw them going back through the Preselis with the vital league win.

Division Three (West):

Seasiders slam basement battlers

Tenby United 55 - Lampeter 0

Tenby United showed the difference in class between the top and bottom teams in Division Three (West) as they led by 31 points at half time and went over the half-century mark without allowing Lampeter a single point.

The visitors have now lost all six of their league games whilst the Seasiders sit proudly in second spot after running in nine tries, five of them converted by Lloyd Thomas. Scrum half Will Crockford and flanker Jason Ronowitz caught the eye as the
Seasiders played some superb rugby, with Toby Smith leading the way with another try brace as his brother Sam also got on the try sheet.

Other tries came from second row Gareth Edwards, full back Aled Bowen, centre Mark Heywood, prop Rob Clark, replacement hooker Rob Fairlie and winger Dan Colley as reward for some powerful and entertaining rugby by the Seasiders.

Tenby fitness trainer Mark Heywood crosses for a Seasiders' try against Lampeter

Picture by Dave Bolton

Mariners fight back in second period

Milford Haven 14 - Llandeilo 13

Two converted second half tries earned Milford Haven a narrow, but deserved, win over Llandeilo at the Observatory Field.

The game had been scheduled for Llandeilo but switched at their request – and it looked as if they were the home side as they led by 13-0 at the break, thanks to tries from Chico Williams and Dan Roberts alongside a Nick Davies penalty.

But Milford stormed down the slope in the second half as Mike Cockburn, Rhys Thompson, Thomas Manning, Jamie Parr, Matthew Doncaster, Mark Wonnacott, Dewi Williams and Thomas Ilaise raided the tempo and won sufficient ball for half backs Aaron Sprowell and Tom Arnold to call the shots.

Arnold opened the Mariners' account with a try which he also converted, as he did when full back Graham Badham ploughed over the line. Milford had other chances to increase their advantage but also covered well to ensure a hard-fought victory in the final analysis.

Thomas Manning on a charge

Picture by Sheila Witts-Sear

Cardis struggle against sharp Wanderers

Llanelli Wanderers 33 - Cardigan 6

Cardigan found it hard-going against an experienced Llanelli Wanderers side and could have few complaints about a defeat that keeps them in 11th place in the table.

Yet Iestyn Crompton had kicked the Teifisiders into an early lead from a penalty but they found themselves 14-3 adrift at half time.

Crompton also managed three more points in the second half but the Wanderers eventually ran in five tries by hooker Daniel Roberts, No 8 Geraint Davies, left winger Dafydd Barnwell and replacement David Jenkins (2). Four of them were converted by Nick Jones and the Teifisiders had little to show for a great deal of effort.

Division Four (West):

Tycroes show why

they are top of the table

Tycroes 31 - Fishguard & Goodwick 8

Tycroes showed why they are top of the section table as they were good value for victory over a Fishguard team which never gave up trying but lost the battle for possession and paid the price.

As co-coach Huw Evans said,
            “We played a very good team here today and their ball-retention was excellent. They took their chances and never let us get into our stride.”

James Griffiths scored the Seagulls' only first-half points with a penalty as they trailed 19-3 and skipper Steve Jenkins led by example to claim their only try in the second period.

But Tycroes ran in five tries through Stuart Mander (2), Dean Bromham (2) and Geraint Williams, who also landed three conversions to help Tycroes maintain their 100% start to their campaign.

Steve Jenkins - try in Fishguard defeat

All Blacks burned by Furnace fire

Furnace United 70 - Neyland 0

Neyland found it hard going at Furnace as they conceded ten tries without managing a single score of their own, although the All Blacks did have chances, especially in a scoreless first quarter.

Adam Collins and Dean Matthews posed a midfield threat for Neyland and Steve Hamer played well at the base of a retreating scrum in which teenager Richard Jones made a promising debut at prop - but then Furnace broke the deadlock, Neyland lost their way and conceded points aplenty.

Furnace winger Tom Barnes claimed a hat-trick and other tries came from centre Dale Watts, winger Geraint Jones, prop Rhydian Lewis, scrum half Luke Jones (2) and full back Jamie Herbert, who scored two tries and converted all ten for a personal haul of 30 points.

Division Five (West):

Scarlets hold on against 'useful' Bynea

Pembroke 15 - Bynea 14

Pembroke gained their expected win over eighth-placed Bynea but only by a single point as the Scarlets stayed in the top three as a result of their fourth victory alongside one defeat.

Scarlets' coach Ossie Boswell is never one to gild the lily and he was full of praise for the opposition, whom he said were a 'very workmanlike side', but was also pleased that his team did well to hold on at the end as he praised current youth players of the calibre of full back Mark Jones and winger Huw Owens for the way that they slotted in well.

Andrew Davies used his wealth of experience in the centre and hooker Gareth Jones, playing out of position in the back row, also featured as the Scarlets established a deserved 12-0 interval lead through tries by centre Dom Colman and winger James Skeels, one converted by Sion Dalling.

Bynea fought back with a try from Andrew Lee which Jonathan Cronin converted before Dalling notched a Pembroke penalty. Bynea added a second try as Jack Morgan ploughed over for Cronin to again add the extras but Pembroke refused to panic in the closing stages to earn a narrow win so that Mr Boswell could celebrate with an Indian curry on his way home!

Sean Dalling - kicked well for Pembroke

Fraser's four-timer earns Saints a point

Cefneithin 48 - St Davids 22

Fraser Watson grabbed four tries for St Davids to help them secure a deserved bonus point at Cefneithin but the home side were still too strong as they secured their first victory of the season.

Watson grabbed his first try from near his home 22-metre line but Cefneithin were already 31-5 ahead at the half-way stage – and although Watson added three more after the oranges, two started from near half way, all the Saints could manage in addition was a single conversion by Jack Jones.

Other plusses for the Saints came in the endeavours of hooker Rhys Price and Tom Jones, taking a break from playing football for Goodwick United and doing well in the centre – but Cefneithin had tries by centre Scott Mills (3), wingers Hywel Thomas and Wayne Williams, replacement winger Richard Evans, No 8 Ieuan Price and flanker Daniel Bonner, whilst No 10 Owen Thomas also contributed four conversions for the delighted homesters!

Fraser Watson - another four tries

for Saints' ace scorer

Wasps wilt under Stars' pressure

New Dock Stars 57- Llangwm 5

Llangwm battled hard in their tough match at New Dock Stars and team manager Richard Scriven reported that the Wasps never gave up trying against a team who have their eyes on a possible promotion place.

Simon Preddy claimed the sole score for the Wasps but there were also useful cameos by long-serving No 8 Ian Griffiths alongside hooker Adam James and teenage second rower Ryan John up front, with Danny Chesmer tackling well in his unaccustomed centre role.

But the greater experience of the Stars showed as tries from Rhodri Owen (3), Keith Williams, Tom James (2), Luke Edwards and Scott Hanford (2) alongside six conversions by Nick Davies, gave New Dock a fourth win from five starts.

Gowerton v Pembroke Dock Quins
** Match postponed – Quins unable to field a team because of players working on the shut-down**

Ian Griffiths - played well for the Wasps again

29th September 2012

Championship Division:

Otters win well with a bonus point

Narberth 35 - Bonymaen 15

Narberth followed up their excellent away win the previous week with a deserved home win against Bonymaen in a cracking game which also saw the Otters pocket a bonus point for scoring four tries.

