PHOTOS: Tenby's Dan Thomas (above) is held up by Fishguard No 9 Rhodri Morgans, Gerwyn Davies and Matthew George.
Seasider's centre Gavin Brace (below) is tackled by Rhodri Thomas and James Griffiths.
Fishguard's veteran prop Alan Phillips (below) takes on opposite number Robbie Clarke.
Tenby skipper Nicky Guymer (bottom) opens their scoring.
Pictures kindly supplied by Dave Bolton.
Swalec Bowl Round Three:
 Seasiders too strong for Seagulls
Tenby United 43 - Fishguard & Goodwick 16
Tenby United moved into the fourth round of the Swalec Bowl as their reward for a comfortable home win over a Fishguard side which never gave up trying and played its part in an entertaining tussle.
But the Seasiders greater strength in depth and experience finally told off as they ran in seven tries to the Seagulls’ one – and the game was marred by the sending off of replacement Fishguard prop Romeo Colella in the last quarter, and a couple of unsavoury incidents that had referee Jonathan Hardy working overtime to keep the lid on tensions brewing late on.
Colella will have cause to remember this match because he was due to start the game but turned his ankle over whilst going on to the pitch and so veteran prop Alan Phillips had to start the game and Colella came on in the second period to exert a considerable influence alongside brother Steve and Nathan Jenkins.
The Seagulls also gave a start at outside half to talented Welsh under 18 rugby league player James Griffiths and he marked his excellent debut with three well-struck penalties and the conversion of a try for hooker Gavin Walsh which Griffiths also created with a powerful charge and neat sideways flick of the ball near the posts.
Four first half Tenby tries
 Griffiths gave his side an early lead but then Tenby showed what they could do with a good try for skipper Nicky Guymer at the posts after good work by No 8 Sam Smith, converted by James Davies, followed by an unconverted try by second row Gareth Edwards from a lineout drive.
A second Griffiths’ penalty reduced the deficit but good work by flanker Jason Ronowitz and winger Dai Meyrick put James Davies in for their third try before Gareth Edwards claimed his second after Ilaisa Torau had established the platform and Edwards bullocked his way through from 15 metres for Davies to add the extra points.
Griffiths notched a third three-pointer for the visitors but Tenby had the final word of the half when Dai Meyrick did well to shrug off two tacklers and dive over for a corner try to give his team a 29-9 interval lead.
Two tries in a minute before Seagulls score
Tenby continued to call the shots in the third quarter but indiscipline cost them a couple of half chances before they opened the half’s scoring following a smart surge by No 10 Toby Smith which allowed Dan Colley to score a try converted by Davies.
 The Seasiders added another seven points straight from the kick-off as quick hands allowed Ronowitz to score a try as reward for his bustling support work, again with Davies adding the extra points.
Fishguard had the final word when Griffiths set up and converted Walsh’s try but it was too little, too late, and Tenby moved into the last 32 with a real chance of making further progress if they can maintain this momentum.
Tenby United: Dan Colley; James Davies; Arthur Maulio Martino; Gavin Brace; Dai Meyrick; Toby Smith; Richard Rossiter; Rob Clarke; Nicky Guymer; Lewis Davies; Wyndham Williams; Gareth Edwards; Ilaisa Torau; Jason Ronowitz; Sam Smith. Replacements: Dan Thomas; Lee Tucker; Rob Tuttle; Junior Kaumaitotoya.
Fishguard & Goodwick: Rhodri Thomas; Gareth Adamson; Matthew Reynolds; Mike Jenkins; Matthew George; James Griffiths; Rhodri Morgans; Gerwyn Davies; Gavin Walsh; Alan Phillips; Gwilym Evans; Richard Hunter; Mark George; Emyr Hughes; Mark Leonard. Replacements: Romeo Colella; Mark James; Steve Jenkins; Nathan Jenkins.
National League (Division One):
Otters unable to secure the spoils
Bonymaen 20 - Narberth 14
Narberth travelled to Bonymaen in search of a league double having beaten this opposition by 45-3 at the Lewis Lloyd Ground – but the Otters were unable to repeat that sort of form against a rejuvenated Bonymaen side and so lost vital points for the win but managing to secure a bonus point.
But the Otters made a good start when talented centre Steve Martin sliced through for an unconverted try as early as the tenth minute – but they missed further half chances in a tight period and found themselves 5-10 down at half time after home outside half Ian Brooks had notched a 16th minute penalty and converted a 31st minute try by second row Richard Jones.
Props off in different circumstances!
Aled Davies had been off-target with a penalty in between these two scores and the Otters lost skipper Justin Hughes in unusual circumstances at the interval when skipper Justin Hughes was called away because his wife had gone into labour!
Narberth also lost another prop as Sion Lloyd was red-carded and the game had to finish with uncontested scrums since the Otters ran out of front row men.
