Rugby Reports for 7th March 2009

Division One (West):

Otters ousted in battle for second spot

Tonmawr 15 points - Narberth 7 points

Tonmawr edged through the battle of the teams looking for second place in the table behind runaway leaders Carmarthen Quins.

Tonmawr took the lead after 14 minutes when their pressure paid off and outside half Steve Lewis sliced through for a try which he also converted.

Narberth refused to submit, however, and they leveled matters when some quick handling by Andrew and Aled Davies at half back allowed in-form centre Steve Martin to score another try which Aled Davies converted.

So the score remained level at the interval and both teams were reduced to 14 men as Ton hooker Darrell Harvey and Otter prop Ryan Perrott were both shown red cards.

The second period was just as tight but Tonmawr secured victory with a try from Fijian international flanker Arthur Ratuva and a second penalty from man of the match Lewis.

Narberth: Matthew Davies: Tom Bonnell; Steve Martin; Richard Davies; Jonathan Morgan: Aled Davies; Andrew Davies: Ryan Perrott; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Jason Jennings; Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Andrew Dennis; Jamie Bohata. Replacements: Tom Slater; Luke Kendall; Adrian Killa; Richard Sharp-Williams; Nick Jones.

Borderers battle hard against top team

Whitland 9 points - Carmarthen Quins 17 points

Whitland played with great spirit against a Carmarthen Quins team intent on retaining their 100% win record – and managed the only points of the second half after the Quins had led 17-6 at the break.

Carmarthen Quins missed an early chance to open the scoring as fly half Gareth Cull failed with a second-minute penalty but made amends six minutes later with a successful kick – and then converted a fortunate try as centre Jason harries kicked a loose ball ahead and had the perfect bounce to skate through for a soft seven-pointer.

The Quins had No 8 Chris Jones yellow carded and home No 10 Carwyn Jones slotted the resultant penalty before missing another as they failed to turn their one-man advantage into more points, with Jones off-target with a second attempt after 18 minutes.

The Quins increased their lead with a very good try as quick handling allowed full back Anthony Evans to score in the top corner and Cull added the extras – but Whitland had the final word of the half as a high tackle on centre Gary Evans allowed Carwyn Jones to kick a penalty which reduced the Quins interval lead to 17-6.

The entire Whitland pack, with skipper Randall Williams and Celt Thomas to the fore, played really well afterwards but Carwyn Jones hit the upright from a second minute penalty and was off target with another chance in the 28th minute. He finally found the mark four minutes later but the Borderers were unable to add to their tally thereafter but could take great satisfaction from the way they played against a very strong team.

Whitland: Will Davies: Dion Thomas; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Aled Jones: Carwyn Jones; Gareth Davies: Gareth Lloyd; Gavin Walsh; Richard Smith: Raff Williams; Carwyn Davies: Celt Thomas; Ryan Michael; Randall Williams (Capt). Replacements: Jack Mason; Tom Dinan; Alan Proctor; Romeo Colella; Andrew Morrillo; Gareth Morris.

Division Three (West):

Blues unable to raise tempo

Haverfordwest 0 - Newcastle Emlyn 16 points

After recent good performances Haverfordwest might have entered their home tussle against Newcastle Emlyn with confidence but their play never reached the heights and the Blues could have few complaints about their defeat.

Haverfordwest covered well as they faced the stiffish breeze and rain in the first period but Emlyn  took the lead with a 19th minute penalty from outside half Rhydian Harries, who also added the extra points in the 35th minute when a kick and chase allowed their left winger Gethin Phillips to claim the touch-down.

For the rest of the period the Blues covered and tackled well and a ten-point deficit at half time was certainly not an insurmountable one, but although back rowers Richard Walters and Richard Brazell caught the eye in the ball-winning stakes, Blues half backs Richard James and skipper Steve Williams were unable to lift the back play and Emlyn completed a solid away win with a dropped goal from Harries with two minutes left and a penalty from 35 minutes deep into time added on.

Cardis come back well in second half

Laugharne 6 points - Cardigan 24 points

Cardigan completed an excellent away win against Laugharne which also included a bonus point for scoring four tries as they also did well to limit Laugharne to just two first half penalties.

Cardigan played against the elements in the first half as murky rain and wind reduced the chance of a running game, with skipper Colin Davies making a welcome return and leading by example but with both scrum half Tom Turner and left winger Wayne Morris forced to leave the field with injuries.

The Cardigan pack played well as a unit and their back division covered so well that all Laugharne had to show for their first half effort was two penalties from centre Ross Michael.

It looked as if the homesters might carry that six point margin into the second period but the Teifisiders received a significant boost right on the half time whistle when some good play involving several switches of direction allowed inside centre Carwyn Thomas to score a quality try which outside half Iestyn Crompton converted to give his team the narrowest of interval leads.

The Teifisiders played really well after the interval and scored three tries, all from teasing kicks by Mike Diggle, who had switched from full back to No 9 after Turner’s departure. Diggle scored the first himself as he followed up a kick from a lineout, as did Huw Davies from an intelligent cross kick before winger Guto Crompton sped over at the posts for big brother Iestyn to add the extra points.

Preseli Men gain bonus point win

Llanelli Wanderers 10 points -

Crymych 31 points

Crymych showed their good form and fitness at Llanelli Wanderers as they built on a narrow 7-5 interval lead to win comfortably as reward for another excellent all-round performance.

Crymych had much of the first half play in terms of territory and possession as they took the lead with a rare try from prop Robert Davies from a lineout peel move which fooled the home defence before scrum half Huw Rees added the extra points.

The visitors might well have added further scores but for some desperate defensive play by the Wanderers and some basic Crymych errors – and the Wanderers grabbed an interception try from centre Lee Williams to trail by just 5-7 at the oranges.

The Wanderers added a try by outside half Mark Davies in the second period but by then Crymych were well and truly in the driving seat from good tries by hooker Trystan Griffiths, left wing Nick Bevan and scrum half Huw Rees, who also landed three penalties to keep the Preseli Men on the winning trail.

Division Four (West):

Quins suffer set-backs at Brynamman

Brynamman 31 points - Pembroke Dock Quins 5 points

Pembroke Dock Quins travelled to Brynamman without skipper Gareth Scourfield and other injured players and paid the inevitable consequence against second-placed Brynamman as they already trailed 23-0 at half time and could only a muster a try from busy flanker Phil Hughes as their small reward for sticking to their task.

A couple of tries came from decisions which mystified the travelling Quins’ fans so Brynamman’s final tally was a little flattering, to say the least, as they grabbed tries by hooker Stefan Weaver-Davies, centre Gary Jones and flanker Noel Sprowey as scrum half Dafydd Jones contributed 16 points from two conversions and four penalties.

Scarlet runners back to form

Pembroke 30 points - Tycroes 0

Pembroke had two good tries by skipper Gareth Jones in their clear-cut home win against a Tycroes side who were never able to establish a strong enough platform to sustain any real pressure.

The Scarlets led 18-0 at half time as winger Matthew Lewis rounded off a good move to crash through at the corner and skipper Jones, playing at No 8 instead of his regular hooker’s berth, smashed his way over at a close range scrum to double the lead.

Phil Williams missed both conversions but notched a penalty as the Scarlet forwards played well – and Gareth Jones powered his way over for his second try before the interval.

It was a similar story afterwards as flanker Steve Dyde claimed a try as reward for his unsung efforts on the blind side, converted by Williams, and full back Lewis Davies made a welcome return to first team action with a try from his own kick and chase that completed a bonus-point win for the Scarlets.

Seasiders slam passive Hendy

Tenby United 39 points - Hendy 8 points

A strong second half performance earned Tenby United a clear-cut victory over Hendy at Heywood as the Seasiders turned an 8-5 interval deficit into a resounding victory – and a bonus point too!

There were passive scrums from the outset, which took away some of the drive from the Tenby battle plan and the visitors scored a first-half try by Emyr Harries to go with a penalty from No 10 Rhydian Morris.

Tenby No 8 Sam Smith again led the way with a try brace and others followed from winger Sam Foster, skipper and prop Lee Tucker, centre Gavin Brace and replacements Rob James and Adam Ball, playing respectively in the second and back rows.

Outside half Tom Lewis rounded off the scoring with two conversions and the second period showed what the Seasiders can do when they are on song.

Division Five (West):

Seagulls soar in local derby

Fishguard 27 points - Neyland 21 points

Fishguard used the power of their pack, allied to the experience of half backs Graham Davies and Huw Evans, to steer the Seagulls to a Pembrokeshire derby win against Neyland after trailing 16-10 at the break.

Graham Davies scored their first try as they played into the elements at The Moors and Huw Evans slotted the conversion and a penalty.

The Neyland points came from tries by winger Delme Bateman, prop Robert Codd and scrum half Delme Bateman, who also landed two penalties but they were never able to come to terms with the driving power of Alan Phillips’ home pack in which hooker Mark James had his best game for the club and Mark George was also outstanding at No 8.

Nathan Jenkins grabbed a try as reward for his hard work in the second row and skipper Simon James, playing as a flanker, also crossed for second half Seagull tries, with Huw Evans converting one of them and kicking two penalties to set the seal on this Fishguard success.

Wasps win at last

Llangwm 19 points -

Swansea Uplands 6 points

Llangwm finally returned to winning ways at Pill Parks as they accounted for Swansea Uplands – although their victory was marred by a nasty injury to James Lewis which left the young flanker with a suspected broken jaw.

Uplands’ flanker Ian Lewis slotted two penalties, one in each half, as the Wasps lead 5-3 at the interval thanks to an unconverted try by No 8 Andrew Phillips as he lurked with intent on the outside of a good handling move to smash his way through.

Flanker Will Scale claimed the second touch-down after scrum half Chris Dix had charged down a clearance attempt – and three well-judged penalties from veteran prop Richard Scriven saw the Wasps buzz for the first time in a while!

Mariners win vital promotion tussle

Milford Haven 19 points -

Aberaeron 15 points

Milford Haven took a big step towards winning the section silverware as they outlasted a gritty  Aberaeron side at the Observatory Field to complete a good double over their Mid Wales rivals.