Bonymaen made a positive start as they showed good ball retention and a work ethic that kept the Otters on their toes but they allowed a move to break down as Adrian Killa kicked ahead and half back partner Rhys Roberts did well to score an unconverted try from 30 metres out.

But Bonymaen soon responded with a good try from winger Robbie Ford which experienced No 10 Paul Warlow converted before the Otters grabbed their second try after James Russell missed a penalty but then fired home the simple conversion when full back Johnny Morgan cleverly broke the shackles to put Killa in at the posts.

Bonymaen were soon level at 12-all when a missed Otter tackle allowed flanker Daniel Joseph to pound over for an unconverted try but Narberth were seven points to the good at the end of an entertaining first half as prop Sion Lloyd put livewire flanker Lawrence Reynolds in at the clubhouse corner and No 10 Rhys Roberts converted superbly from the touch line.

Roberts also landed an early second half penalty which was soon cancelled out by Warlow but the Otters regained the initiative when Roberts added another three points and then converted an excellent try set up by skipper Steve Martin and scored by Johnny Morgan, who vied with Roberts and Reynolds for the man of the match accolade.
Bonymaen tried manfully to claw their way back but Narberth kept control on events and two more Rhys Roberts sealed the Otters deserved third success of the season

Narberth: Johnny Morgan; Will Lewis; Steve Martin (Capt); Nick Jones; Tom Bonnell; Rhys Roberts; Adrian Killa; Sean Lloyd; Dan Smith; Tom Slater; Chris James; Alex Griffiths; Gareth Bateman; Lawrence Reynolds; Steffan Phillips. Replacements: Steffan Jones; Gyles Vaughan; Wayne Williams; Andrew Davies.

Bonymaen: Jon Jones; Robbie Ford; Tom Kingdom; Paul Davies; Ryan Bayliss; Paul Warlow; Stuart Allen; Luke Myett; Andrew Pritchard; Richard Murphy; Richard Jones; Alan Powell (Capt); Daniel Joseph; Dan Griffiths; David Leonard. Replacements: Jordan Farley; Steffan Bond; Nick Clancy; Richard Cunniffe; Nathan Brookes.

Match sponsors: Manderwood Timber plus Alta Cymru – Neil Jones. Match ball sponsors: Narberth Former Players' Association & Pip Phillips.

Good early defence from Chris James & Co
Steve Martin goes for a gap

Pictures by Bill Carne of PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Borderers share 40 points
with the Wanderers

Glamorgan Wanderers 20 - Whitland 20

Whitland showed that they are continuing to improve at this fiercely competitive level as they made the long journey to the Memorial Ground on the outskirts of Cardiff and came away with a share of the spoils against the former top-class club.

The balance of play was even throughout as the interval saw the teams share 20 points, as they did in the second period, with Scott Newton kicking the Borderers into an early three-point lead and later converting a good try from powerhouse winger Tomi Jones, whilst the Wanderers responded with a first half try by Lloyd Chalk to go with the conversion and then a penalty by Owen Thomas.

Whitland had several chances in the second half but could only muster a try by hooker Marc Jones as Newton notched the conversion and penalty – and the Wanderers copied their scoring with a Jack Mills' try and another five points from Owen Thomas to make sure that honours were even at the end of a tough tussle.

Marc Jones - scored one of Whitland's two tries

Division Two (West):

Blues bounced out by Builth

Builth Wells 50 - Haverfordwest 0

Haverfordwest trailed by 14-0 at the half way mark of their match at Builth Wells and actually had chances to make the scoreline closer - but the Blues were unable to maintain any sort of shape and paid the price!

M atthew Clarke again caught the eye for Haverfordwest until he went off injured and the front row of Lewis Williams, Gareth Green and Terry Lovell held their own in the tight – but the Blues struggled elsewhere as Builth maintained their third place in the section table.

Builth No 8 Ben Duggan and winger Luke Davies scored first-half tries for the homesters, both converted by Rob Lloyd – and Duggan went on to complete a hat-trick as Builth's dominance intensified.

Rob Lloyd opened Builth's second-half account with a penalty and other tries came from outside half Seth Gillan, Duggan (2), Rob Lloyd and a second from winger Davies. Rob Lloyd converted all but the final try to take Builth to the 50-mark and leave the Blues in the bottom two in the table.

Gareth Green - battled in adversity for Haverfordwest

Preseli Men pounce

for second success

Crymych 19 - Taibach 13

Crymych played really well at home against Taibach to secure their second win of the season.

The Preseli Men trailed 13-6 at the interval but with second use of the wind blowing down Parc Lloyd Thomas they were confident of redressing the balance. And that is just how it turned out as Crymych defended really well to prevent Taibach scoring any further points and added 13 points of their own as flanker Richard Sharp-Williams, hooker Josh Clark and No 8 Simon James caught the eye up front and Dyfan Dafydd called the shots behind the scrum.

Scrum half Rhys Davies notched two penalties in the first half as the home side trailed by seven points – and they levelled matters with a good try from centre Sion Rowlands which Davies converted.

The Preseli men maintained the pressure so that Dyfan Dafydd fired over two penalties that were enough to seal Taibach's fate – and send his side into mid table as their reward against a team that finds itself in the basement battle alongside Haverfordwest and Penclawdd.

Dyfan Dafydd - Vital two late penalties for Crymych

Division Three (West):

Superb Seasiders too strong for section leaders

Tenby United 20 - Amman United 6

Tenby United sounded a clarion call to all the other teams in this tough section as they entertained table-topping Amman United and came away with a convincing success to take away Amman's 100% record.

It was always likely to be a tight tussle and the only points of an absorbing first half came from a single penalty by outstanding Seasiders' centre Toby Smith, whose brother Sam had also featured in a lively back row alongside flankers Jason Ronowitz and Roy Osborne as they were quick to the break-down and made sure that the visitors had few chances to counter-attack.

Toby Smith added a second penalty after only three minutes of the second period and although a Rhys Jones' penalty gave Amman United hope they were soon dented when a sustained period of home pressure was rewarded when Toby Smith sliced through for the first try for the excellent Lloyd Thomas to add the extra points.

Amman United managed a second Rhys Jones' penalty with seven minutes remaining but the Seasiders had the final word when second row Luke Dedman blasted over for a try which Lloyd Thomas again converted to set the seal on an outstanding Seasiders' success!

Toby Smith scores the only try in Tenby's superb win

Picture Dave Bolton

Mariners manage first win in style

Milford Haven 29 - Llanelli Wanderers 22

After four high-scoring defeats Milford Haven finally broke their duck with a welcome win against a strong Llanelli Wanderers' outfit which had won three out of four previous starts.

The Mariners were good value for a 19-10 interval advantage and held their nerve well afterwards, playing some good rugby to also notch up their sixth bonus point of the campaign by dint of scoring at least four tries.

Matthew Reynolds opened the Mariners' account with a well-taken try which scrum half Tom Arnold converted before the Wanderers drew level when winger Richard Phillips crossed and full back Nathan Gill added the extras. Gill also landed a Wanderers' penalty but two further home scores from ace try scorer Craig Thomas, the first converted by Arnold, put the Mariners into a nine-point lead at the break.