Bonymaen started the second half well as winger Richard Williams sped over for a try goaled by Brooks but good work by the Otter pack allowed Aled Davies two penalty chances which the outside half gratefully accepted.
Brooks and Davies swapped further penalties but the Otters’ attempts at closing the six-point gap were further hampered when centre Richard Davies was yellow carded in the closing stages – and Bonymaen moved up the table just behind Narberth, who were left to reflect on a game where they failed to take their chances and paid the inevitable price!
Narberth: Roger Davies; Tom Bonnell; Richard Davies; Steve Martin; Mark Heywood; Aled Davies; Adrian Killa; Sion Lloyd; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt); Alex Jenkins; Chris Scarfe; Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Lewis Wood.
2nd January 2011
PHOTOS: Whitland No 8 Luke Kendall (above) breaks from the scrum.
Below Borderers' young second row Aidan Laxton secures quality lineout possession.
Whitland prop Gareth Lloyd on the burst.
Pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
National League Division One (West):
Borderers gift points to Steel Men
Whitland 13 - Corus 17
 Whitland conspired to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Corus as they allowed a deserved 13-0 interval lead to be wiped out by two soft converted tries – and then showed further seasonal generosity as they conceded a silly penalty late on so that all they had to show for being on top for much of the game was a losing bonus point.
The Borderers opened the scoring after 12 minutes when good work up front by Raff Williams, Aled Richards, Aidan Laxton and Gareth Lloyd set up the chance for scrum half Huw Rees to slot a penalty. Rees added another three-pointer after Jonathan Thomas had set up a clear-cut chance for Mike Georgiou but the centre slipped and was unable to score a try – but Corus conceded a penalty straight afterwards in front of their own posts.
Corus No 10 Simon Evans missed a penalty chance before Whitland scored the first try of the match when full back Johnny Morgan pouched a clearance attempt, chipped forward, did well to regather his second kick and supply Alex Pickersgill with the scoring pass for the winger to score in the left corner.
Rees converted from wide out and a 13-0 interval lead was certainly no more than the Borderers deserved.
Second half soft tries
 But then Corus benefitted from some poor decision-making by Whitland, the first allowing a soft interception try after the Borderers had worked a three-to-one overlap but a floated pass allowed replacement Corus winger John Phillips to intercept and speed 65 metres to the posts for full back Cody Rees to add the extra points. It meant that instead of being 20-0 in front the Borderers were only 13-7 to the good!
Even worse was to follow as the Borderers lost attacking ball again and Corus did well to swing play wide so that Phillips outpaced the home cover on a 70 metre run, and then managing to go near enough to the posts for Rees to add the conversion points.
It put Corus in front and although the Borderers went close with a Huw Rees penalty which fell just short of the posts, it was Corus who rounded off the scoring with a penalty by Cody Rees after a Whitland player had tried to run the ball out of defence but was cleverly isolated by the Steel Men’s cover to set up the simplest of kicks.
It meant that the visitors were able to celebrate victory as reward for their dogged persistence and move into third place in the table but Whitland could and should have won this tussle but showed a lack of awareness at key moments which threw away much of their momentum at just the wrong time.
Whitland: Johnny Morgan; Dion Thomas; Carwyn Jones; Mike Georgiou; Alex Pickersgill; Jonathan Thomas; Huw Rees: Gareth Lloyd; Marc Jones; Aled Richards: Raff Williams; Aidan Laxton: John Bowen; Ryan Michael (Capt); Luke Kendall. Replacements: Andrew Davies; Gareth Jones; Carl Smith; Aled Thomas; Dafydd Williams.
Corus: Cody Rees: Richard Thomas; Aled Bevan; Mike Davies; Bemi Fisher: Simon Evans; Rory Gallagher: Liam Grice; Simon Crocker; Ryan Thomas: Paul Clapham (Capt); Matthew Davies: Andy Llewellyn; Rhys Tucker; Chris Kinsey. Replacements: Geraint Lang; Ryan Curtis; Rowan Davies; Rob Morgans, John Phillips.
Division Three (West):
Preseli Men pounce in the second half
Crymych 30 - Lampeter Town 15
A strong second half saw Crymych fight their way back from a 12-15 interval deficit to a Llandeilo side which had played well up until that time but was finally ground down by the Preseli Men’s fitness levels and will to win.
Yet it was Crymych who made the brighter start as they showed good handling skills in midfield to put pacy winger Guto Griffiths over for an unconverted try. But Lampeter fought back with a good try by flanker Dewi Williams which outside half Huw Thomas converted, followed by an unconverted try by centre Gareth Roberts that showed the Preseli Men that they were in danger of losing their 100% record.
Crymych fought their way back as good work up front from Jason Nicholls, John Davies, Richard Sharp-Williams, Tomos Jones and skipper Simon James earned them a penalty which Gareth Davies converted, only for Huw Thomas to nudge Lampeter back in front just before the break with a well-struck penalty.