Veteran No 8 Scott Walters scored two tries as he put his wealth of experience to good effect and bustling centre Dean Matthews added the other try, two of them converted by Leigh Broome as young tight-head prop James Passmore was man of the match for his total commitment to the Mariners’ cause.

Aberaeron responded with tries by Neil Snowden and Ollie Taylor to go with a penalty and conversion from Dylan Williams – and now the Mariners face even tougher tests against Cefneithin and Fishguard in their next two challenges!

St Clears win ‘Battle of the Saints’

St Clears 46 points - St Davids 6 points

St Clears easily won the ‘West Wales Battle of the Saints’ as they scored no fewer than eight tries against St Davids and limited the Pembrokeshire ‘Saints’ to just two penalties from veteran outside half Colin Reynolds.

St Clears tries came from full back Ceri Jones, flanker Andrew Deacon, centre Carl Stephenson, scrum half Martin Thomas, second row Nigel Phillips, flanker Alan Mason (2) and No 8 Aled Mason, whilst winger Steve Ashton landed three penalties.

Home No 9 Thomas was yellow-carded alongside St Davids players Eddie Bolger, Sion Morgan and Phil Lamb but it was never a dirty game and was played in good spirit by both teams.

Rugby Reports for 28th February 2009

Feature Match:

Division One (West):

Quins keep up winning streak

Narberth 17 points -

Carmarthen Quins 42 points

Carmarthen Quins showed why they are hot favourites for promotion as they conceded an early ten points to second-placed Narberth but still held their nerve and were 22-10 ahead at the break before easing through to a victory which also gave them a bonus point.

A burst from flanker Colin Davies, set up the Otters first try as centre Richard Davies also did well and winger Johnny Morgan rounded off a 75 metre move with a cracking corner try in the sixth minute which fly half Aled Davies converted, a boost for the homesters since they had flanker Gareth Bateman tallow-carded at the time.

Aled Davies snapped a good drop goal from 28 metres midway through the period but the Quins came back with a penalty from No 10 Gareth Cull and tries by No 8 Chris Jones, full back Anthony Evans and scrum half Ricky Roberts, two of them converted by Cull and two of them after what looked like forward passes in the build-up.

Cull added another penalty after 47 minutes and then converted a try by centre Jason Harries before the Otters came back with a second try for Johnny Morgan, again converted by Aled Davies.

Quins second row Martin Morgan was red-carded but the visitors still finished strongly as centre Harries motored over for his second try which Cull converted to go with a late penalty that set the seal on the Quins victory and almost certainly ensured them top spot despite there being a number of games still to play.

Narberth: Matthew Davies: Nick Jones; Richard Davies; Steve Martin; Johnny Morgan: Aled Davies; Adrian Killa (Andrew Davies); Ryan Perrott; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Chris James (Jason Jennings); Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Colin Davies; Jamie Bohata (Richard Sharpe-Williams).

Division Three (West)

Cardigan run riot

Cardigan 32 points -
Llanelli Wanderers 0

Cardigan completed a deserved double over Llanelli Wanderers and secured a welcome bonus point for scoring four tries as they also defended well to make sure that the visitors couldn’t muster a single point.

Full back Mike Diggle scored two first half tries as the Teifisiders led 18-0, outside half Iestyn Crompton converting one and adding two penalties as Dylan Davies led the team well from the back row and there were other useful performances by No 8 Dylan Richards and centre Jack Murphy.

Other tries came from left winger Robert Davies and skipper Dylan Davies, both converted by Iestyn Crompton as the Cardis followed up their 54-7 win in Llanelli with this comfortable victory at King George Vth Playing Fields.

Crymych v Newcastle Emlyn

Match postponed – Newcastle Emlyn had players watching Wales in France!

Division Four (West):

Seasiders bounce back

to winning ways

Betws 22 points -
Tenby United 37 points

Tenby United bounced back to winning ways as they led 15-10 at half time and outlasted the home side to record the double since they had already won 21-3 at Heywood Lane.

Seasiders’ No 8 Sam Smith grabbed another two tries in a powerful performance and other tries came from veteran second rower Emori Katalau, flanker Harry Bolton, centre Mark Heywood, and replacement winger Barry John as Del Brace orchestrated matters well from his berth at outside half in a useful partnership with Rhys Thomas.

Scrum half Thomas slotted the only Tenby conversion and Betws’ tries came from scrum half Owen Williams (2) and wing Mark Thomas as outside half Phil Saunders booted two conversions and a penalty.

Scarlets record good away victory

Burry Port 28 points - Pembroke 36 points

Pembroke bounced back from their previous week’s mauling by the Quins to record a very good away win against a Betws side which was two places above them in the table but had previously lost to the Scarlets by 34-8 at Crickmarren.

Pembroke led 21-15 at the interval as home kicker Daniel Edrich notched five penalties and he added a sixth after the break to go with a neat dropped goal and the conversion of their sole try by scrum half Steve Powell.

Skipper Gareth Jones, switched from hooker to flanker, and scrum half Ryan Hayward grabbed the Scarlets two first half tries, one converted by outside half Phil Williams to go with three penalties.

They added further tries after the oranges by strong-running centre Mark Williams and winger Matthew Lewis, who cut in from 35 metres out and raced over at the posts. Phil Williams converted to go with an earlier penalty and the Scarlets were good value for victory!

Quins maintain their winning streak

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 20 points - Pontarddulais 13 points

Pembroke Dock Harlequins maintained their recent run f good form as they outlasted Pontarddulais and gained revenge for a narrow 8-6 loss in the Bont.

Ian Lloyd put the visitors ahead with a penalty but the Quins fought back when powerful centre Darren Gibby scored the first of his two tries, converted by No 10 Dean Lawrence – and the Quins added a second try, this time unconverted, when their pack gained a strike against the head at a scrum and skipper Gareth Scourfield threw a long ‘miss two’ pass from his No 8 spot which allowed winger Paul Jonkers to dive over in the corner.

Bont centre Nick Scotland reduced the deficit with a good try but Dean Lawrence slotted a penalty before replacement hooker Jason Allen crossed for Pontarddulais.

It set up a tense finale but the Quins lasted the pace a little better and centre Gibby stormed over for an unconverted try to keep up the recent momentum for Lenny Scourfield’s lads!

Division Five (West):

Furnace turn on heat

Furnace 60 points - Llangwm 12 points

Llangwm struggled to raise a squad to travel to Furnace and paid the ultimate price of a heavy defeat that little justice to the yeoman efforts of the 15 players who eventually made the journey, led by Ian Griffiths as captain.

Dan Hughes, Justin Mountstevens and Will Scriven never gave up trying in the front row whilst as well as his second row duties alongside Nick Phillips, it was Richard Scriven who claimed all the Wasps’ points with two penalties in each half.

James Lewis, James Griffiths and Alistair Platten tackled hard in the back row whilst skipper Griffiths and Will Beresford tried to run what little good ball they had, although the writing was already on the wall at half time as they trailed 36-6.

Home winger Mark Cook led the way with three tries and others came from winger Tom Barnes (2), second row Sean Bennett, hooker Chris Jones, scrum half Luke Jenkins, outside half Gareth Phillips and full back Simon James, who slotted a single conversion after Jenkins converted four.

Furnace had only won by 22-12 at Pill Parks and this heavy defeat shows how Llangwm have difficulty with travelling to away matches.

All Blacks' empahtic victory

Neyland 39 points - Pontyates 6 points

Neyland maintained their recent good form with an emphatic win over Pontyates, who had only 15 players and so there were uncontested scrums, which robbed the All Blacks of one of their main platforms for attack.

Mark Riley caught the eye as he orchestrated matters from his scrum half role whilst No 8 Callum Tree again featured alongside Martin Roberts at second row and full back Richard Smith, making a welcome return to action.

There was also a little cameo from veteran coach Steve Evans, who was clearly delighted by his try alongside others from powerful centre Adam Collins (2), winger Delme Bateman, lock Roberts and the ubiquitous Mark Riley, who also kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Kieran Evans gave Pontyates the early lead with a penalty and the visiting centre added a second three-pointer before half time as Neyland led 15-6 – but there was already little doubt that the All Blacks would complete a deserved double since they had already won in Pontyates by 25-5.

Seagulls retain cup against derby rivals

Fishguard & Goodwick 22 points - St Davids 10 points

Fishguard retained the Seagulls’ Cup, competed for annually in this local derby with St Davids, as they followed up their narrow 6-3 verdict over the Saints at home with this more convincing performance at St Davids.

Geraint Morris kicked the Saints into an early lead with a penalty but Fishguard were strong up front via their experienced front row trio of coach Alan Phillips, Mark James and Romeo Colella, plus second rows Gwilym Evans (later replaced by Nathan Jenkins) and Ilaisha Torau. Skipper Simon James was heavily involved in the back row whilst Huw Evans used his experience to good effect behind the scrum.

Simon James was put over for a try by Alan Phillips and Evans created the space for winger Tim Jones to add a second before Torau did well to cross for his second try in as many matches and Colella also got his name on the scoresheet.

Huw Evans managed just one conversion for the Seagulls and it was to St Davids credit that they never gave up trying – and were finally rewarded when second row Gethin Bateman crashed over for a try which skipper Phil Lamb converted.

Mariners gain half century win

Swansea Uplands 6 points -

Milford Haven 57 points

Milford Haven’s talented young second row Gareth Fawcett again showed his all-round potential in the Mariners big win at Swansea Uplands as he dominated the linesout, grabbed three tries and slotted two conversions to help keep the Mariners on course for the section title.

The Uplands are struggling near the foot of the table but Milford coach Alan McClelland had warned his squad about complacency before the kick-off and it worked because the Uplands could only muster two penalties from left wing Ross Grey.

They certainly heeded his words because as well as Fawcett’s hat-trick there was a try brace for another talented young player in hooker Craig Smith, plus others by full back Rhys Holmes, wingers Craig Thomas and Martin Matthews, plus flanker Dai Sweeney.

Young scrum half Tom Arnold marked his senior debut with a good all-round display and four conversions to go with a try that left Milford as easy winners of a match in which they were always in control.