Gill continued to play well for the Wanderers as he contributed two second-half tries and a conversion for a personal haul of 17 points but Milford were always looking likely winners as Lee Riley played really well at outside half and Ross Thompson led the Mariners up front, with further tries by No 9 Tom Arnold and second row Andrew Ling allowing their team and supporters to celebrate success for the first time in this campaign.

Tom Arnold makes a break with Matthew Donacster, Dewi Williams and others in support

Picture Sheila Witts-Sear

Cardis go down after long delay

Cardigan 15 - Pontarddulais 24

Cardigan eventually went down to a home defeat against Pontarddulais in a match where there was a long delay after a neck injury for talented Teifisiders' player John Lumb.

Fortunately, the indications were that Lumb was not seriously injured by rugby players and supporters will wish him a speedy return to full fitness.

The home side led 10-9 at the interval as they had good tries from Kieran Hurley, assisted by Lumb, and Amlyn Griffiths, whilst Jonathan Lloyd slotted three penalties for the visitors.

The Cardis had a third try, claimed by Aled Phillips, but The Bont scored tries by Lloyd and scrum half Ceri Richards late on, whilst a fourth Lloyd penalty and conversion made sure that Pontarddulais remain fourth in the table and the Teifisiders are now in the bottom two after this fourth defeat in five matches.

Swalec Bowl Round One:

Wasps battle hard in heavy defeat

Laugharne 62- Llangwm 0

Llangwm battled really hard in their Swalec Bowl match at Laugharne, conceding no fewer than nine tries but receiving praise from team manager Richard Scriven and Laugharne former player Alun Jenkins for the way that they never gave up trying.
T
he Wasps found themselves 36-0 adrift at half time as Laugharne scored tries by centre Liam Price, wing Gareth Davies (2), No 8 Tom Dinan and wing Gavin Harry, with outstanding No 10 James Stephenson contributing an early penalty and four conversions.

Ian Griffiths tackled hard for Wasps from his No 8 berth alongside second row Gavin Jones and prop Roy Venables as their team went close on several occasions.

But further Laugharne tries came from Liam Price (2 as he completed his hat-trick, flanker Chris Smith and Stephenson, who slotted three more conversions for a personal haul of 22 points.

Gavin Jones - played well for Llangwm in heavy Swalec defeat

Depleted Saints slammed

Nantgaredig 75 - St Davids 13

St Davids sportingly travelled to Nantgaredig with only 11 men but were loaned four players by the home side so that the game could be played, with Nantgaredig gaining their expected victory as they scored 11 tries.

The Saints were 47-8 down at half time after leading early on as Jack Jones landed a penalty and hit the crossbar from another long-range attempt, with winger Rhys Evans grabbing an unconverted try as reward for their determination to keep going.

Prop Rhys Price added a second Saints' try after the oranges but they were forced to defend as Nantgaredig claimed tries at regular intervals from centre Rhys Edwards, full back Bleddyn Lewis (2), No 8 Wayne Davies, winger Rhys Evans, winger Edward Rees and scrum half Carwyn Thomas (2). But it was centre Meirion Davies who exerted the major influence on matters as he sliced through for four tries and notched no fewer than ten conversions for a massive record-breaking haul of 40 points!

Rhys Price - rare try for St Davids prop

Scarlets walk-over into second round

Pembroke v Pontyates

** Pontyates unable to field a team - match conceded to Pembroke

22nd September 2012  

Championship Division:

Otters win a high-scoring thriller

Blackwood 32 - Narberth 35

Narberth produced an excellent all-round team display to win a high-scoring thriller at Gwent as they led 23-20 at the interval and battled through with a potent mixture of sharp skills and dogged determination.

James Russell opened their account with a penalty and he also added the extra points to a try by No 8 Wayne Williams to go with other tries from winger Will Lewis and centre Steve Martin before another Russell penalty rounded off their scoring.

Blackwood responded with a first-minute try from centre Gareth Price and as the lead changed hands several times there were other tries by Sean Emery and second row Marc Williams alongside a conversion and penalty from Josh Steer.

The Gwent side also scored two more tries from centre David James in the second half, one converted by Steer, but the Otters also had tries by hooker Dan Smith and Russell, the second converted by replacement No 10 Rhys Richards – and the Otters were good value for a bonus point as well as those for an excellent away success!

Dan Smith - a try for Narberth hooker

Borderers still seek a first win

Whitland 18 - Llanharan 32

Whitland again battled hard as they entertained a Llanharan outfit which now occupies fifth spot in the section table and secured their third win in four starts as they outlasted a Borderers' team that now has a played four, lost four record, despite so much effort.

Scott Newton kicked Whitland into an early three-point lead but Codey Rees soon responded with a penalty for Llanharan before another Newton penalty was also on target.

But then Llanharan grabbed a lead they were not to lose when No 8 Lewis Young powered over for a try which Rees converted to put his side 10-6 to the good at the half way stage.

Centre Steve Roberts also scored a try for Llanharan to which Rees added the extra points but back came the Borderers for flanker Luke Bowen to cross for an unconverted try to close the gap to just six points.

Home hopes of a continued revival were dampened, however, Codey Rees ghosted through from his outside half berth to score a try he also converted – and then half back partner Tom Mahoney added an unconverted try to take the game well and truly out of Whitland's reach.

The Borderers did have the final word when flanker Henry Boot scored a consolation try, converted by replacement No 10 Jonathan Thomas, and although they played hard until the final whistle it was Llanharan who claimed a bonus points and the home side had nothing to show for their efforts.

Scott Newton - two penalties for Whitland

Division Two (West):

Preseli Men power past the Cocklemen

Penclawdd 22 - Crymych 12

17 points from young scrum half Rhys Davies helped Crymych earn their first win of the season at Penclawdd, who are still seeking their first success after three losses in a row.

Four penalties from the Cocklemen's outside half Steve Snell took his team to a 12-6 lead at half time, with Rhys Davies landing two penalties at the other end.

But the Preseli Men made sure that they prevented Penclawdd from adding further points after half time as player/coach Elgan Vittle organized the defence well and Gavin Thomas covered well at the back in support. Second row Rhys Davies, flanker Aled Harries and No 8 Simon James were good ball winners and a third penalty by No 9 Rhys Davies reduced the deficit before Gavin Thomas was put in the clear to score the game's only try, converted by Rhys Davies.

Defences were on to for the rest of the match but two further penalties by scrum half Davies nudged Crymych even further head – and earned them a morale-boosting victory in this very tough division.

Rhys Davies - 17 points for Crymych scrum half

Blues battle for deserved bonus point

Haverfordwest 22 - Maesteg 44

Table-topping Maesteg gained their expected win over Haverfordwest but the young Blues' side deserves every credit for the way that they stuck to their task and were rewarded with a bonus point for scoring four tries in an entertaining tussle.

In fact, they were still very much in contention against the 'Old Parish', now coached by former top player Ritchie Webster, as they trailed by 17-24 at the break, but the visitors' greater experience told afterwards.

The Blues took the early lead with a good support try from young winger Josh Thomas as Craig Barnett made the initial break and Thomas finished the move off – but Maesteg responded quickly with tries from skipper and second row Michael Collins,  flanker Mauro Perilli Bello and full back Laurence Howley, all converted by fly half Robert Evans.

But back came Haverfordwest as Alun Harries bounced off a tackle to score and then Alun Harries did the same for Ashley Sutton to add the extra points – before Maesteg finished off the first half scoring with a Robert Evans' penalty.