But whatever coaches Lyn Williams and Elgan Vittle said to their Crymych players at half time it clearly worked because they raised the tempo and reclaimed the lead with two good penalties by full back Dyfan Dafydd.
From that moment there was only likely to be one winner as livewire hooker Josh Clark barged through for a try and then Emyr Williams showed that he is well and truly back from injury with a try which Dyfan Dafydd converted – and maintained the Preseli Men’s proud 11-match winning streak that puts them 12 points ahead at the top of the table!
Blues bag big win at Laugharne
Laugharne 6 - Haverfordwest 39
Haverfordwest produced an outstanding second half display where they built on a promising 15-6 interval lead to score 24 unanswered points that earned them a deserved win and pinned their opponents firmly in the bottom two of the section table whilst the Blues moved into the top four.
The Blues were boosted by the inclusion in their squad of scrum half Jarred Bayliss and flanker Sam Van de Valk, who are both over on an exchange visit from Waikato in New Zealand, but this was another excellent all-round performance by Haverfordwest as they restricted Laugharne to just two first-half penalties from Alistair Chambers.
Steve Williams had opened the scoring for Haverfordwest with a penalty which was soon cancelled out by Chambers’ first attempt before the Blues grabbed the first try of the match when second rower Richard Walters picked up a loose a ball some 40 metres out and galloped over for an unconverted solo try.
Then David Williams added a second try from his centre berth after some good handling amongst the backs and big brother Steve added the extra points before Chamber’ second penalty came for Laugharne just before the break.
But there was no halting the Blues after the interval as Bayliss joined the fray and scored a try from a quickly-taken tapped penalty within three minutes of the resumption, followed by an excellent John Whitticombe try 11 minutes later, both converted by Steve Williams. Other tries followed from Bayliss and then replacement winger Dan Collins so that the Blues also picked up a bonus point – and ensured an excellent start to 2011 as their undoubted reward!
28th December 2010
Both teams line up before the Seagulls' entertaining Boxing Day fixture at the Moors.
Picture kindly supplied by Andrew Butler.
Boxing Day Rugby:
Seagulls hot on Boxing Day
Seagulls’ Select XV 24 - Invitation XV 17
Fishguard & Goodwick RFC held a very entertaining Boxing Day fixture in which a Seagulls’ Select team played against an Invitation team. Despite the recent cold weather and a hard pitch putting the game in doubt, it went ahead with the Select team finally running out victors by 24 points to 17. It was a closely fought and entertaining match and the large crowd that showed up to support were treated to some delightful rugby from players past and present. The result really could have gone either way up until the last five minutes, when the Select team managed to create a few gaps, exploiting some tired legs to run in the winning try.
Fund-raising for vital cause
The game was arranged by Steve Morgans and Tracey Lewis as part of Steve's fundraising towards his London to Paris bike ride in August 2011 for Everyman cancer charity, and raised in excess of £700.
Steve and Tracey are extremely grateful to everyone involved, particularly the players, some of whom had travelled a considerable distance to take part, and everyone at the rugby club for their fantastic support and for allowing the fixture and the use of the club afterwards. Also thanked are Lorenzo Giacci who refereed the game expertly, assisted by touch judges Osian and Will. A huge thank you also to everyone who supported, sponsored and donated in various ways, and to Helen Phillips and Barclays Bank for their pledge of pound for pound match funding.
Top sponsorship
The match was sponsored by the following; GW of St Clears, Chris James - IOS Recruitment, Des James & Son Builders, Wern Road Motors, Pembrokeshire Bikes, The Card Cabin, Roger James Carpentry, Tenby House, J D Jones & Co, E H James, China Chef, Cresswells, Anne's Hair Boutique, Marc George, Jodie Murphy, Chris Morgan (St David's RFC), Henry Parry, Tesco Express. Steve is also extremely grateful to everyone else too numerous to mention who donated during and after the match.
You can still sponsor Steve!
Steve is cycling from London to Paris in August 2011 to raise money for ‘Everyman’ cancer charity. Everyman is a campaign that was launched by The Institute of Cancer Research in 1997. Its mission is to stamp out testicular and prostate cancer by making everyone recognise the tell-tale signs and to fund life-saving research. Helping Steve prepare for the ride are Pembrokeshire Bikes of Fishguard, who have pledged to ensure that he will be ready for the challenge.
Steve can be sponsored through his 'Just giving' page at; www.justgiving.com/Steve-Morgans
Gareth Edwards Cup:
Otters retain Gareth Edwards Cup
Narberth 31 - Crymych 8
Narberth retained the Gareth Edwards Cup as they fended off a strong challenge from Crymych in this traditional Boxing Day clash between these old rivals, played in memory of a character who had served both clubs so well in his time.