Rugby Fixtures : 21st February 2009

Feature Match : Division Five (West):

All Blacks remove Wasps’ sting

Llangwm 6 points -
Neyland 33 points

Neyland proved too strong for neighbours Llangwm in this entertaining tussle at Pill Parks as they fended off a concerted Wasps’ start to lead 8-6 at the break – and then turned pressure into points after the oranges to score 25 unanswered points.

Llangwm prop Richard Scriven missed three early penalties for the Wasps, the first one signaled as good by both touch judged but overturned by referee Andrew Davies (Aberystwyth) – and Neyland kicker Mark Riley suffered a similar fate as his first attempt at three points saw both flags raised but not awarded by Mr Davies.

It was fourth time lucky for Llangwm as young outside half Andrew Brock slotted a penalty after Neyland skipper Mark Chamberlain was yellow-carded, but Mark Riley leveled matters with a penalty that sailed between the posts.

All Black pressure finally told off when teenage No 8 Callum Tree found the space to score an unconverted try but a second Brock penalty limited the home deficit to just two points at half time.

Neyland made a good start to the second half as Mark Riley sliced through to the posts and added the simple conversion. Riley missed a long-range penalty but outside half Steve Roberts dropped a beautifully judged goal to extend the All Black advantage and Riley landed a simple penalty as his pack got on top in the loose.

The All Blacks grabbed two tries in the final stages when centre Andrew Slark scored a try as reward for his unsung hard work in midfield, converted by Riley, and then centre partner Adam Collins contributed an excellent try with his typically powerful surge to the line to round off a good day for the All Blacks and another defeat which pins the Wasps firmly near the foot of the table.

Llangwm: Dai James; Jonathan Brock; Will Beresford; Gareth Jones; Dan Morgan; Andrew Brock; James Dix; Richard Scriven; Johnny James; Will Scriven; Nick Phillips; Hamish Nicholls; Will Scale; James Lewis; Ian Griffiths (Capt). Replacements: Steve Picton; Dan Hughes; Greg McCann; Justin Mountstevens.

Neyland: Paul Murray; Darren John; Andrew Slark; Adam Collins; Dele Bateman; Steve Roberts; Mark Riley: Rob Codd; Tony Parsley; Carl Britton; Mark James; Martin Roberts; Simon Phillips; Mark Chamberlain (Capt); Callum Tree. Replacements: Ashley Richards; Richard Smith; Steve Evans; Mark Wilson.

Division One (West):

Borderers made to battle

Whitland 11 points - Dunvant 3 points

Whitland eased home against bottom club Dunvant but it took a late try and penalty to see them through in a disappointing tussle.

The lack of match practice was very evident in both teams but basement battlers Dunvant seemed less affected by the lay-off caused by the Six Nations’ matches than Whitland.

Dunvant led by 3-0 at the break as fly half Simon Daniel landed a fourth-minute penalty as there were errors aplenty and few real scoring chances.

The second period was only marginally better but after missing a 50th-minute penalty home No 10 Carwyn Jones landed a penalty six minutes later to tie up the scores - and after 73 minutes a neat grubber lick by centre Lee Glanville allowed full back Will Davies and winger Aled Jones to race through, with Davies being credited with the vital touch-down of an unconverted try.

Alan Proctor was yellow-carded for Whitland but in his absence the Borderers made sure of victory when Carwyn Jones landed a penalty – and Aled Jones looked man of the match for his all-round performance.

Whitland: Will Davies; Dion Thomas; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Aled Jones; Carwyn Jones; Gareth Davies; Gareth Lloyd; Alan Proctor; Richard Smith; Tom Dinan; Raff Williams; Gareth Downes; Jack Mason; John Bowen. Replacements: Gareth Morris; Celt Thomas; Ryan Michael; Gavin Walsh; Andrew Morrillo.

Division Three (West):

Harries heads blues to welcome away win

Amman United 6 points - Haverfordwest 24 points

Haverfordwest completed a deserved double over Amman United as they played well early on to establish a 17-point lead and although they took their foot off the gas a little afterwards they were always in control.

The only minor disappointment for the Blues was the fact that they just missed out on a bonus point after those early scores where  skipper Steve Williams slotted an early penalty, centre Dan Harris sliced through for a good try and then No 8 Alun Harries ploughed over from close range, both converted by the accurate Williams.

Amman United rallied somewhat towards the interval and managed two successful penalties by centre Rhys Thomas but good work by the foraging Harries and Richard Walters, plus some solid scrimmaging and powerful charges by props Neil Phillips and Danny Miners made sure that the Blues regained their advantage as Gareth John looked solid at full back. Alun Harries barged over for his second try, again converted by No 10 Williams, and the Blues were home and dry!

Cardis gain ample revenge

Cardigan 20 points - Llanybydder 6 points

Cardigan lost by 24-15 at Llanybydder earlier in the season but gained ample revenge at the King George Vth Field as they scored two tries in each half to secure an important bonus point.

In an entertaining tussle they were always looking to dominate and in restricting Laugharne to just two first half penalties by scrum half Darrell Griffiths made sure that the visitors had nothing to show for their efforts as skipper Colin Davies led by example as usual from his No 8 berth and he was well supported by the strong-scrummaging front row of Barry Davies, Owen and Dai Jones, who also featured well in the loose.

Mike Diggle also played well behind the scrum and opened the Cardigan account with a well-taken try before left winger Guto Crompton also crossed for an unconverted score. Strong-running centre Carwyn Thomas added a third try before scrum half Tom Turner snipped over for the fourth try – and although both conversions were missed it mattered little because Cardigan were able to pouch five points for their all-round team display.

Preseli Men pound Laugharne in second half

Crymych 33 points - Laugharne 0

Four second half tries were fitting reward for Crymych as they did the spade work in a tight first period and then took firm control after the interval to easily dispose of Laugharne at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

Crymych had already won 12-5 in Laugharne and showed how much they have progressed since then as former Welsh international prop John Davies, Trystan Griffiths and Rob Davies formed a redoubtable front row and flanker Andrew Morris was always involved as he won 50/50 ball on the floor so that scrum half Huw Rees could call the shots.

Rees helped Crymych to a 9-0 interval lead as he landed three penalties and he also made the break out of his own 22 before interpassing with Martin Jones put the centre over and Rees added the extra points. Right winger Andrew Thomas always posed a direct threat to the Laugharne defence with his strong running and he sped over for the next two tries, the first from strong midfield work and the second after a clever chip and chase.

No 9 Rees missed both conversions but made amends when he ignored a two-man overlap to plough over the line himself and added the conversion as another plus on a day of plusses for Crymych.

Division Four (West):

Seasiders swamped by league leaders

Llandeilo 37 points Tenby United 0

Llandeilo maintained their proud 100% record in winning their 12th successive league match, disposing of the challenge of a Tenby United outfit which was without several key players and paid the inevitable price.

But team manager Peter James was quick to praise the replacements brought in and had no excuses about the loss, singling out Dan Colley as their man of the match for his brave work in defence, ably assisted by skipper Lee Tucker, who led by example from the front row, and Sam Smith at No 8. Del Brace played well at fly half, as did three-quarter Sam Katicai but the Seasiders were always on the back foot after conceding early points.

For Llandeilo, back rower Nathan Jones and scrum half Osian Williams caught the eye whilst their tries were claimed by wingers Richard Jaycock (2) and Kevin Walters, full back Arwel Davies, plus a penalty try awarded for tackling without the ball. Outside half Andrew Morgan landed three of the conversions and also contributed two penalties as Llandeilo widened their lead at the top of the table, leaving Tenby to rue their heaviest defeat of the season.

Quins quash Scarlets in

one-sided second period

Pembroke 21 points -

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 51 points

What a difference two weeks can make!

14 days earlier the Quins had beaten old rivals Pembroke by 3-0 in a turgid local derby at Bierspool but made the short journey up the hill to Crickmarren and slam the same opposition in a match which produced 72 points as they scored 39 unanswered points in a second period where they dominated and Pembroke heads inevitably dropped.

Yet there was little inkling of a 30-point Quins’ success as the Scarlets opened up an 11-point gap in as many minutes as their best player Mark Williams ploughed over for a try from his centre role and fly half Aaron Nicholas added two penalties.

The Quins fought back with 12 points but the Scarlets finished the half 21-12 in front as Williams claimed his second try and Nicholas converted and added a third three-pointer on target.

The Quins tight five of Richard McIntyre, Gary Burns, Ian Osborne, Mark Lay and Mike Scourfield really got on top in the second period so that the back row of Kevin Bratcher, Phil Hughes and skipper Gareth Scourfield could take charge, with Bratcher scoring three tries and Scourfield two alongside others by winger Sam Irwin and centre Darren Gibby. Gareth Clarke played really well on his return to centre and after Stuart Hay had landed one penalty Dean Lawrence took over the kicking duties and notched another penalty and five conversions to bring a smile to the face of coach Lenny Scourfield.

Pembroke were left to rue the fact that three yellow cards cost them dearly since they conceded over 20 points when they were down to 14 men – and the Quins made the downhill journey home in celebratory mood as they completed the double over their old rivals.

Division Five (West):

Seagulls soar as Saints struggle

Fishguard and Goodwick 15 points - St Clears 9 points

Fishguard coach Alan Phillips was in jubilant mood after his side had fended off a strong challenge from St Clears because he felt that this was easily the Seagulls’ best display of the season.

The only cloud on the horizon was a nasty knee injury for strong-running centre Steve Jenkins but, that apart, they showed that when they play to their best form they are a match for any team in the section. Rhodri Thomas helped St Clears to a narrow6-5 interval lead as the centre landed two penalties but Fishguard served notice of intent as veteran scrum half Graham Davies showed what a huge influence he is on a game as he ploughed through several tackles and popped up a pass for half-back partner Alun George to dive over for an unconverted try.

Thomas slotted a third St Clears’ penalty in the second half but Fishguard responded well with a penalty by centre Huw Evans and a cracking try from Fijian player Ilaisha Torau as his all-action play was rewarded when he finished off some superb handling by full back Matthew Reynolds, skipper Simon James and winger Tim Jones.

Huw Evans added the conversion and the Seagulls were clearly delighted by their win, which moved them up the section table as their reward.