The second half was equally as absorbing and the Blues grasped a bonus point when Craig Barnett sent Darren Salmon over for their fourth try – but the 'Old Parish' had further tries from Karl Hocking, Luke Hollyman and Mike Powell, plus another penalty and conversion by Evans, to firmly establish them as the section's front runners.

Richard James gets the ball away for the Blues

Picture by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography

Division Three (West): 


Three late tries skew final result

Gorseinon 36 - Cardigan 13

Cardigan were in contention to snatch a narrow win against previously undefeated Gorseinon as they trailed by just 13-15 with ten minutes of an absorbing clash left – but as the Teifisiders pushed for victory they conceded three late converted tries that skewed the final result very much in the homesters' favour.

Gorseinon led 15-10 at the break through tries from full back Andrew Steele and winger Callum Richards to go with a conversion and penalty by Andrew Colwell, with Iestyn Crompton scoring all Cardigan's points with a try, conversion and penalty.

A second Crompton reduced the deficit to only two points and the Teifisiders were very much in contention as the game entered its last ten minutes.

But as they pushed for an away win, the Cardis left gaps at the back and Gorseinon pounced to grab tries from flanker Jamie Evans, hooker Josh John and prop Fenton Holmes. Colwell added the extra points to all three and Gorseinon also picked up a bonus point to add further insult to Cardigan injury at the unfairness of the final scoreline!

Super Seasiders set up big win

Tumble 24 - Tenby United 46

Tenby United produced a cracking performance that earned them a thoroughly deserved win against Tumble that saw them run in no fewer than seven tries against a side that is traditionally tough to beat at home.

The Seasiders were 12-7 down early on but already 29-12 at half time as they scored tries by Lloyd Thomas, Timoci Kaumaitotoya, Dan Colley and Patrick Roberts alongside three conversions and a penalty by centre Tom Lewis. Tumble winger Gareth James scored both Tumble's early tries, one converted by Steve Hewitt, as he did in the second period as winger Nicky Allinson and Paul Mathias scored the tries that gave their side a bonus point.

But the Seasiders always held the edge and claimed further tries by Colley, Luke Dedman and Tom Lewis, who also notched the conversion, as reward for an excellent all-round effort that will have pleased coach Gareth Thomas.

Lloyd Thomas scores for Tenby United

Picture by Dave Bolton

Mariners miss out yet again

Pontarddulais 36 - Milford Haven 29

For the fourth game in succession Milford Haven claimed a bonus point for scoring four tries but on each occasion the Mariners have gone down to defeat as they have allowed the opposition to outscore them before the final whistle.

They were 19-12 down at the break as they scored good tries by winger Lee Riley and centre Ian Rusinek, the second converted by Tom Arnold, with the Bont responding through tries by flanker Ethan Miles, winger Craig Davies and prop Iestyn Davies, two converted by Carwyn Davies.

Livewire young flanker Dewi Davies, winger Joseph Kiff and prop Mike Cockburn added further tries for the Mariners, one converted by Arnold – but they were unable to prevent more tries for the Bont through scrum half Ceri Richards (2) and No 8 Jonathan Hire as Dan Gittings notched a conversion to set the seal on a narrow win for Pontarddulais.

Milford prop Mike Cockburn claimed a try

Division Four (West): 

Seagulls' grit pays off

Fishguard & Goodwick 13 - Nantgaredig 0

Fishguard player/coach Huw Evans made a return to action for Fishguard against Nantgaredig and played a key role as he used his wide experience to see the Seagulls home against a gritty visiting side who had chances aplenty but failed to turn pressure into points.

With regular No 10 James Griffiths away on a course it was Evans who filled the pivot's berth and controlled matters in attack and defence – and he slotted the conversion of hooker Mark James' try to get his side off the mark.

Evans also contributed a penalty before the oranges to put Fishguard 10-0 ahead and although they were forced on the defensive by Nantgaredig afterwards, Steve Jenkins' boys did really well to keep their line intact – and the only score of a very tense second period was another three-pointer from Evans to give his side their second success of the season.

Blacks better after the break

Neyland 12 - Tycroes 38

Neyland's slow start to the new season was extended as they went down at home to a Tycroes side which now has a 100% record for their four matches and sits in second place in the table.

The All Blacks found it particularly hard in the first half, when they trailed by 26-0 and they conceded another score within two minutes of the restart before digging in and restricting the visitors to just another converted try whilst scoring two tries of their own.

Tycroes scorers were winger Jonathan Tancroft (2), flanker Ritchie Williams, No 8 Stewart Mander (2), and full back Grant Williams, who also landed four conversions.

For the All Blacks, there were two tries by powerhouse centre Adam Collins, one converted by Mark Riley, who had a good game alongside No 8 Steve Hamer and centre Lee Perkins, playing in the centre for his first game in seven seasons.

Adam Collins - two tries for Neyland's powerful centre

Division Five (West): 


Wasps win well as
Whitticombe returns to action

Llangwm 34 - Pontyates 16

Two tries by experienced full back Jonathan Whitticombe, making a welcome return to Pill Parks after successful spells at Narberth and Haverfordwest, helped Llangwm to a convincing win over Pontyates.

The Wasps were only 10-9 ahead at the interval as the visitors kept in touch through three penalties from Kieran Evans, with a try by Andrew Evans, converted by scrum half Rob Jones as their only second-half points as their only points after the interval.

Whitticombe was always involved in attack and defence alongside No 8 Ashley Jack and scrum half Josh Davies, and helped set up other tries from centre Robbie Neill, outside half Chris Thomas and centre Andrew Brock, who also landed three conversions and a penalty to earn the Wasps a deserved first victory of the campaign.

Jon Whitticombe - back at Pill Parks with two tries

Quins outlast Cefneithin

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22 -
Cefneithin 14

Pembroke Dock Harlequins were made to battle hard for victory over a Cefneithin side still seeking its first win but the Quins finished well to earn their third win from four starts.

The visitors made a positive start at Bierspool by Owen Lewis missed two early penalties before they opened the scoring with a try from classy centre Chris Moore which Lewis converted.

Back came the Quins as they did well to reverse a scrum decision and No 8 Gareth Scourfield linked with Lewis Davies to send busy flanker Alex Pearce under the posts for a try which Davies duly converted.

A 40 metre run from Barry Parsons ended in a cracking Quins' try but Davies missed the conversion and a penalty – and Cefneithin regained the lead when Moore raced over for his second try and Lewis added the extra points.

It stung the Quins into a realisation that the game was there to be lost and a Lewis Davies penalty put them a single point ahead before they scored a vital try in the closing stages when Mark Van Rhun claimed his first-ever try after a clever little chip ahead by second row Neil Harries - and Davies added the extra points to help ensure a Quins' home win.

Mark Van Rhun - first try for the Quins

Pembroke power stuns Carms Saints

St Clears 17 - Pembroke 31

Pembroke made the journey to St Clears without some of their regular players but those brought in showed the value of a strong squad as the Scarlets won and picked up a bonus point in the process.

They played really well in the first half to score 19 points without conceding a single score and although the Carmarthenshire Saints fought back with tries from winger Anthony John, centre Ceri Jones and No 8 Andrew Deacon, one converted by No 10 Colin Reynolds, it was the Scarlets who remained in control.