Both teams gave a run out to teams comprised mainly of second teams and youth players and it was the Preseli Men who made the brighter start as Andrew Morris, Carwyn Rees and Hefin Evans looked sharp up front and veteran centres Matthew Hill and Wyn Jenkins were ready to run at the Otters’ midfield. They took a deserved early lead when a snipe by No 9 Steff Jones took them to the line and quick second phase allowed outside half Gafin Thomas to claim an unconverted try.
Narberth had three penalty chances but No 10 James Davies could manage just one of them, hitting the woodwork with another before the Otters finally grabbed the lead after centre Rupert Dunn created the space and the final pass by winger Phil Bevan allowed full back Tim Plumb to score an unconverted try to give the homesters an 8-5 interval lead.
 James Davies increased the Narberth advantage with a penalty as Anthony Griffiths led the home pack by example, ably assisted by Aubrey Young, Murray Phillips and Deri Galvin.
Back came Crymych with a penalty by Gafin Thomas but then the Otters’ pack pressure began to pay off and a lineout take and 15-metre drive saw Anthony Griffiths emerge to claim a try where davies’ conversion attempt hit the woodwork.
Further pressure saw Davies slot a penalty and replacement winger Dylan Hawkridge instigated a move from which centre Rory Bennett cut through for a try which Davies converted. The final word also went to the Otters as another concerted drive saw Murray Phillips impelled over the line by Paul Bevan and Co up front before referee Richard Griffiths, who had a good game, called a halt to a game where both sides battled hard to overcome the heavy conditions and treated the hardy crowd to some entertaining and constructive rugby.
 Narberth: Tim Plumb; John Morse; Rory Bennett; Rupert Dunn; Phil Bevan; James Davies; Tom Parcells; Gareth Bevan; Aubrey Young; Edward Pritchard; Rhydian Williams; Murray Phillips; Deri Galvin; Peter Pritchard; Anthony Griffiths. Replacements: John Thomas; Adam John; Ben Douglas; Dylan Hawkridge; Nathan Lloyd; Paul Bevan.
Crymych: Barry Davies; Rhys Stilwell; Wyn Jenkins; Matthew Hill; Dylan Ridley; Gafin Thomas; Steff Jones; Osian Thomas; Carwyn Rees; Johnny Phillips; Gruff Howells; Ben Richards; Andrew White; Andrew Morris; Hefin Evans. Replacements: Paul Jenkins; Jeff Collins.
PHOTOS: Rupert Dunn (top) on the break for Narberth.
Narberth No 9 Tom Parcells (middle) snipes away.
Crymych (right)go on the counter-attack.
Action pictures supplied by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
Narberth chairman John Owen, Dilys Edwards (Gareth Edwards' mother) and Narberth skipper Gareth Bevan with the trophy.
Narberth second row Murray Phillips receives the man of the match award from coach John Hodgeon.
Presentation pictures kindly supplied by Patrick Jones.
Saints edge out their Exiles
St Davids 10 - Exiles 5
St Davids welcomed their Exiles’ side for a hard-fought contest where all the points came in a competitive first period before conditions deteriorated after the interval and passing became something of a lottery as neither team was able to add to its points tally.
St Davids took the early lead following a break by excellent outside half Adam Phillips which was continued by centre Fintan Godkin before he provided the scoring pass for flanker Gethin Jones to cross for an unconverted try.
The Exiles hauled themselves level as No 8 Anthony ‘Ianto’ Davies and 53 year old Colin Reynolds (orchestrating matters well at fly half) set up the platform for forward Matthew Bennett to make an incisive break from which winger Jake Liley sped through for an unconverted try.
The Saints grabbed the all-important winning try right on the interval when Richard Lewis marked his return to action with an opportunist try after Chris Morgan had set up possession from No 8 and Adam Phillips had provided Lewis with a well-timed pass.
There was plenty of action after the break as both teams tried hard to defy the conditions but there was to be no further scoring and St Davids were good value for victory.
Scarlets snatch the verdict at Crickmarren
Pembroke 20 - Exiles 15
Pembroke outscored their Exiles by four tries to three in the annual Boxing Day clash at Crickmarren where both teams and a hardy band of supporters took the chance to get in a game of rugby where both sides tried hard to entertain with running rugby as the keynote feature.
The Scarlets used the match as a chance to give a run out to some talented youngsters alongside more experienced campaigners, with tries coming from second row Dan Williams, No 8 Robin Badham, flanker Robert Jones and full back Scott Richards, normally playing football for Angle but slotting in well at No 15 and rounding off his performance with a well-taken try.
The Exiles welcomed home Dominic Colman from Llandovery College and the powerful centre claimed a try, as did No 8 Rob Weston, back from college in Bristol, and Aaron Nicholas. They went close on a number of other occasions but it was Pembroke who finished off victors before both teams and supporters found the warmth of the clubhouse and enjoyed the traditional post-match celebrations.