Marvelous Mariners’ fight-back

Milford Haven 32 points -

Furnace 20 points

Five tries shared by brothers Dean and Martin Matthews were the keynote feature as Milford Haven produced a powerful and much-needed come-back against Furnace which ensured they maintained their unbeaten tag at the top of the table.

Powerful centre Dean ploughed through for a try hat-trick whilst brother Martin played on the wing and grabbed two tries after the Mariners had also been awarded a penalty try when outstanding scrum half Paul Evans was held back from a quickly-taken penalty close to the opposition’s try-line.

But third-placed Furnace certainly proved too hot for Milford in the early stages as they rattled up a 17-0 lead through tries by flanker Lee Cook and winger Tom Barnes, both converted by outside half Simon James to go with a well-struck penalty.

It certainly stung Milford into an awareness that this was no walk in the back and they reduced the deficit to 10-17 at the interval thanks to two tries by Dean Matthews.

Whatever coach Alan McClelland said at the interval it certainly worked because it was a more committed home team in the second period where Paul Evans was always involved and had great support from No 8 Mark Wonnacott. Gareth Fawcett was superb in the lineout as hooker Craig Smith threw in well and also took five strikes against the head, so that Dean Matthews added his third try, followed by the penalty try and two from Martin Matthews, one converted by outside half Ian Rusinek as the Mariners were ultimately good value for victory.

Saints struggle after good start

Pontyates 25 points - St Davids 13 points

St Davids made a cracking start at Pontyates when quick hands put pacy winger Fraser Watson over for an unconverted corner try but the Saints flattered to deceive as Pontyates came back well to win.

Outside half Jamie Herbert pulled Ponty back level with a try and although he missed the conversion he soon made amends with a penalty – but when home flanker Josh George was yellow-carded the Saints fought back with an unconverted try by experienced back-rower Anthony Davies which earned then a 10-8 interval lead.

Pontyates had the better of the third quarter and regained the initiative when scrum half Lee Davies crossed for Herbert to add the extras, as the No 10 did when he raced through for his own second try.

There was a red card for home No 8 Ken Worth and Saints kicker Geraint Morris landed a penalty – but Herbert inevitable had the final word as he notched another penalty to ensure a Pontyates' win.

Rugby Reports for
7th February 2009

National League
Division Four (West):

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 3 points - Pembroke 0

A late penalty from outside half Stuart Hay proved to be the only score of a disappointing local derby at Bierspool against old rivals Pembroke, who might look back on the first half when they elected to go for attacking lineout positions in the corner rather than take an almost-certain six points on offer.

It was an error-strewn clash where tempers exploded on two occasions, resulting in punches being thrown, and as well as red cards for centre Darren Gibby (Quins) and second row Dai Beynon (Pembroke) there were yellow cards galore to flanker Danny Manning, prop Ian Osborne and replacement flanker Phil Hughes (Quins) plus prop Richard Mason, Dai Beynon and winger Matthew Lewis (Pembroke) as the referee found it hard going with his fussy approach perhaps leading to some of the frustration but certainly no excuse for the indiscipline shown by both teams.
There was a distinct skills shortage at the same time as players made handling errors or took wrong options and the highlights tended to centre around some big tackles, like Pembroke’s centre Mark Williams enjoying his effort on former team mate Gary Pickering. Phil Hughes tried hard to make a difference when he came on for the Quins and skipper Gareth Scourfield tried hard to keep his team together in a tight first period where the Scarlets certainly had the edge territorially but failed to turn close-range pressure into points as Dai Beynon was held up over the line and No 8 Robin Badham also went close.

Visiting No 10 Phil Williams missed a long-range penalty after 13 minutes and Hay was wide with an easier Quins’ attempt seven minutes afterwards and the general view around the touch-line was that the second period could only be better.
Sadly, this was not to be the case because the game degenerated and in the one mass brawl the Quins lost Gibby (red) and Osborne (yellow) whilst Matthew Lewis (Pembroke) was also sidelined for ten minutes.
Hay missed a penalty for the Quins and there were nice little runs by Lee Scourfield and his replacement Simon Coleman before Beynon departed – and from the resulting penalty Hay hit the crossbar for the homesters and the ball was scrambled clear.

Mark Williams made a half-opening for the Scarlets but cut inside and was collared and it was left until the sixth minute of time added on before Hay slotted a three-pointer after the Pembroke midfield had been caught off-side.
Even then there was five minutes more played but two knock-ons by Pembroke just about summed up a poor match – and when the teams play each other at Crickmarren in a fortnight it is to be hoped that both sets of supporters are treated to a far better local derby match!

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Dean Lawrence; Sam Irwin; Darren Gibby; Gary Pickering; Lee Scourfield; Stuart Hay; Jason Scarfe; David Manning; Gary Burns; Richard McIntyre; Mark Lay; Martin Cunningham; Danny Manning; Kevin Bratcher; Gareth Scourfield (Capt). Replacements: Phil Hughes; Ian Osborne; Simon Coleman; Paul Jonkers; Barry Parsons.

Pembroke: Ryan Hayward; Luke Young; Nicky James; Mark Williams; Matthew Lewis; Phil Williams; Ross McNally; Richard Mason; Gareth Jones (Capt); James Walters; Dai Beynon; Matthew Sprague; Steve Dyde; Tom Surtees; Robin Badham. Replacements: John Jones; Gavin Nicholas; Richard Morris; Aaron Nicholas.

National League Division Three (West):

Blues’ comeback too late

Laugharne 24 points -

Haverfordwest 17 points

Haverfordwest trailed by 19 points at the interval as Laugharne took full advantage of the elements and conceded another try soon after the restart – but made a brave fight back where they were unable to secure a win but at least made sure of a bonus point.
Another plus for the Blues was the fact that they were able to ‘blood’ several talented young players and had something to show for their efforts after conceding those early scores.

Laugharne took the lead after eight minutes from a forward rumble at a lineout ‘catch and drive’ where hooker Delfryn Beynon emerged with the touch down – and added their second try six minutes later when centre Jack Tremlett won the race for the try after a kick and chase took play near the Blues’ line.
Winger Ross Michael added the conversion, as he did just two minutes short of the interval when a push over attempt saw scrum Adam Davies claim the final touch from a scrum five.
Davies rocked the Blues back again within minutes of the restart as he scored in similar circumstances after Laugharne had a enjoyed a temporary one-man advantage – but the Visitors showed great resilience as they fought back well.
Their first try came from veteran flanker Richard Brazell after his pack had driven him a dozen metres to the line following a clean lineout take by Tom Pellowe, followed by a second score with five minutes remaining when play was spread wide and centre Dan Harries crashed through near the posts for Steve Williams to add the extra points.

With the referee looking at his watch the Blues struck again as they established the platform from several concerted phases and promising young prop Ieuan Jones was credited with his first try. Steve Williams converted to bring the Blues within seven points to receive a bonus point in defeat, which was no more than they deserved for sticking to their task to the final minute.

Haverfordwest: Gareth John; Dan Birch; Ben John; Dan Harries; Darren Salmon; Steve Williams (Capt); Mike Venables (Lee Summons); Neil Phillips; Gareth Green; Danny Miners (Ieuan Jones); Tom Pellowe (Graham Price); Gareth Phillips; Richard Walters; Alun Harries; Richard Brazell.

Rugby Reports for 31st January 2009

Featured match

Division Five (West):

Fawcett fires up Mariners

Neyland 10 points -
Milford Haven 30 points

Two tries by talented young second row Gareth Fawcett helped Milford Haven complete a deserved double against Neyland and kept them firmly on top of the section as they fought off a stern challenge from a spirited All Blacks’ side.

The undoubted platform for Milford success was their forward superiority, especially in the set scrums where they took several strikes against the head and allowed scrum half Paul Evans to dictate play, with their backs always eager to run the ball but never able to dominate as Neyland tackled well and refused to let the game run away from them after the Mariners took the early lead with a penalty from full back Leigh Broome.
But Neyland stormed back down the slope and a clever little kick by home No 10 Steve Roberts, allied to a Milford defensive lapse, allowed winger Delme Bateman to claim an unconverted try.
But Milford regained the initiative from a scrum close to the line where Jamie Parr, Craig Smith and Darrell Jones secured the ball against the head and burly No 8 Scott Walters bulldozed his way over for a try where Broome hit the wrong side of the upright from the difficult conversion.

Mark Riley was just short with a long-range penalty for the All Blacks before Broome landed his second three-pointer and right on the interval the Mariners increased their half time lead to 16-5 when Milford outside half Ian Rusinek put Neyland under pressure in the clubhouse corner and the home side’s failure to secure their own lineout ball enabled Fawcett to stretch out and score a try.
Fawcett went close again after the oranges but was denied by the covering Steve Roberts – but the Mariners increased their advantage when centre Dean Matthews used his trademark power to plough his way over the line so that Broome could add the extras.

Delme Bateman was inches short of a second try at the other end but young No 8 Callum Tree marked his senior debut with an unconverted try as reward for his yeoman work in the Neyland back row alongside Simon Phillips and skipper Mark Chamberlain.
But home hopes of a late revival were quickly dented as Fawcett scored his second try and Broome converted to leave Milford Haven with a bonus point and the double over their old rivals since they had won 16-14 at The Obs.

Neyland: Paul Murray: Darren John; Andrew Slark; Adam Collins; Delme Bateman: Steve Roberts; Mark Riley: Richard banner; Craig Bennett; Tony Parsley: Mark James; Carl Britton: Simon Phillips; Mark Chamberlain; Callum Tree. Replacements: Tony Smith-Howell; Ashley Richards; Jason Riley; Steve Evans.

Milford Haven: Leigh Broome: Rhys Holmes; Wayne Sprowell; Dean Matthews; Martin Matthews: Ian Rusinek; Paul Evans: Jamie Parr; Craig Smith; Darrell Jones: Carl Allen (Capt); Gareth Fawcett: Ben Johnson; Mark Wonnacott; Scott Walters. Replacements: Dai Sweeney; Mike Cockburn; Dan Morgan; Tom Bullivant.