Pembroke grabbed tries from centre Dom Colman, flanker Alex Wilkes, winger James Skeels, centre Geraint Jackson and outside half Andrew Davies, three of them converted by full back Ross McNally as coach Ossie Boswell was pleased with his team's third place in the table as a result of their efforts.

James Skeels - scored for Pembroke

Stars shine brightly at Ty Ddewi

St Davids 12 - New Dock Stars 38

St Davids hopes of a first win of the season were halted as New Dock Stars looked a useful side and were already on their way to a win at half time as they led 17-0.

The Saints played better after the break but could never master the big visiting pack, although the home side managed good tries from centres Dai Canning and Phil Lamb, one converted by Scott James.

Luke Edwards bagged a brace of tries for the Stars alongside others from Daz Willard, Ashley Davies, Ifan Hatchell and Keith Williams, whilst Scott Hanford converted three of them to give the Stars their third win from four games so far.

Phil Lamb - a try for St Davids

15th September 2012

Championship:

Otters throw away big half time lead

Narberth 30 - Newbridge 31

Narberth conspired to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as they conceded a 24-point interval advantage to lose by a single point at home against a Newbridge side which sits proudly atop the table with a 100% record from three matches.

The Otters were gradually overhauled as they conceded three tries in the time that the opposition were reduced to 14 men and the Gwent side finally snatched the initiative with a fourth try when flanker Craig Hill grabbed his second score and Neil Burnett converted. Even then Narberth had a chance to snatch the verdict with a late penalty but with the in-form James Russell off the pitch it was left to Stuart Morris to seek the three points – but his kick under pressure sailed wide of the mark.

Huge impact by Russell

Left winger Russell had made a big impact in the first period as he slotted a penalty and then converted all three of them, two of which he scored himself as flanker Gareth Bateman also crossed the line.

At 24-0 it seemed odds-on a Narberth win, especially when Newbridge had a player shown a yellow card – and during the time that they were a man short they actually grabbed tries by wing Gareth Jones, prop Geoff Lewin and flanker Hill, all of which were converted by Burnett.

Russell landed two penalties to take his personal tally to 25 points before he retired hurt and then Hill scored again and Burnett notched the conversion to send the Otters tumbling to defeat in a match they really should have won!

James Russell - 25 points for Narberth in narrow defeat

Picture by Ken Mathias

Borderers battle in vain

Cardiff Met 26 - Whitland 10

Whitland battled hard in Cardiff against Cardiff Met, the team formed from an educational merger involving the former UWIC side and still eager to play running rugby.

The students opened up a 13-0 lead thanks to a try by prop Jordan Sanders to go with the conversion and two penalties by No 10 Mark Cooke – but the Borderers bounced back to trail 13-10 at half time thanks to a try by prop Rhodri West alongside the conversion and a penalty by young fly half Jonathan Thomas.

The second half was equally as combative but Whitland were unable to turn periods of pressure into points and former Borderer Brinley Toms crashed over for a try which Cooke converted to go with two further penalties to leave Whitland without a win from their first three matches as Cardiff Met moved up into fourth place in the section league table.

 Rhodri West - try for Whitland prop

Division Two (West):

Preseli Men go so close in second half

Builth Wells 26 - Crymych 24

Crymych suffered their third defeat in as many matches as they went down by only two points against fourth-placed Builth Wells, with winger Gavin Thomas scoring a hat-trick of tries in the second half alongside another score by No 8 Simon James.

The only consolation in defeat for the visitors was the fact that they picked up two bonus points for their second-half fight back, one for being within seven points of the opposition and the other for claiming four tries.

The Preseli Men were slow to settle and Builth built up a 19-point lead at the break thanks to tries from winger Josh Price, flanker Ryan Beehan and winger Gethin Davies, two of them converted by No 10 Luke Offa.

Price added a second try, again converted by Offa but the Preseli Men played some good rugby as veteran skipper John Davies led by example – and those tries by Thomas (3) and James, allied to a conversion apiece from Dyfan Dafydd and Rhys Davies gave them real hope. Sadly, though, they were unable to add any further points as Builth held out and the Preseli Men are still in search of their first victory.

Simon James - scored a Crymych try

Blues battered early on

Seven Sisters 66 - Haverfordwest 7

Haverfordwest found it extremely hard going at Seven Sisters as they trailed by 54-0 at half time but they at least deserved credit for the way that they stuck to their task after the oranges and were only outscored by 12-7 in the second period.

Matthew Clarke continued his excellent early season form as the dynamic flanker ploughed over for his fourth try in three league games so far, with Ashley Sutton adding the extra points.

But Seven Sisters' big pack remained on top over all as No 8 Alan Jones crossed for four close-range tries and fellow-back-rowers Peter O'Sullivan and Leighton Llewellyn also got their names on the try sheet, as did powerful prop Ian Watts (2). Pacy winger Ian Llewellyn also grabbed two tries and there were eight conversions from outside half Mike Smith to complete the scoring for table-topping Seven Sisters.

Division Three (West):

Emlyn ease through in local derby

Cardigan 10 - Newcastle Emlyn 19

Newcastle Emlyn eased home by nine points in their local derby at Cardigan, who had chances which they didn't take and paid the ultimate price against an Emlyn team that can now boast a played three, won three record.

Cardigan's only first-half points came from a Mike Diggle whilst Emlyn responded with a try by centre Alun Howells to go with a conversion and penalty from outside half Rhydian Harries.

Harries also notched three more penalties in the second half to keep the Teifisiders under control and although Cardigan were awarded a penalty try, converted by Diggle, it was a case of too little, too late as Emlyn ensured the bragging rights in the area until the teams meet again!

Gorseinon fight back at The Obs

Milford Haven 14 - Gorseinon 26

Milford Haven were deservedly 14-8 ahead at the half-way mark against Gorseinon but the Mariners found it hard going against the big opposition pack in the later stages and paid the price.

The Mariners played some attractive, expansive rugby in that first 40 minutes, as Mark Wonnacott, Torau Ilaise and Graham Badham played well, and were rewarded with very good tries from winger Craig Thomas and flanker Jonathan Coe, both converted by Tom Arnold.

In reply, Gorseinon had an unconverted try by second row Carwyn Jones and penalty by full back Josh Simmonds.

To be fair to the Mariners, they never gave up trying but Gorseinon kept them out and added a try by Nicky Jenkins and a penalty try which was converted by Andrew Colwill to go with a penalty.

Jonathan Coe - try for Milford flanker

Seasiders secure bonus-point success

Tenby United 27 - Llandeilo 9

Tenby United plated well at Heywood Lane as they comfortably beat Llandeilo and also pouched a bonus point in the process for scoring five tries.

The Seasiders were 15-6 ahead at the interval as they had excellent tries from winger Chris Heesom (9th minute), hooker Nicky Guymer (20th minute) and winger Simon Stanford (23rd minute), all unconverted as Llandeilo responded with a brace of penalties from outside half Alan Jenkins in the 14th and 30th minutes.

Jenkins also added a third three-pointer in the second half but strong-running centre Toby Smith earned his side that bonus point with their fourth try after 71 minutes, again unconverted.

The Seasiders also had the final word when they were awarded a 77th minute penalty try to which Lloyd Thomas managed to add the extra points, and round off a very good all-round team performance by the Seasiders.

Simon Stanford races over the line -

Picture by Dave Bolton.