PHOTOS: St Davids 2010.
Ben Evans (below) & Noel Lyons give chase.
Gethin Bateman (second below)wins lineout ball.
Referee Alwyn Harries (Laugharne) (third below) who had a good game. Pictures supplied by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
Swalec Bowl Round Three:
Saints go out but battle hard
St Davids 3 - Llanybydder 25
 St Davids bowed out of the Swalec Bowl as they went down to defeat against Llanybydder but could take some consolation that they played with commitment against a team a section above them and in contention for promotion from Division Four (West).
The Saints were 20-5 adrift at half time and Llanybydder might have expected to cruise past 50 points but although they claimed another try soon after the oranges they were unable to break down the home side’s defences as Jack Dudley and Chris Morgan came on to bolster it alongside Eddie Bolger, who not only led St Davids well but had a terrific match at scrum half.
Good start for Llanybydder
The writing was on the wall for St Davids almost from the kick-off as a clever short kick earned Llanybydder possession from which powerful prop Gavin Boak crashed over the line for an unconverted try.
 St Davids fought back, however, with Jake Pratt, Darren Davies, Gethin Bateman, Noel Lyons and Steve Morris to the fore, earning two penalties in quick succession. Winger Adam Phillips missed the first attempt from long range but neatly chipped the second through the posts from 25 metres.
But when the Saints lost possession in an attack they were punished as visiting scrum half Gareth Evans set up a counter-attack from which winger Gethin Hunter scored a try wide out. Tomos Wilson saw his wide-angled conversion bounce out off the cross bar but he added
Llanybydder’s third try and notched the conversion to give his side a 15-point interval lead.
Shared second half
When burly prop Boak ploughed through for his second try soon after the restart it looked as if Llanybydder might add further tries but St Davids stood firm and showed their determination to share the rest of the half in terms of territory as everyone played their heart out in the home team’s cause.
 St Davids: Andrew Lamb: Jamie Barry; Dafydd Price; Russell Watkins; Adam Phillips; Phil Lamb; Eddie Bolger (Capt); Ben Evans; Steve Morris; Nick Davies; Darren Davies; Gethin Bateman; Jake Pratt; Gethin Jones; Noel Lyons. Replacements: Jack Dudley, Craig Challonder; Chris Morgan.
Llanybydder: Rhun Wilson: Gethin Hunter; Rhys Bowen; Chris Owen; Dafydd Davies; Darrell Griffiths; Gareth Evans; Llyr Jones; Osian Potter; Gavin Boak: Gary Evans; Rob Dyer; Daniel Evans; Jason Evenden; Tomos Wilson. Replacements: Aled Williams; Carwyn Evans; Dorian Jones; Gareth Evans.
 Makeshift Blacks pay the price
Aberaeron 45 - Neyland 7
Neyland travelled to Aberaeron with something of a makeshift side and paid the inevitable price, although they never gave up trying and might have scored a few more points.
There were particularly good performances from John Tennick at No 8 and Steve Hamer, who led the side by example as he tackled hard and was heavily involved in all that his side did.
The All Blacks are not renowned as good travellers and within minutes of the start were down to 14 men as Andrew Slark was yellow-carded – and whilst down to 14 men conceded tries to home No 8 Neil Snowden and scrum half Owain Williams. Both were converted by No 10 Dylan Evans, as was Williams’ second try a little later, after the All Blacks had gone close from a typical break by centre Adam Collins – but full back Gregg Miller was just unable to grasp the difficult final pass.
Then Aberaeron added two more tries in the early second period through full back Owain Rhys and flanker Rhodri Severs to completely kill off Neyland hopes, but the All Blacks managed a very good try from No 8 Tennick, with centre Mark Riley notching the conversion.
It was to be the All Blacks’ only score, however, as the Mid Wales’ side had tries by skipper Tudur Jenkins from his berth in the back row, plus replacement outside half Carl Williams, who also kicked the conversion to set the seal on a clear-cut home win which Neyland will hope to reverse when then both teams meet again at the Athletic Ground next Saturday!
Steve Hamer - outstanding for Neyland.
 Division Four (West):
Marauding Mariners score eight tries
Milford Haven 54 - Hendy 14
Milford Haven showed that they are back on form as they ran in no fewer than eight tries against Hendy to keep their recent momentum going as they continue to climb the league table.
Leading the way was Leigh Broome, who grabbed two tries, as well as landing four conversions and two penalties for a personal haul of 24 points, whilst half back partner Tom Arnold not only scored a try from his No 9 berth but also picked up the man of the match accolade as he was involved in all that the Mariners did.