Division One (West):

Borderers unable to bounce back

Carmarthen Athletic 29 points - Whitland 18 points

Carmarthen Athletic led 21-10 at half time against Whitland but although the Borderers had the second-half use of the strong wind they were unable to turn pressure into enough points – with the referee reducing the visiting supporters to frustration with some of his decisions and use of the yellow card.
The Athletic grabbed three first-half tries from centre Dai Jenkins, centre and skipper Steve Davies, plus scrum half Aled Thomas, all converted by outside half Stefan Rees, whilst No 10 Carwyn Jones scored the Borderers’ points with a penalty and then conversion of his own try as he cut through near the posts.
Jones opened the second half scoring with a penalty but then joined opposite number Rees in missing a chance apiece before Rees fired over three points after Whitland centre Gary Evans was yellow-carded for kicking the ball away.
Even worse was to follow for Whitland as Athletic winger Rhys Lewis crossed for an unconverted try and although Carwyn Jones took his personal tally to 18 points with a second try there was no way back for the Borderers as the Athletic completed the double.

Martin makes the difference for the Otters

Narberth 16 points - Maesteg 6 points

Narberth retained second place in the section table with a hard-fought win over a Maesteg side that was far bigger than the Otters but was unable to break down the home resolve as they always looked sharper behind and built on a 10-6 interval lead to deservedly secure the spoils.
Outside half  Robbie Evans kicked Maesteg into a 2nd minute lead but Narberth centre Steve martin continued his excellent run of try-scoring as he sliced through to the line for an unconverted score in the 11th minute, followed by another excellent try seven minutes later when winger Johnny Morgan rounded off a smooth handling move with a corner try.

Robbie Evans slotted his second penalty for Maesteg after 23 minutes and although both teams had periods of pressure there was no further scoring in the first period as defences held firm.
Simon Brace made a welcome return at full back for the Otters and although they clearly missed Andrew Dennis in the back row there was some good lineout work by Alex Jenkins and no shortage of tackling by Jamie Bohata and the rest of the back row. Adrian Killa probed well from his scrum half berth and Steve Martin posed a constant threat but neither side was able to score any tries.
Aled Davies kicked a penalty for the Otters midway through the second half and added a second right on the 80 minutes to ensure that there was no way back for Maesteg, with Narberth delighted to have earned their ninth win in 12 league starts.

Division Three (West):

Blues bag best win of season

Haverfordwest 16 points -

Pontyberem 13 points

It was unlucky 13 for Pontyberem as the runaway section leaders were unable to add to their 12 successive victories when they encountered a Haverfordwest team determined to gain revenge for a 36-9 drubbing they received in Pontyberem.
The Blues were committed in all departments and although they trailed 13-7 at the half-way mark they knew that if they could maintain their forward tempo they would be in with a real chance – which is exactly what happened since skipper Steve Williams slotted three vital penalty kicks without any response from Pontyberem to send the Blues’ supporters home delighted by this morale-boosting success.
Yet there was little thought of a Haverfordwest win early on as Pontyberem scored a 16th minute penalty by full back Mike Sauro, who also added the extra points to a try from Nick Harvard as he picked up at a close-range scrum and drove over the line in the 26th minute.
The Blues struck back well and were rewarded as good work by Tom Pellowe, Neil and Gareth Phillips, plus the rest of the home pack, saw prop Danny Miners breaking away from a maul to score a try which Williams converted.

Sauro added his second penalty right on the interval but Williams kicked a three-pointer for Haverfordwest within two minutes of the restart to keep them in contention.
The home back row of Richard Brazell, Alun Harries and Richard Walters was heavily involved in all that Haverfordwest did, as were half backs Steve Edwards and especially skipper Steve Williams, who kicked a penalty to tie things up after 69 minutes and booted them into the lead for the first time with eight minutes remaining.
It meant a tense finale but everyone maintained their cool and Haverfordwest held out for an epic win – and one that was certainly more than the pundits thought likely before the start.

Haverfordwest action rugby pictures supplied by Matthew Kelly at www.rawphotography.me.uk

Cardis go down in Mid Wales

Aberystwyth 13 points - Cardigan 5 points

Aberystwyth used their greater pack power to secure a second victory over Cardigan in as many weeks, following up their 12-11 win in Cardigan last Saturday with success in this equally tough tussle.
The Aber forwards were generally on top and although Cardigan had no shortage of effort they found themselves five points adrift at the break, despite having first use of the elements, with home hooker Eifion Jones ploughing over the line for their unconverted try.

Aber fly half Jason Rees notched a penalty after the interval and centre Paul Stubbs created a good try for Matthew Green as the winger made an excellent one-handed take and crossed in the corner.
Nathan Murphy was the pick of the Cardigan backs as he regularly tried to make ground regularly but it was prop Dai Jones who scored the Teifisiders’ only try after skipper Colin Davies picked up at a scrum and took play to the blind side before transferring inside for Jones to fool the cover with a neat dummy before he squeezed in for a try which at least gave Cardigan something to show for their hard work.

Skipper Gareth helps Cardis crunch Emlyn

Newcastle Emlyn 6 points -

Crymych 31 points

A try in each half by skipper Gareth Davies helped Crymych comfortably overcome Newcastle Emlyn as they established a 10-6 lead at half time and added a further 21 points afterwards as reward for their discipline and control.
Davies, playing well at half back alongside No 9 Huw Rees, controlled play as Trystan Griffiths, Rob and John Davies, Cennydd James and Andrew Phillips were all involved in the close exchanges and Mark Oakman, Carwyn Phillips and Andrew Morris made sure that the Preseli Men secured 50/50 ball from their efforts.

It was Phillips and Gareth Davies who claimed first-half tries for Crymych and all the homesters could manage in return were two well-struck penalties from outside half Rhydian Rees.
Huw Rees sliced through at the posts for a cracking try which he also converted and Gareth Davies raced clear for his second try, converted by Huw Rees, to make the game secure for the Preseli Men before dynamic flanker Andrew Morris got on the score sheet for his support play, again goaled by Rees.
It ensured an eighth win in 11 outings for Crymych and a deserved fourth place in the table where they still have at least two matches in hand on all three teams above them.

Division Four (West):

Scarlets return to winning ways

Cwmgors 5 points - Pembroke 22 points

Pembroke returned to winning ways as they scored four tries and thus claimed a bonus try and victory over basement battlers Cwmgors, whom they had beaten by 87-7 at home but then lost narrowly to in the Swalec Cup.
Cwmgors second row Jamie Bradley gave his side the lead when he charged down an attempted clearance and followed up to score a soft unconverted try – but the Scarlets made amends when their pack drove the opposition over their own try-line and were awarded a penalty try for breaking up the scrum drive.

Ross McNally added the extra points to put Pembroke ahead and with skipper Gareth Jones, veteran prop Richard Morris and James Walters securing possession in the close exchanges it enabled the back row of Steve Dyde, Tom Surtees and Robin Badham to link well with Ryan Hayward in pushing Pembroke onto the offensive.
Mark Williams, who really adds something to the Scarlets’ back division with his pace and power, added their second try from a moved started in their own half, with Morris and replacement Aaron Nicholas putting him away on a typical surge.
Morris also showed that he is no slouch as the prop supported some good work by Ryan Hayward to make a 20 metre gallop to the line and with another replacement in James Roberts also doing well it came as no surprise when Ross McNally dived in at a scrum five to claim the fourth Scarlets’ try and a welcome bonus point into the bargain!

Pembroke Dock Quins v Trimsaran
Match postponed because of a water-logged Bierspool pitch.

Seasiders struggle as Shane’s brother claims hat-trick

Tenby United 14 points - Brynamman 36 points

A hat-trick of tries by Dean Williams, brother of Welsh wonder winger Shane Williams, helped Brynamman dispose of Tenby United at Heywood Lane as the Seasiders lost for only the second time this season and allowed their opponents to close the gap between them in the battle for second place to just a single point, with a game still in hand.
Tom Lewis and Sam Smith scored first-half tries for Tenby, both converted by Lewis, but the writing was already on the wall since they were 17-14 behind and Brynamman had second use of the elements.
Their key player was scrum half Dafydd Jones, who acted as the perfect link between forwards and backs and some slick handling helped Dean Williams race through for his try trio alongside others from second row Chris Bartholomew and centre Adam Rummins, with Dafydd Jones notching a penalty and four conversions in a very big win for the visitors.

Division Five (West):

All square in
basement battle

St Davids 10 points -
Llangwm 10 points

It was a case of all square in the basement battle between St Davids and Llangwm as the Wasps led by a solitary penalty from prop Richard Scriven in a tight first half and the Saints used the elements to score two unconverted tries before a late Llangwm fight-back saw them level matters with a converted try.
Scriven’s three-pointer showed how tight the first half was but with just a three point deficit the home side must have fancied their chances after the interval, especially with  Anthony Davies and Gethin Bateman leading by example up front alongside Dan Colfer, Noel Lyons, Chris Morgan, Jake and Grant Pratt.
Their hopes of repeating their 23-16 victory at Pill Parks were raised when within ten minutes of the restart the Saints claimed a good try by Eddie Bolger as the canny Irish man was driven over the line by Morgan and Co in the Saints’ pack.
They added a second unconverted try when excellent handling by Richard Lewis and Sion Morgan enabled winger Fraser Watson to speed over in the corner but skipper Phil Lamb was again unable to convert.

It says much for Llangwm’s resilience that they failed to succumb as skipper Ian Griffiths and Gareth Jones led by example and their efforts were finally rewarded when centre Will Beresford crossed for a cracking try which Scriven converted to give both teams a point – just about right in the circumstances!

Rugby Reports for 24th January 2009

Swalec Cup Round Five:

Feature Match 

Otters over-run in
second half

Narberth 15 points -
Cardiff 53 points

Narberth enjoyed the boost of a try after only 45 SECONDS against Premier side Cardiff and were still level at 15-all at the interval but found the pace too much after the oranges as Cardiff ran in 38 unopposed points despite the Otters’ efforts.
Steve Martin dived over for the early Otters’ unconverted try but Cardiff mounted a sustained period of pressure from which prop Ian George crashed over in the clubhouse corner and outside half Gareth Davies kicked a simple penalty.