Division Four (West):

All Blacks suffer at Nantgaredig

Nantgaredig 38 - Neyland 0
(**No details were available from this match)

Seagulls suffer surprise defeat

Trimsaran 26 - Fishguard & Goodwick 10

Fishguard and Goodwick went down to their second defeat in three matches as Trimsaran made it three wins out of three to sit at the top of the table.

The Seagulls were just a point adrift at half way as they had a penalty try from a scrum offence close to the line, which James Griffiths converted to go with a penalty – but Trimsaran replied with an unconverted try by centre Lee Bates alongside two Matthew Samuel penalties.

Samuel landed a third penalty in the second half and there were other Trimsaran tries from centre Adrian Evans and winger Ioan Jones, one converted by Samuel, to leave the Seagulls sitting in tenth spot in the table.

James Griffiths - more points for Fishguard No 10

Division Five (West):

Quins' winning run ends to Stars

New Dock Stars 19 -
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 16

Pembroke Dock Harlequins' promising start to the new campaign was brought to an abrupt halt against New Dock Stars in a cracking match which was a credit to Division Five rugby.

The Quins conceded an early 14 points as the Stars had tries from No 8 Ben Collard and winger Damian Hart, both converted by centre Scott Hanford – but responded with two penalties by Lewis Davies, the second from long range.

A Stars' try from scrum half Luke Edwards might have deterred some teams but the Quins fought back with a third Davies penalty with ten minutes to go – and a superb try by David Manning after most of the team had handled in a move from their own half. Davies duly converted and although the Quins fought hard for the winning score the Stars held out – and the Quins had to settle for a bonus point for all their hard work.

Wasps wilt as Scarlets score 14 tries

Pembroke 86 - Llangwm 3

Pembroke ran in no fewer than 14 tries against Llangwm at Crickmarren whilst the Wasps could only muster a penalty by Mikey Jones in return.

Jones was playing on permit from Haverfordwest and although they were over-run by the Scarlets powerful rucking and pacy backs there were gritty performances for the Wasps by full back Jonathan Brock, second row Laurence Holder, No 8 Ashley Jack and hooker Gareth Thomas, back after a long spell out injured.

Pembroke were already 42-3 in front at half time and they scored tries at very regular intervals from centre Dom Colman (2), new skipper Geraint Jackson (3), scrum half Darren Gilbert, brothers Dai and Sean Beynon, prop Chris Davies and prop/hooker Gareth Jones. There were also two tries apiece from centre Sean Dalling, who also landed seven conversions, and outside half Andrew Davies, who slotted one two-pointer as the Scarlet runners caused havoc in the Wasps' overworked defence.

Geraint Jackson - try hat-trick for Pembroke skipper

cott stars but the Saints still suffer defeat

Pontyates 32 - St Davids 24

St Davids look to have uncovered a very promising young fly half in Scott James, who claimed two of their three tries at Pontyates, but the Saints still went down to defeat.

Pontyates were 18-10 in front at the interval as Chris Rodenhurst sliced through for a Saints' try, which James converted to go with an earlier penalty – as well as scoring two tries after the oranges which he also goaled for a personal haul of 19 points.

8th September 2012

Featured Match:

Division Four (West):

Seagulls stunned in last seconds

Fishguard & Goodwick 14 Betws 17

Fishguard and Goodwick conspired to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as they allowed Betws to clear a period of pressure near their line and conjure up a  movement that covered 80 metres for scrum half Dylan Rees to grab the vital try with the final move of an absorbing clash between two good sides.

The conversion went well wide and referee Matthew Thomas blew the final whistle straight after to leave the Fishguard faithful wondering why their team hadn't sewn the ball up in the corner, rather than seeking another score, losing the ball and allowing talented Betws centre Cellan Davies to avoid Chris Sousha's tackle and feed Rees with the all-important scoring pass.

Betws start well but Griffiths guides Fishguard back

Betws had looked the sharper unit early on as they spread play wide but cracking tackles by Sousha and Steve Jenkins pushed them back before home No 10 James Griffiths created a cracking try for winger Sam Kurtz with a flat pass to centre Mike Jenkins before Gareth Adamson joined the line at the right time to pup Kurtz over wide out.

Griffiths added the extra points and there was no further scoring until right on half time, when Griffiths, who had made several other breaks which came to nothing, went on his own and added the conversion from close to the posts.

Betws back in the action

A 14-point interval lead seemed to put the Seagulls in good shape but Betws responded with a try from Ian Rees which the full back also converted before No 8 Mark Rewston powered over for an unconverted try.

Betws pushed hard for the vital score but missed a penalty after spurning an easier chance from in front of the posts, opting for a scrum instead. It seemed as if the Seagulls were home and dry as they recovered well to put play in the corner but they carelessly lost possession and paid the ultimate price as Betws took the victory and the homesters had to settle for a single bonus point after so much hard work.

Fishguard & Goodwick: Gareth Adamson: Sam Kurtz; Jack Warby; Dai Evans: James Griffiths; Rhys Williams: Nathan Perkins; Mark James; Andrew Morrillo: Gwilym Evans; Richard Hunter: Steve Jenkins (Capt); Rhys Morgan; Chris Sousha. Replacements: Gerwyn Davies; Nathan Jenkins; Owain Morgans; Alun George.

Betws: Ian Rees: Gavin Leyshon; Cellan Davies; Richard Thomas; Nathan Jones: Daniel Marge; Dylan Rees: Matthew O'Kelly; Ian Morris (Capt); Sean George: Timothy Butler; Paul Rees: Neil Lewis; Nathan Davies; Mark Rewston. Replacements: Wayne Comely; Keith Evans.

PHOTOS:

Fishguard RFC with smart shirts provided by Stena and presented by Karl Milne, the manager of Stena's Fishguard Office.

Richard Hunter wins lineout ball for the Seagulls.

Gareth Adamson goes in for a tackle.

Pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk

Championship Division:

Otters over-run at Ebbw

Ebbw Vale 45 Narberth 16

There were points galore at Ebbw Vale but most of them went to the home side as Narberth found it hard going against a big pack and strong-running backs led by Dan Hayman.

The Otters took an early lead with a long-range penalty by new recruit James Russell which was cancelled out by a Hayman three-pointer before Russell put Narberth back in front – only for Hayman to slice through for a try which he also converted, as he did when powerful centre Polo Uri scored a try, to give Ebbw Vale a 17-6 interval lead.

The Otters battled hard in the second half and claimed unconverted tries from replacement winger Will Lewis and flanker Wayne Williams but it was never going to be enough as Ebbw Vale grabbed further tries by centre Josh Lewis, second row Ashley Sweet, flanker Cameron Rogers and replacement centre James Jones. Hayman converted three of them and Lewis slotted the other one to confirm a big win for the former first-class club.

Wayne Williams - try for Narberth flanker

Battling Borderers beaten at home

Whitland 16 Bridgend Athletic 23

Whitland found it hard going early on as they trailed Bridgend Athletic by 18-3 at the interval but although they battled back well after the break they were never able to wrest the initiative back and went down to their second defeat of the campaign.

Jonathan Thomas kicked a penalty for the Borderers in the first period but the Athletic scored two good tries by centre Mike Hathaway, one converted by No 10 Stephen Lewis to go with two well-struck penalties.

Two excellent penalties from Thomas reduced the deficit after the oranges and seemed to mark a change in Whitland's fortunes but they were rocked back when Bridgend Athletic scored a try from a clear knock-on.