Coach Alan McClelland and team manager Steve Trueman were delighted by the performance as their side led by 30 points at half time, with other tries from full back Lee Riley, always a potent force with his deep runs, wingers Tom Bullivant and skipper Craig Thomas plus hooker Ben Johnson. Open side prop Mike Cockburn, received the loudest cheer of the afternoon as he beat the cover from 20 metres when he was perfectly placed to round off a 75 metre move instigated by front row colleague Darren Lewis.
Gareth Fawcett was again a key ball-winner up front, also featured heavily and the only blemish on an excellent all-round performance was the fact that Hendy scored tries from centre Carl Rees and scrum half Kieran James, easily their best player, both converted by outside half Jason Davies.
Tom Arnold - Milford man of the match.
Division Five (West):
Badham bags brace as Scarlets succeed at home
 Pembroke 20 - Penygroes 10
Two tries by big No 8 Robin Badham helped Pembroke to victory over Penygroes at Crickmarren, with the Scarlets’ pack helping to set up victory with a powerful performance.
It was never going to be easy against a side which is known for its gritty qualities and the Scarlets were only 5-3 ahead at the interval as Badham was perfectly placed to round off some concerted forward pressure after Penygroes had taken the early lead with a penalty from outside half Chris Powell.
Whatever coach Ossie Boswell said at the interval it seemed to work because the Scarlets took a measure of control up front as Sean Willington, a youth prospect, Gareth Jones and Tom Jones formed a strong front three and the back row trio of Badham, Luke Hansford and skipper Steve Dyde fed off the ball-winning capabilities of Mark Boswell and Dai Beynon.
A penalty by outside half Andrew Davies, playing on permit from Narberth, put the Scarlets further ahead and more concerted forward pressure saw Badham on hand to claim his second unconverted try.
It seemed as if the game was won but then the homesters gifted Penygroes a soft try at the posts for No 8 Gareth Davies, which Powell converted, so that Pembroke were only three points ahead.
But Andrew Davies secured the spoils for Pembroke after skipper Dyde had charged down a clearance attempt, almost from the kick-off, and the No 10 not only dived on the ball to grab a try but also converted for good measure so that the Scarlets were able to celebrate a morale-boosting victory!
Robin Badham - two-try Pembroke hero.
4th December 2010
PHOTOS: Dai Evans (above) shows his pace. Fraser Watson tackles ( below) opposite number Alun George
Huw Evans (second below) probes for a gap. Mike Jenkins (third below) on his way through. Action pictures kindly supplied by Andrew Butler.
 National League Division Five (West):
Soaring Seagulls outlast gritty Saints
St Davids 7 - Fishguard 18
Fishguard and Goodwick moved into joint first place in the section table with a hard-fought victory over a St Davids outfit which never gave up trying and prevented the Seagulls from picking up the vital fourth try that would have given them the bonus point that would have allowed Fishguard to go top.
 Victory provided Fishguard with their seventh win, to go with a draw, from their eight league games so far – and also gave them one hand on the Seagulls’ Cup, competed for annually by these neighbours in a traditional local derby. They took the early lead with a penalty by experienced outside half Huw Evans, making a welcome return from a groin strain and orchestrating matters alongside Alun George, who had a battle royal with Saints skipper Fraser Watson in the No 9 slot.
The Seagulls added an unconverted try before the break when quick hands by Huw Evans, Matthew Reynolds and Mike Jenkins released winger Gareth Adamson in the corner – and an 8-0 lead as their reward.
Jenks jolts the Saints – and Big Al dummies his way over
 It was Mike Jenkins who grabbed Fishguard’s second try when he cut the line really well and raced almost 40 metres to the corner – and the loudest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for veteran prop Alan Phillips, who was the Seagulls’ coach last season and helped out in the front row for this tussle. Phillips popped up on the wing in a period of pressure, sold an outrageous dummy and dived over the line for a good try which he will talk about for the next month!
It says a great deal for the Saints’ grit because they refused to submit and scored a try when Phil Lamb collected his own kick ahead and transferred play to his namesake Andrew – who put in a second kick and won the race for the touch-down. Phil Lamb added the extra points to round off the scoring before the Seagulls’ supporters were able to celebrate a deserved victory.
St Davids: Andrew lamb; Russell Watkins; Rupert Dunn; Richard Lewis; Adam Phillips; Phil Lamb; Fraser Watson (Capt) (Scott Candler): Ben Evans (Jack Dudley); Steve Morris; Nick Davies; Chris Morgan; Gethin Bateman: Darren Davies (Jake Pratt); Gethin Jones; Noel Lyons.
Fishguard and Goodwick: Rhodri Thomas; Dai Evans; Mike Jenkins; Matthew Reynolds; Gareth Adamson; Huw Evans; Alun George; Gerwyn Davies; Gavin Walsh; Alan Phillips; Gwilym Evans; Nathan Jenkins; Charlie George; Steve Jenkins (Capt); Mark Leonard. Replacements: Mark George; Richard Hunter; Mark James; Ryan McVie.