Aled Davies was well off-target for Narberth from 40 metres and Cardiff added a second try as flanker Anthony Shellard burst over at the posts and Gareth Davies added the simple extras.
But the Otters showed their fighting spirit when Aled Davies landed a penalty and full back Matthew Davies sliced through for a cracking try at the posts which Aled Davies converted from the final touch of an entertaining first period to leave the teams sharing 30 points.
But Cardiff raised the tempo after the break and No 8 Craig Everett supported superbly for a big man and was rewarded with two tries in quick succession, the second converted by Gareth Davies.
Both teams used all their substitutes but, hard as Narberth tried, they could never gain the ascendancy for long enough to make an impact and replacement Shaun Jones sped over for a support try, followed by a second for flanker Shellard after skipper Owen Ruttley punished a poor Narberth clearance attempt.

Centre Darren Ryan and winger Ryan Howells rounded off the try scoring as Gareth Davies took his points tally higher with two more conversions – and the Otters were glad to hear Huw David’s final whistle after giving their all but finding themselves outshone in a one-sided second period.

Narberth: Matthew Davies: Tom Bonnell; Steve Martin; Richard Davies; Johnny Morgan: Aled Davies; Andrew Davies: Ryan Perrott; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt): Chris James; Alex Jenkins: Gareth Bateman; Thabani Sangwani; Jamie Bohata. Replacements: Tom Slater; Gareth Flynn; Dai Ebsworth; Jason Jennings; Adrian Killa; Nick Jones; Richard Sharpe-Williams.

Narberth versus Cardiff action pictures kindly supplied by Patrick Jones.

Borderers suffer
surprise exit

Llantwit Vardre 26 points -
Whitland 18 points

Whitland made a disappointing exit from the Swalec Cup against a determined Llantwit Vardre side which showed why they currently top Division Three (South-West) with a 100% record.
They were generally quick about the park and opened up an early ten point advantage with a penalty from scrum half Ceri Thomas and a try by outside half Gary Walsh which Thomas converted – the home side doing well despite having full back Kevin Russell yellow-carded for a high tackle.
Whitland bounced back with good tries by winger Aled Jones after 25 minutes and full back Will Davies after 31 minutes, the first converted by Carwyn Jones, the fly half involved in the setting up of both scores.

Home No 9 Thomas notched a penalty to nudge his team ahead by 13-12 at the interval but Carwyn Jones put the Borderers back in front with a penalty.
The lead was short-lived though, since Llantwit centre Richard Kottley sliced through for a try converted by Thomas, who also added two more penalties from three attempts.
All Whitland could find in response was another Carwyn Jones penalty – and they bowed out of the competition as a result!

Whitland: Will Davies: Aled Jones; Lee Glanville; Gary Evans; Christiaan Roets: Carwyn Jones; Gareth Davies: Richard Smith; Gavin Walsh; Gareth Lloyd: Tom Dinan; Carwyn Davies: John Bowen; Jack Mason; Randal Williams (Capt). Replacements: Romeo Colella; Alan Proctor; Raff Williams; Ryan Michael; Gareth Downes; Gareth Morris; Celt Thomas.

Swalec Cup Bowl
(Second Round):

Seagulls shot down
by single point

Aberaeron 20 points -
Fishguard and Goodwick 19 points

Fishguard could muster only 15 players for this cup clash and they were soon 15 points adrift as Aberaeron scored excellent tries by winger Bleddyn Henton and flanker Tudur Jenkins, one converted by outside half Llyr Davies to go with a penalty.
But the Seagulls rallied enough to prevent any further scoring and claimed two smashing tries of their own as flanker Martin Davey rounded off a 60-metre move and veteran winger Jonathan Jones was again dragged out of retirement to score, both converted by fly half Huw Evans, one from the touchline.

Aberaeron responded with a try by hooker Rhydian Harries but right on the final whistle Fishguard struck again when Nathan Jenkins won good lineout ball and Huw Evans cut through to the corner.
Unfortunately for Fishguard, Evans’ conversion attempt drifted agonisingly wide of the target but Evans, the club’s backs’ coach, was quick to praise the efforts of his depleted side straight after the game.

Fishguard and Goodwick: Rhodri Thomas: Chris Morris; Steve Jenkins; Matthew George; Jonathan Jones: Huw Evans; Simon James (Capt): Dan Morris; Mark James; Richard Hunter: Andrew Merry; Nathan Jenkins: Martin Davey; Thomas Tanua; Mark George.

Swalec Plate (First Round):

Scarlets suffer travel sickness

Newcastle Emlyn 49 points - Pembroke 20 points

Pembroke travelled to Newcastle Emlyn with a depleted side and paid the price as they trailed 39-15 at the interval and were never able to fight their way back into contention.
Dai Beynon and Steve Dyde scored first half tries for the Scarlets, one converted by No 10 Phil Williams to go with a well-struck penalty, and Robin Badham added a third try during the second period but although skipper Gareth Jones, Tom Surtees and Gavin Nicholas tried hard to rally the troops it was never going to be enough to overhaul the homesters.
It was Emlyn who were able to make progress with tries claimed by Alex Williams, Barry Miles, Mark Lloyd, Rhydian Harries (2); Alex Davies and Llyr Richards, with No 10 Harries slotting four conversions and two penalties.

Pembroke: Ross McNally: Matthew Lewis; John Williams; Mark Williams; Andrew Hay: Phil Williams; Ryan Hayward: Richard Morris; Gareth Jones (Capt); James Walters: Dai Beynon; Gavin Nicholas: Steve Dyde; Tom Surtees; Robin Badham. Replacements: Chris Phillips; Johnny Palmer; Adam James.

Division Three (West):

Rees kicks edge out Cardis

Cardigan 11 points - Aberystwyth 12 points

Four penalties by Aberystwyth outside half Jason Rees were just enough to shade a single point-victory for the Mid-Wales outfit against a gritty Cardigan squad whose only consolation was a bonus point for their considerable efforts.
Iestyn Crompton booted Cardigan ahead with a second minute penalty but it was cancelled out six minutes later by Rees’s first three-pointer.
It took Cardigan until the 30th minute to register a try when centre Carwyn Thomas cleverly kicked ahead and full back Mike Diggle won the race for the touch-down but their interval lead was reduced to 8-6 when Rees was again on target with a penalty.
Iestyn Crompton notched his second penalty for cardigan but two further penalties by Rees after 52 and 57 minutes gave Aber that all-important lead.
The Teifisiders battled manfully until the final whistle and could feel a little unlucky not to have a win to show for their commitment – but it was Aberystwyth who held on to keep their top-two place intact.

Cardigan: Mike Diggle: Robert Davies; Nathan Murphy; Carwyn Thomas; Guto Crompton: Iestyn Crompton; Tom Turner: Barry Davies; Nigel Kurish; Dai Jones: Matthew James; Dylan Davies: Dylan Richards; Gonzalo Lucena; Colin Davies (Capt). Replacements: Rob Connolly; Huw Davies; Wayne Parsons.

Tumble fall to Preseli pace

Tumble 11 points - Crymych 43 points

Crymych ran in no fewer than seven tries to not only secure victory against basement battlers Tumble but picked up a deserved bonus point for their willingness to run the ball via half backs Huw Rees and skipper  Gareth Davies.
The game was already as good as won at half time since the Preseli Men were 24-11 ahead, their tries coming from winger Andrew Thomas, prop Rhys Richards, skipper Davey and Huw Rees, who also converted two of them.
Tumble fought hard and claimed a try by winger Roland Allinson to go with two penalties from outside half Steve Hewitt – but Crymych added further tries by dynamic hooker Trystan Griffiths (2) and North-Walian winger Noam Davey, two converted by Rees to give Crymych a clear-cut victory and another climb up the table as their reward.

Crymych: Martin Jones: Andrew Thomas; Nick Bevan; Carwyn Phillips; Noam Davey: Gareth Davies (Capt); Huw Rees: Rhys Richards; Trystan Griffiths; John Davies: Cennydd James; Andrew Phillips: Mark Oakman; Andrew Morris; Carwyn Lawrence. Replacements: Jason Nicholls; Martin Edwards; Aled Harries; Mark Hamilton.

Division Four (West):

Scarfe wraps up Quins bonus point

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 28 points - Betws 9 points

A late try by nippy scrum half Jason Scarfe not only assured the Quins of another excellent win but earned them a valuable bonus point by dint of the fact they crossed for four tries.
Phil Saunders opened the scoring for Betws with a penalty and the visiting No 10 added a second penalty shortly after home flanker Kevin Bratcher had barged his way over for a typical score.
But it was to be the last time that Betws led because with skipper Gareth Scourfield leading by example and the rest of his pack following, the Quins were always able to shade the possession so that Darren Gibby, Lee Scourfield, Gary Pickering and Dean Lawrence posed a constant threat. Lee Scourfield added the Quins’ second score and although Stuart Hay missed the conversion the outside half landed a penalty to nudge the Quins 13-6 ahead at the interval.
Another Hay penalty was followed by a second try at the posts for the ubiquitous Bratcher which Hay converted before Saunders kicked his third penalty for the visitors.
But Betws hopes of a fight-back were quickly quashed as the Quins regained the initiative – and made it a cracking win when Scarfe tied things up with his late sniping score.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Dean Lawrence: Lee Scourfield; Darren Gibby; Gary Pickering; Sam Irwin: Stuart Hay; Jason Scarfe: Richard McIntyre; Gary Burns; David Manning: Mike Scourfield; Martin Cunningham: Danny Manning; Kevin Bratcher; Gareth Scourfield (Capt). Replacements: Mark Lay; Chris Saunders; Paul Jonkers; Rob Hay.

Division Five (West):

Wasps well beaten by Ponty

Pontyates 29 points - Llangwm 0

Llangwm’s disappointing season continued as they were comfortably beaten at Pontyates, leaving the Wasps firmly fixed at the bottom of the table.
There was no shortage of effort from Llangwm but they had skipper Ian Griffiths playing at outside half instead of his regular back row berth and there was little chance of a Wasps’ win as Ponty poured on the agony with four tries, two of them claimed by strong-running centre Paul Simmonite and one from winger Alex Rowlands.