Strong-running winger Tomi Jones powered his way over for a Whitland try as reward for sticking to their task and Thomas converted – but the Borderers were unable to add further points as the Athletic travelled home with the league points.
 

Jonathan Thomas - 11 points for young Whitland No 10

Division Two (West):

Preseli Men find it hard going

Crymych 28 Maesteg 47

Crymych managed a handsome 28 points against former first-class club Maesteg but had no league points to show for their efforts as the visitors ran in five tries to the Preseli Men's three.

Emyr Harries (2) and Guto Griffiths claimed the home tries and there were 13 points from the trusty right boot of No 10 Dyfan Dafydd as John Davies's team never gave up trying.

But Maesteg always held that extra edge in terms of finishing and grabbed tries from Grant Epton (3) and Mike Powell (2). Robert Evans claimed the rest of the visitors' points and the Preseli Men have now lost their first two league games of the season.

Guto Griffiths - try for Crymych

Struggling Blues fall to Quins

Haverfordwest 24 Maesteg Quins 51

There were uncontested scrums as Haverfordwest were unable to field a recognised front row against Maesteg Quins and the Blues paid a heavy price since they were therefore unable to have any replacements and played for much of the game with 14 men after Adam Williams had gone off injured.

To be fair to Haverfordwest they never gave up trying and scored good tries from James Lewis, Matthew Clarke (2) and Ashley Sutton, who also landed two conversions, but they were always struggling after trailing 14-20 at half time.

Maesteg Quins had tries from Nathan Morgan (2), Sean Cleary, Barry Lovett (2) David and James Roman, Kyle Blackmore and Rob Lovett alongside three conversions from Gareth Lewis to take the visitors past the 50-point mark.

Division Three (West):

Amman too strong for Teifisiders

Cardigan 3 Amman United 34

Cardigan found it hard going against a strong Amman United side as they could muster just a penalty in the first half by Iestyn Crompton against four converted tries, a penalty and dropped goal by the visitors.
The Teifisiders were already 17-3 adrift at the interval and conceded another 17 points afterwards as Amman United kept a firm control on matters. Amman United's tries were scored by second row Johnny Bevan, flanker Andrew Lacey, centre Stuart Herbert and left winger Gavin Lewis, all converted by outside half Rhys Thomas, who also managed a penalty. A dropped goal by Lewis nicely rounded off the scoring for Amman United, whilst Cardigan will write this result off as a game to forget.

Seasiders lose out in second half

Llanelli Wanderers 26 Tenby United 19

A good first half by Tenby United saw them lead Llanelli Wanderers by 19-8 at the break but then the Seasiders inexplicably took their foot off the proverbial pedal and went down to a disappointing defeat.

Outside half Lloyd Thomas, who had an excellent match, scored a Tenby try alongside others by Roy Osborne and Greg Lees-Griffiths, two of them converted by Thomas.

Scrum half Kyle Richards scored the Wanderers' first half try to go with a Jonathan George penalty, whilst others came from Gavin Matthews and George, who then sealed Llanelli Wanderers' victory with a conversion and two further penalties.

Greg Lees-Griffiths scores a try for Tenby United

Picture by Dave Bolton

Mariners miss out in points glut

Newcastle Emlyn 58 Milford Haven 31

There was a veritable feast of tries for supporters to savour as Newcastle Emlyn got the better of Milford Haven, scoring nine tries to the Mariners' five tries.

Bleddyn Davies, Dewi Davies (3), Steffan Evans, Llyr Jones (2) and Alun Howells (2) scored the homesters tries as Evans also added 13 points from the boot.

Joseph Kiff continued his good start for the Mariners with a try brace alongside others by Nathan Rees, Lee Riley and Graham Badham, with Tom Arnold contributing three conversions.

On most occasions, scoring 31 points in an away match would ensure a good win but all the Mariners could pocket was a bonus point when they scored four tries, small reward for claiming five tries in all!

Joseph Kiff - two tries for talented young Milford newcomer

Division Four (West):

Blacks beaten by Trim pace

Neyland 21 Trimsaran 41

Neyland never gave up trying against a Trimsaran team known for its pack power and sharp back division but the All Blacks were already trailing by 31-7 at half time.

Flanker Richard Smith claimed the home side's only first half try which was converted by Patrick Bellerby, who also added the extra points to tries after the oranges from prop Richard banner and replacement centre Dean Matthews.

But Trimsaran picked up maximum points through tries from right wing Ian Jones (2), second row Steve Evans (2), outstanding centre Lee Bates and prop Ioan Green, with outside half Mark Samuel contributing four conversions and a penalty.

Richard Banner - good try for Neyland

Division Five (West):

Sharp Quins run in 13 tries

Pembroke Dock Quins 80 Pontyates 3

Pembroke Dock Harlequins followed their morale-boosting victory at Pembroke the previous weekend with this crushing win over Pontyates where they outclassed the opposition to run in 13 tries.

The Quins were 25-3 ahead at the interval after Jonathan Rogers had opened their account with a penalty and tries came from Adam Cawley (2), Barry Parsons and Simon Coleman. Rogers converted one of them and all Pontyates could muster in return was a penalty by outside half Kieran Evans.

But it was even more one-way traffic in the second period as full back Paul Jonkers claimed a try hat-trick and others came from Barry Parsons again, No 8 Gareth Scourfield (2), replacement winger Damian Miller, Rogers and Lee Scourfield. Lewis Davies landed five conversions and the Quins were delighted by two wins out of two to start their campaign.

Paul Jonkers - try hat-trick for Pembroke Dock Quins full back

Scarlets stop Saints' come-back

St Davids 31 Pembroke 47

Pembroke looked runaway winners at St Davies as they established a 32-0 interval lead but another Fraser Watson hat-trick inspired a Saints' comeback which earned them a deserved bonus point.

Leading the way for the Scarlets were bothers Sean and Dai Beynon, with hooker Sean claiming a try brace and second row Dai also getting on the try sheet alongside Dom Colman, Barry Bowen, Dan Manning, Jordan Gwilliam and youth full back Mark Jones. Sean Dalling slotted two conversions and a penalty but when he went off injured the Scarlets lost a little impetus and talented young fly half Scott James opened the Saints' account with a try.

Watson was then held back in a chip and chase to earn a penalty try and he cut through for three tries to give him a total of six from two matches. Scott James converted three tries but it was to no avail as Pembroke finished 16 points clear to claim maximum bonus points that will have pleased coach Ossie Boswell.

Fraser Watson - another hat-trick for Whitland centre

Wasps look ring-rusty       

Llangwm 10 Penygroes 29

Llangwm battled hard against Penygroes but eventually went down to defeat against an experienced Penygroes side that had beaten St Davids comfortably the previous week.

There was no shortage of effort from the young Wasps' side after both teams observed a minute's silence prior to the match in memory of Llangwm stalwart Brian James, who had sadly passed away the previous week, but they conceded vital tries either side of half time which were to prove very costly.

Andrew Brock kicked a penalty for Llangwm and he also converted a second half try from replacement hooker Michael Terry, his first for the club. But this was cancelled out by tries from Penygroes centre Johnny Singleton (2), Carwyn Davies, Darren Price and No 8 Josh Powell, whose brother Chris added two conversions to help ease Penygroes home.