27th November 2010
PHOTOS: Matthew George (above) on the charge. Rhodri Morgans (below) en route to scoring a Fishguard try
Action pictures supplied by Andrew Butler.
Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup Second Round:
 Seagulls fly high against beaten All Blacks
Fishguard 20 points - Neyland 5 points
Fishguard showed just why they are pushing for promotion from Division Five (West) as they eased to a comfortable victory at The Moors over a Neyland side which is playing a section higher but not firing on all cylinders there.
The Seagulls were deservedly ten points ahead at the interval and doubled that lead before the All Blacks showed their mettle by grabbing a late consolation try – a performance that will have pleased Fishguard coaches Huw Evans and Randall Williams, particularly since they had no fewer than six youth players on the pitch at the end of a tough encounter where both teams deserve every credit for serving up good rugby in difficult conditions.
Mark Leonard missed two early penalty chances for the Seagull but then found his range with a penalty and then the conversion of an excellent try by Rhodri Thomas as the full back came into the line at just the right angle to feed off a flat Leonard pass before he sped 30 yards to the posts.
Good second-half tries
Gregg Miller, Adam Collins and Steve Hamer all tackled well at the back for Neyland but with the Seagulls’ pack claiming plenty of possession it was the home side who also opened the second half scoring after being denied claims for a penalty try. When the All Blacks tried to clear their lines under pressure the kick fell to Matthew George and the winger exchanged passes with centre Mike Jenkins before racing 40 metres to the corner for an unconverted try.
Youth team scrum half Rhodri Morgans, on for Alun George at half time, scored Fishguard’s third try from a forward drive at a scrum where he picked up and was assisted over the line by his back row.
Neyland kept plugging away though Chris Busby, Robert Codd and John Tennick and they were finally rewarded from a blind-side move where Andrew Charnley scored in the corner – but it was Fishguard who took the honours and must now entertain either Aberystwyth or Cardigan in the semi-final.
Fishguard: Rhodri Thomas: Dai Evans; Mike Jenkins; Rhys Williams; Matthew George: Mark Leonard; Alun George: Gerwyn Davies; Mark James; Romeo Colella: Richard Hunter; Nathan Jenkins: Charlie George; Steve Jenkins (Capt); Mark George. Replacements: Gavin Walsh; Gwilym Evans; Rhodri Morgans; Carwyn Thomas; Aaron McEvoy; Ryan McVeigh.
Neyland: Greg Miller: Andrew Charnley; Steve Hamer; Adam Collins; Delme Bateman: Mark Riley; Mark Hamer: Mark Smith; Robert Codd; Ashley Mathias: Mark James; Carl Britton: Matthew Doncaster; Chris Busby (Capt); John Tennick. Replacements: Darren John; Craig Turner.
20th November 2010
Borderers bag bonus point win
Maesteg 16 - Whitland 28
Whitland not only continued their climb up the table with an excellent away win at Maesteg but they also picked up a bonus point as reward for scoring four tries against the ‘Old Parish’ side which was once a top-class outfit.
Maesteg missed early penalty chances before Matthew Davies landed a penalty which was cancelled out when Huw Rees kicked a similar effort for the Borderers – and the visitors took the lead when full back Johnny Morgan made a half break before putting winger Will Davies in at the corner. But Maesteg levelled soon after wards with an unconverted try by winger Gareth Goodridge before a second Rees penalty gave Whitland an 11-8 half time lead, with both Maesteg locks, Gavin Rowland and Owen Watkins, yellow-carded soon after each other for persistent lineout offences.
Morgan gives Borderers
a good second-half start
Good work by Dion Thomas and skipper Gary Evans helped Johnny Morgan score an unconverted try for Whitland to start the second half scoring and although Celt Thomas was yellow-carded they added another welcome five points as Jack Mason was used as front jumper at a Maesteg throw-in, took a return pass from Raff Williams and crashed through to the line.
Matthew Davis notched a penalty for the Old Parish but No 10 Carwyn Jones sped over for a Whitland try which he also converted – and although Goodridge scored his second try for Maesteg it was far too little, too late, as the Borderers celebrated an excellent win which will have pleased coaches Randal Evans and Robin Davies.
Whitland: Johnny Morgan: Dion Thomas; Gary Evans (Capt); Mike Georgiou; Will Davies; Carwyn Jones; Huw Rees; Aled Richards; Marc Jones; Gareth Jones; Raff Williams; John Bowen; Trystan Griffiths; Jack Mason; Celt Thomas. Replacements: Trystan Griffiths; Shane Webster; Andrew Davies; Rhys Jones; Anthony James.
Johnny Morgan - try for Whitland .