The fourth home try was scored by player coach Paul Herbert, playing in the second row whilst his son, Jamie Herbert; landed a conversion and penalty to complete an unusual family double in the points’ stakes as the Wasps made the journey back to Pembrokeshire without a single point to their name.

Llangwm: David James: James Venables; Will Beresford; Elliott Graham; Daniel Morgan: Ian Griffiths (Capt); James Dix: Richard Scriven; Aled Morgan; Will Scriven: Hamish Nicholls; Nick Phillips: James Griffiths; James Lewis; Gareth Jones. Replacements: Justin Mountstevens; Daniel Hughes.

Rugby Review for Saturday 17th January 2009

Feature Match:

Division One (West):

Borderers battle to deserved double

Whitland 18 points - Felinfoel 12 points

Five first-half penalties from outside half Carwyn Jones, plus a rare dropped goal by full back Will Davies, helped Whitland fend off a strong challenge from Felinfoel in a game where conditions were really unpleasant, especially after the break when heavy rain was added to the powerful wind. The Borderers were given first use of the elements by Felinfoel skipper Simon Delaney and they enjoyed a huge territorial advantage as half backs Carwyn Jones and Gary Davies kicked well in support of a pack where skipper Randall Williams was again outstanding alongside John Bowen and Ryan Michael, ably assisted by Carwyn Davies, Tom Dinan and Gavin Walsh.

Randall Williams was held up after a strong charge involving Gareth Lloyd and Richard Smith, with Christiaan Roets looking strong on a run up the left flank after being given good ball by Gary Evans and Lee Glanville. But there were no tries as the Borderers opened up an early six-point lead when Carwyn Jones notched two penalties from three attempts.
Will Davies caused a surprise as his dropped goal attempt from broken play flew between the uprights and after Jones missed another penalty chance he landed three other kicks, one from near half way which just scraped over the bar!

Felinfoel had few chances to run the ball and they lost flanker Chris Strick for ten minutes – but were allowed far more ball after the break as Whitland were forced to defend. Fly half James Davies slotted penalties after 11 and 17 minutes but Whitland covered well and all Felinfoel could add were a drop goal by centre Chris Keenan and a last-gasp third Davies’ penalty which gave his side a losing bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition.

Whitland: Will Davies: Aled Jones; Gary Evans; Lee Glanville; Christiaan Roets: Carwyn Jones; Gareth Davies: Gareth Lloyd; Gavin Walsh; Richard Smith: Tom Dinan; Carwyn Davies: John Bowen; Ryan Michael; Randall Williams (Capt). Replacements: Romeo Colella; Jack Mason; Gareth Downes; Alan Proctor.

Otters fitness tells in closing stages

Cwmllynfell 15 points -

Narberth 24 points

Narberth made their fitness tell in the final quarter as they overturned a 15-5 deficit and also grabbed a vital bonus point as reward for sticking to their task against a gritty Cwmllynfell side that is always hard to beat on their own territory. The Otters trailed by 10-0 at the interval as home outside half Dean Clancy kicked a penalty and also converted a try by full back Craig Jones – but speedy winger Thomas Bonnell gave Narberth hope with an early second half try.
When Paul Rummings scored Cwmllynfell’s second try after 62 minutes it seemed as if Narberth might not achieve victory but with Alex Jenkins and Ryan Perrott coming on as fresh legs alongside Dan Smith, Justin Hughes and Jamie Bohata, the Otters fought back when classy centre Steve Martin sliced through for a try which Aled Davies converted, as the No 10 did late in the game when Bohata blitzed his way over the line to give the Otters the lead for the first time.
Steve Martin grabbed his second try and Aled Davies slotted the conversion from the final kick of the match to give the Otters the double since they had beaten Cwmllynfell by 46-3 at home.

Division Three (West):

Slick Cardis run amok

Cardigan 39 points - Lampeter 0

Cardigan defied the elements to produce one of their best performances of the season, running in no fewer than five tries whilst making sure that their opponents didn’t manage a single point.
Cardigan played with the wind at their backs in the first half and opened their account when full back Mike Diggle cut through from a good handling movement – and although fly half Iestyn Crompton was unable to convert he soon made amends as he notched four penalties after the back row of Dylan Davies, skipper Colin Davies and especially Rhys Richards secured 50/50 ball which had Lampeter reeling back.

Cardigan had won 20-6 in Lampeter and a second try just on the interval, was set up by Iestyn Crompton and Huw Davies before centre Nathan Murphy rounded things off and Crompton added the extras to give the Teifisiders a 24-point interval cushion.
The Cardigan pack was magnificent in the second period as they made sure that Lampeter had few opportunities to sustain pressure and after keeping things tight for 25 minutes scored the try which final killed off any lingering Lampeter hopes. Colin Davies and Co set up a ruck and when play was spread wide replacement winger Mark Parsons marked his debut with a try
Nathan Murphy grabbed his second score as Cardigan maintained their discipline and kept Lampeter on the back foot, with Colin Davies having the final word after a long-range strike by Diggle had seen the full back held up just short but able to find his captain with the try-scoring pass.

Preseli Men show typical pluck

Crymych 8 points - Llanybydder 0

Points scored either side of the half time whistle were enough to secure Crymych a hard-fought but fully deserved win over Llanybydder, whom they had already beaten in 21-12 in Mid Wales.
Scrum half Huw Rees gave them the lead almost on half time with a well-struck penalty and after Llanybydder had kicked off the second half badly to gift Crymych a scrum it was No 8 Rhydian Thomas who picked up at the resulting scrum and ploughed his way over for an unconverted try.
With skipper Richard Llewellyn on his way to a six-week trip to Fiji and New Zealand, fly half Gareth Davies took over the leadership and guided his team well, kicking astutely to maintain his pack’s momentum as Thomas joined Andrew Morris and Mark Oakman in a lively back row. Former Wales prop John Davies was a tower of strength in the close exchanges, whilst Martin Jones covered well at the back in conjunction with wingers Noam Davey and Andrew Thomas to help Crymych to the double over a team two places above them in the section.

Blues bag eight-try win

Tumble 10 points -

Haverfordwest 48 points

Haverfordwest defied the bad weather to score eight tries at Tumble whilst conceding just one – and all of their tries scored by their lively back division as skipper Steve Williams led the way with 18 points from his two tries and four conversions.

The platform for victory, however, was the work rate and commitment of their forwards so that the Blues had the game won by the interval as they led 31-3, the only points for Tumble being a Steve Hewitt penalty. Hewitt also converted a second half consolation try by centre Aled Healey but, that apart, the visitors played sensible retaining rugby afterwards and managed a further three tries to add to their 43-10 home win against the same team.

As well as Steve Williams’ try duo there were others from Mike Venables and his replacement Robbie Neill (2), full back Darren Salmon (2) and winger Ben John to give the Blues a deserved fifth win of the campaign and allowed them to close the mid-table gap on the teams above them as reward for a cracking all-round team display.

Division Four (West):

Quins too slick for struggling Port

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 37 points - Burry Port 11 points

The Quins again showed that they are far better than their league position demonstrates as they were too strong up front for Burry Port – and certainly too quick behind the scrum as Dean Lawrence called the shots and Lee Scourfield, Darren Gibby and Gary Pickering were constant thorns in the Port defence all afternoon.

The Quins were 17-6 ahead at the break but by then the visitors had called for unopposed scrums after a front row injury – and although this robbed the Quins of some intensity they certainly made up for it in other areas. Tom Price landed two penalties for Burry Port but the Quins replied with three tries from Darren Gibby, Sam Irwin and Mike Scourfield, the last converted by Lawrence.

The Quins took firm control of the second period, where the only black mark was a try by Matthew Banner which they gifted to Burry Port. They showed what smashing rugby they can play when Lee Scourfield sped out of defence from his full back berth and Gary Pickering got up outside him to run in the last 20 metres.
Prop David Manning was the Quins’ man of the match as he ked several charges and further tries came from Mike Scourfield and Pickering, plus others from Gareth Scourfield and Lee Scourfield to round off a good afternoon for the Quins that had head coach Lenny Scourfield smiling at the way his squad played.

Seasiders win it in first half

Tenby United 21 points -

Pembroke 3 points

Tenby United maintained second place in the table after a deserved win over neighbours Pembroke in a hard-fought match where all the points came in the first period as the Seasiders took first use of the elements to establish an 18-point lead and then covered well afterwards to deny the Starlets any further scores.

Sam Smith was again the man of the match for Tenby with his charging runs and he helped set up tries for centre Mark Heywood and flanker Nicky Guymer, one converted by No 10 Tom Lewis, who also kicked two penalties.

There was no shortage of effort for Pembroke by Robin Badham, Steve Dyde, skipper Gareth Jones, James Walters and Richard Mason but all they had to show was a solitary penalty by outside half Phil Williams.
The Scarlets tried to use the elements in the second half but skipper Lee Tucker, Ben Cray, Mike Lewis, Ifan Davies and Gareth Edwards, plus Emyr Hughes and Smith, made sure that there was no further scoring so that Tenby could claim a derby double after a 13-10 win at Crickmarren in the autumn.

Division Five (West):

Ring-rusty Seagulls still win

Pontyates 8 points -

Fishguard and Goodwick 15 points

Fishguard were clearly ring-rusty after so long without a game but they were still too strong for Pontyates and coach Alan Phillips was happy to pick up a win against a side they had also beaten 32-13 at home.
Phillips formed a useful front row with Mark James and Dan Morris, whilst Fijian flanker Tomos Sitivaki caught the eye with his excellent support work, which was rewarded with the Seagulls’ first try. Huw Evans was unable to convert but notched a penalty as the visitors led 8-3 at half time, with flanker Joshua George landing a Ponty penalty.
Joshua also scored his team’s only try after the oranges but Fishguard scrum half Simon James sniped through for a typically powerful try for the Seagulls’ skipper – and Huw Evans added the extra points to ensure a Fishguard victory.