Andrew Brock - conversion and penalty for Llangwm

Rugby Scores & Scorers : 1st September 2012

Featured match:

Quins battle hard for local derby success

Pembroke 18 Pembroke Dock Quins 22

Local derbies are traditionally hard-fought and this one was no exception as Pembroke Dock Harlequins made the short journey up the hill into Pembroke and returned to Bierspool with a deserved victory.
The Quins held that vital edge up front for match of the match David Manning, Aidan Baines, and Ian Osborne ensured a rock-solid scrum and the foraging of Neil Harries, Mark Van Rhyn, Alex Pearce, Barry Parsons and Kevin Bratcher allowed young half backs David Lewis and Jonathan Rogers to call the shots.
Pembroke also had tireless workers up front in Dai Beynon, James Roberts, Steve Dyde, Jordan Gwilliam and the rest but they were never allowed to settle into a pattern by the marauding black and white eight.
 

Championship Division:

Otters make a great start

Narberth 45 Tata Steel 21

Narberth got their first season in the Championship Division with a flying start from a convincing win over Tata Steel, one of the pre-season favourites to take the silverware at the end of the campaign.
The Otters deservedly led 18-3 at the interval and although the Steelmen produced glimpses of their potential afterwards there was no way back for them as they were left to reflect on the dismissal of centre Lloyd Phillips after only four minutes for an alleged dangerous tackle on Gareth Bateman.
A Stuart Morris penalty put the Otters ahead and he added a second three-pointer after he also converted a ninth-minute try by left-winger Jason Howells before Gareth Walters opened the visitors' account with a penalty. Narberth had the final word in the period when replacement flanker Lawrence Reynolds also scored.

The Steelmen scored good second-half tries by second row Ben Davies and winger Gareth Robson to go with another penalty by full back Walters alongside one conversion and penalty by Sean Evans but the Otters responded well with tries by scrum half Adrian Killa, centre Steve Martin, Jason Howells and Nick Jones, who also landed two conversions and a penalty after Morris went off injured.

Borderers find it hard going in Mid Glam

Bargoed 38 Whitland 5

Whitland knew that they faced a tough initial challenge in the Championship as they travelled to Mid Glamorgan to face Bargoed – and that is just what they got as the home side used their pack power to keep the Borderers at bay.
Bargoed scored two converted tries to lead 14-0 at the interval and although Whitland scored a good try from hooker Marc Jones from a rolling maul it was all they could muster, despite a lot of effort, especially in defence.

Right winger David Dare scored a try brace for Bargoed, with others coming from Lee Protheroe, Andrew McLaughlin, Steve Parry and James Pizzey alongside two conversions apiece by outside half Jake Prosser and replacement David carter.

Division Two (West):

Blues beaten in Mid Wales

Aberystwyth 37 Haverfordwest 10

Haverfordwest made the long journey to Aberystwyth and found it hard going against the experienced Mid Wales side as they trailed by 15 points at the break and were unable to wrest the initiative away despite good tries by brothers Matthew and Adam Clarke.

Ian Ellis was the undoubted star for Aber as he scored all 15 of their first half points with two tries, a conversion and penalty – and added a third try in the second half alongside others from Paul Bumford and Dorian Coleman, plus two conversions and another penalty for a personal haul of 27 points.

Sisters too strong for Preseli Men

Seven Sisters 22 Crymych 8

Crymych went down to defeat at Seven Sisters despite a lot of effort from John Davies's team as they hauled themselves back from a ten-point deficit to trail by only two points going into the later stages, but conceded two soft tries late on as they tried to play 'catch-up' rugby.
Daniel North and Gareth Thomas scored Seven Sisters' early tries before a try by second row Llyr Evans, to go with a penalty by No 10 Dyfan Dafydd, gave them a sniff of victory. But further tries from Alun Jones and Mike Smith, plus a North conversion was enough to see Seven Sisters through.
 

Division Three (West):

Cardis' kicking a key factor

Milford Haven 22 Cardigan 28

Milford Haven and Cardigan shared eight tries at the Observatory Field in an entertaining clash but it was the Teifisiders who took the league points on offer by dint of their greater success ratio in the kicking stakes.
The Cardis were 13-12 ahead at half time through tries by winger Dorian Bolton and No 8 Llyr Griffiths along with a Mike Diggle penalty, whilst the Mariners responded through tries by outside half Tom Arnold and winger Sam Stalbow, one converted by Grant Rogers.
It was equally tight after the oranges and Milford added two unconverted tries from Dewi Williams and new recruit Joseph Kiff – but further tries from centre Rhys Beard and scrum half Arwyn Wilson, one converted by Diggle to go with a second penalty, were enough to give the visitors a hard-fought success.
 

Smith brothers set Seasiders on winning path

Tenby United 19 Pontarddulais 13

Tries by talented brothers Sam and Toby Smith helped Tenby United gain an excellent home win over Pontarddulais at Heywood Lane.
It was No 8 Sam Smith who gave the Seasiders the lead when he ploughed through for a try which outside half Lloyd Thomas converted before Ceri Richards responded for The Bont to limit the homesters to a 7-5 interval lead.
Toby Smith then added a cracking try which Thomas converted and although Gary Williams landed a penalty for Pontarddulais an unconverted try by centre Jack Guerreiro made sure that the Seasiders were good value for victory.

Division Four (West):

Fishguard power pays off

Aberaeron 13 Fishguard & Goodwick 20

Fishguard and Goodwick's greater pack power told at Aberaeron as the Seagulls started their season in this new section with an excellent away win. Outside half Owen Williams kicked two penalties for Aberaeron in the first period but they trailed 7-6 as Fishguard skipper Steve Jenkins thundered over for a try which No 10 James Griffiths converted.

Powerful prop Alex Stanton claimed Aberaeron's only score in the second period, which Owen Williams converted, but the Seagulls added a second try by Gareth Adamson, to which Griffiths again added the extra points, as well as landing two very good penalties.
It ensured a deserved win for the Seagulls, whose lineout work wasn't at its best but overall was a useful performance.
 

Blacks beaten at Betws

Betws 33 Neyland 10

Neyland went down to defeat at Betws as they found it hard going against a side who looked strong up front and ran the ball at every opportunity.
Yet the All Blacks lead by 10-3 early on as prop Adrian Tucker scored his first try for the club and outside half Patrick Bellerby converted and found the target with a penalty, as did opposing kicking Trefor Jones.
But Betws got on top as prop Keith Evans led the way with a try brace, and others came from flanker Luke Stratford, No 8 Matthew Rewson and Jones, who also added two conversions on set the seal on Betws' opening-day win.
 

Division Five (West):

Fraser's hat-trick in vain for Saints

Penygroes 37 St Davids 20

St Davids centre Fraser Watson scored a cracking hat-trick at Penygroes but still finished on the losing side as the Saints came up against an experienced home side who led 13-3 at half time and always looked likely to take the verdict.
Adam Jones claimed the Saints' only points of the first period with a well-struck penalty and Jack Jones converted one of the Saints' second-half scores.
But Penygroes scored six tries in total by centre Phil Morgan, flanker Jamie Gimlett, prop Justin Fishwick, No 8 Josh Powell, and scrum half Carwyn Davies, with experienced outside half Chris Powell slotting three conversions and two penalties to round off the home team's scoring.

Bynea v Llangwm

Match postponed because of the sad passing away of Brian James