Better performance in Blacks’ defeat

Cefneithin 11 points - Neyland 3 points

Neyland produced a much better performance than of late as they lost at Cefneithin but were always in contention against a side with its eyes on a promotion place and with a 24-13 success against the All Blacks already under their belts.
Home full back Chris Moore opened the scoring with an unconverted try before Mark Riley kicked a penalty from three attempts and the visitors, playing with the elements, looked likely to score a try but knocked on near the line after impressive grafting by skipper Mark Chamberlain, Andrew Slark and Steve Hamer.
Moore missed the conversion of his try but slotted a penalty to give his team an 8-3 interval lead- and replacement No 10 Ryan Davies scored the only points of a tight second half as he booted a penalty, and although the All Blacks really grafted hard into the strong win in the second half were unable to add any further points but at least showed what they are capable of.

Saints  remove Wasps’ sting

Llangwm 3 points - St Clears 20 points

St Clears eased to a solid away win at Pill Parks as they scored two good tries against Llangwm and made sure that the Wasps had few chances to really mount any periods of pressure.
Rhodri Thomas gave the Saints an early lead with a penalty which was soon cancelled out by a similar effort from Llangwm prop Richard Scriven before the visitors scored the opening try of the game when prop Nick Bowen powered his way over from close range and Thomas converted to give the visitors a 10-3 interval lead.

Gareth Jones, James Lewis and skipper Ian Griffiths won some good ball for Llangwm as a back row unit but although Andrew Brock had a good game at No 10 there were few chances for the Wasps to run the ball in worsening conditions.
Rhodri Thomas slotted a second penalty for the Saints and veteran centre Steve Hartland killed off Llangwm’s hopes of a comeback when he thundered over for a try which Thomas converted.

Mariners remain unbeaten

in high winds

Milford Haven 17 points -

St Davids 7 points

Milford Haven maintained their unbeaten record as they defied the awful weather and a determined St Davids’ outfit to secure a win over a team they had already beaten 41-19 in much better playing conditions.
The gale that blew off the Cleddau Estuary caused home coach Alan McClelland to say this was some of the worst weather he had experienced at the Observatory in all his years at the club – but he was pleased to get the match under his belt because the Mariners have four other games still to arrange.
He was also quick to praise St David’s for their battling spirit, with Jack Dudley, Noel Lyons, Nick Davies, Jake and Grant Pratt joining their player of the match, Anthony Davies, in winning good ball.
But it was home scrum half Paul Evans who exerted the greatest influence in the first half as he rounded off a forward drive to pile over the line, Leigh Broome doing well to convert from wide out, and grabbed a second try in similar fashion as Evans lurked with real intent.
Flanker Mike Ryder grabbed a second half try for Milford after good work by Jamie Parr, Craig Smith and Darrell Jones and although the Saints had the final word with a try from replacement prop Rhodri Thomas, converted by skipper Phil Lamb, it was too little, too late as Milford Haven maintained their real thrust for a promotion place.

Rugby Report for 10th January 2009

Again the weather hit hard across the county as only three matches were played but some consolation might come from the fact that there were no matches played in West Wales. Pembroke had a good win at home to Hendy, St Davids lost 22-5 as they played host to Cefneithin whilst Neyland had an afternoon to forget as they lost 27-0 at the Athletic Ground against Aberaeron and had two men sent off in the process!

Featured Match . . .

Division Five (West):-

A day to forget for
sad All Blacks

Neyland 0 -
Aberaeron 27 points

Neyland produced one of their most lack-lustre performances for a long time as they not only failed to score a single point at the Athletic Ground whilst conceding 27 points – but they also had Chris Busby and Steve Hamer red-carded, plus winger Delme Bateman yellow-carded as they finished the match with only 12 men!

The All Blacks played into the wind and up the slope in the first period and were clearly intent on keeping the ball in hand as they ran everything at the opposition – but all too often allowed the ball to be turned over up front or they were penalised as they failed to hunt as a pack and suffered the consequences.
They looked quite sharp early on as Martin Roberts showed his ability to make ground when the winger was put away n the right touchline but good covering by Aberaeron No 15 Tom Taylor saved the day and Aberaeron had two long-rage penalties by Dylan Evans which fell short from within his own half before the centre made it third time lucky from 25 metres.
Even worse was to follow as Neyland conceded a soft try when a midfield pass went to ground and Aberaeron winger Aled Davies hacked the ball through. Richard Smith covered well for the All Blacks but found himself isolated and Aberaeron’s alert flanker Adam Jones claimed a corner try which Dylan Evans did well to convert.

Neyland failed to heed the warning signs about their ball retention and another sloppy pass at the base of a ruck allowed Aberaeron to set up an attack from which burly prop Deiniol Evans was driven over and Dylan Evans added the extra points.
Neyland had the chance to reduce the deficit right on the interval when a typically block-busting run by pocket-battleship centre Adam Collins put Delme Bateman in with a half chance but although the winger he did well he as dragged down right in the corner and another chance wet a-begging as the resulting penalty was again wasted.

Neyland were still in with a chance of coming back with the elements in their favour but they were unable to turn further pressure into points and suffered tow interception scores as first centre Owen Williams and then full back Tom Turner latched on to floated passes and sped to the corner for unconverted tries.
Neyland No 8 Chris Busby was red-carded for alleged violent conduct and centre Steve Hamer was yellow-carded and then shown the red card by referee Steve Roberts, who had sent two Neyland players off on his last visit, and Bateman followed with a late yellow card to complete a miserable day for the All Blacks as Aberaeron enjoyed a deserved away win with a bonus point for their disciplined approach to the match.

Neyland: Richard Smith; Martin Roberts; Steve Hamer; Adam Collins; Delme Bateman: Mark Riley; Andrew Slark: Carl Britton; Richard Banner; Craig Bennett: Mark James; Tony Smith-Howell: Simon Phillips; Mark Chamberlain; Chris Busby. Replacements: Paul Murray; Darren John; Alan Hansen; Martin Davies; Mark Wilson.
Aberaeron: Tom Taylor: Bleddyn Henson; Owen Williams; Dylan Evans; Aled Davies: Llyr Davies; Karl Williams: Alex Danton; Rhydian Harries; Deiniol Evans: Luke Daniel; Nathan Best: Tudur Jenkins (Capt); Adam Jones; Elgan Jones. Replacements: Owen Wozencroft; Sion Arran; Dylan Williams; Rhydian Severs.

Division Five (West):-

Saints suffer double defeat

St Davids 5 points - Cefneithin 24 points

St Davids suffered a home defeat against Cefneithin which gave the visitors a double over the Saints and maintained their promotion quest into the bargain.
Small wonder then that coach Nigel Mills was delighted with his team’s display as they scored four tries to earn a bonus point and he singled out No 8 Jamie Powell and prop Tom Hadley, making his first appearance out of youth rugby, for extra praise in a good all-round team display where they managed to stifle the Saints’ ball winning capacity based around Gethin Bateman, Gareth Charles, Jack Dudley and Eddie Bolger.

Cefneithin led 17-0 at half time thanks to good tries from full back Chris Moore, winger Martin Blofield and centre Jonathan Morgan, one converted by Moore.
The Saints brought on Dan Colfer for Dudley at half time and also used Matthew Bennett during the last quarter as replacement for winger Richard Lewis but all they could muster was a single try scored by winger Craig Challonder after quick hands from Sion Morgan, Fintan Godkin and skipper Phil Lamb, who came into the line from full back to create space but missed the conversion.
Cefneithin captain Dai Thomas, who led by example all afternoon from his back row berth, also got his name on the visitors’ try sheet and Moore managed a second conversion to set the seal on victory for Cefneithin, leaving St Davids to reflect on another home defeat.

St Davids:  Phil Lamb (Capt): Richard Lewis; (Matthew Bennett); Sion Morgan; Fintan Godkin; Craig Challonder: Geraint Morris; Brian Phillips: Nick Davies; Noel Lyons; Jack Dudley (Dan Colfer): Gethin Bateman; Jake Pratt: Eddie Bolger; Gareth Charles; Grant Pratt.

Division Four (West):-

Scarlet runners storm to success

Pembroke 38 points - Hendy 15 points

Pembroke thoroughly earned a home win over Hendy as they used their powerful pack as the launch pad for success and then utilising their pacy back division to allow them to finish with six tries against their opponents’ two tries in a bonus-point victory.
No 8 Robert Jones was the Pembroke man of the match as he stormed through for a try in each period but this was anything but a one-man display as team spokesman Darrell Willington pointed out afterwards:
“We were strong in the set-pieces and used hard-won possession well so that we got on top, especially during the second half where we had drained much of the resistance out of a useful Hendy side.”

The Scarlets led 14-8 at the interval as winger Emyr Harries capitalised on a rare Pembroke error to score a try and although outside half Rhydian Morris was unable to convert he made amends with a penalty – but tries from powerful prop James Walters and then No 8 Jones, both converted by outside half Phil Williams eased the Scarlets into a six-point lead at the oranges.
Hendy did manage a second try, this time by winger Mark Tiplady, but they were never allowed to head Pembroke as Richard Mason, skipper Gareth Jones and Walters formed a rock-solid front three and No 8 Jones found excellent support as a trio of marauders from Tom Surtees and James Roberts, aided an abetted by Dai Beynon and Matt Sprague.

Ryan Hayward had a good game as he helped Phil Williams call the shots at halfback, with Mark Williams posing a threat through the middle with his powerfully direct runs. Luke Young, Barry Bowen, Ross McNally and Matthew Lewis covered well and further Scarlet tries came from No 8 Jones, prop Richard Mason, centre Mark Williams and winger Matthew Lewis.
Phil Williams added two more conversions to cap a good all-round day for Pembroke, who can build on this performance to lift themselves higher in the league table.

Pembroke:  Ross McNally: Luke Young; Mark Williams; Barry Bowen; Matthew Lewis: Phil Williams; Ryan Hayward; Richard Mason; Gareth Jones (Capt); James Walters: Matthew Sprague; Dai Beynon: Tom Surtees; James Roberts; Rob Jones. Replacements: John Williams; Aaron Nicholas; Richard Morris; Robin Badham.

ANNOUNCEMENT - 12:00-noon 3rd Jan 2009
With the exception of the Tenby United v Trimsaran game, ALL of today’s West Wales League Games are OFF, due to frost.

Check back with us for an early report on the Tenby United v Trimsaran game.