 Otters ousted in second half
Narberth 33 - UWIC 35
Narberth will look back on this match and wonder how they managed to score five tries and 33 points yet still lose in a highly entertaining home match against UWIC – but at least they had the consolation of two bonus points against the Cardiff-based students.
Pacy full back Roger Davies gave the Otters the early lead with a try converted by No 10 Aled Davies but UWIC bounced back with an unconverted try for centre Dan Biddy. Roger Davies soon added another try from a chip and chase, again converted by Aled Davies, before UWIC claimed their second try, this time from No 8 and skipper Richard de Carpentier, so that the Otters lead 14-10 at the break.
Bird finds his shooting boots
UWIC outside half David Bird had missed scoring chances but finally slotted a penalty just two minutes after the interval but Nick Jones sped through for a try which Aled Davies goaled for the homesters. The Students refused to submit, however, winger Ed Kenwright crossing for a try which Bird converted to go with a well-struck penalty to nudge the students into the lead for the first time.
Back came Narberth as scrum half Adrian Killa darted through for a typical try but then UWIC scored 12 points in a short time when de Carpentier claimed his second score and hooker Jack Yeandle also crossed for a try which Bird converted.
The Otters replacement back rower Lewis Wood ploughed over for a try and Aled Davies added the extra points – and Davies had a last-gasp chance to snatch the game out of the fire but his 50-metre penalty shaved the wrong side of the upright and the Otters lost their third match in ten starts, whilst conceding even more ground to runaway leaders Bridgend.
Narberth: Roger Davies: Nick Jones; Richard Davies, Steve Martin; Mark Heywood; Aled Davies; Adrian Killa; Sion Lloyd; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt); Chris James; Alex Jenkins; Chris Scarf; Wayne Williams; Gareth Bateman. Replacements: Lee Glanville; Andrew Davies; Simon Griffiths; Lewis Wood; Tom Slater.
Roger Davies - two more tries for Narberth full back.
Division 3 (West):
 Preseli men outlast battling Blues
Crymych 24 - Haverfordwest 14
Crymych knew that they were in for a real battle against Haverfordwest but managed to hold on to their 100% record despite another gritty display by the Blues where they only trailed 10-6 at the interval and were never out of contention.
In fact, Haverfordwest took an early 6-0 lead with two well-struck penalties from outside half Steve Williams but the Preseli Men fought back with a try from livewire hooker Josh Clark after a quickly-taken tap penalty put them on the front foot, with No 10 Gareth Davies converting and adding a penalty before the interval.
Davies also opened the second-half scoring with a penalty before winger Guto Griffiths was also on target with a penalty and Davies added his third three-pointer from a well-judged kick.
Steve Williams reduced the deficit with his third penalty as the Blues fought really hard up front, but good work by Jason Nicholls, John Davies, Andrew Phillips and Rhys Davies set up the platform for a try by skipper Simon James that was nicely set up by Tomos Jones and Richard Sharpe-Williams.
Haverfordwest continued to play well and were rewarded as Jonathan Whitticombe sped clear for an unconverted try – but Crymych were good value for victory and now have a played 10, won 10 record at the top of the table!
Gareth Davies - more points for Crymych No 10.
Division 4 (West):
 Plain second half sailing for Mariners
Milford Haven 24 - Cefneithin 9
Milford Haven fought back from a 9-3 interval deficit to comfortably beat Cefneithin as former Scotland winger Craig Moir marked his return to the club he played for in his youth with a solid performance – and former coach Alan McClelland returned to the first-team fold after Larry Spillane stepped down in midweek.
Cefneithin had three penalties by full back Richard Walters in the first half and Milford only had a penalty by Leigh Broome in response.
But all that changed after the interval as they played up the slope and Broome kicked another three penalties as the home pack got on top, with second row Aiden Laxton back from Whitland and catching the eye alongside Mark Wonnacott and Adam Thomas in the back row. Broome scored a try from a clever little chip and chase, and from the kick off Moir powered down the middle and drew the last line of defence for Ian Rusinek to score a try which Broome converted to give him a personal haul of 19 points on a good day for the Mariners as they returned to winning ways.
Leigh Broome - 19 points for Milford Haven.
Cardis snatch verdict in closing seconds
 Pembroke Dock Quins 15 - Cardigan 20
A last-gasp try by winger Rhydian Jenkins saw Cardigan edge to victory at Bierspool against a gritty Pembroke Dock Quins’ side which had clawed their way back to 15-all and must have thought they had done enough to earn a share of the spoils.
But then they momentarily relaxed and powerful centre Nathan Murphy made a half break and fed to Mike Diggle, who supplied the scoring pass for Jenkins to celebrate the winning score.
The Quins had led 7-3 at the break with a try by flanker Lance Tallett, on leave from the RAF, with hooker Neil Brace slotting the conversion. Cardigan responded with a Mike Diggle penalty, although the Quins might have had other scores but dropped two passes at key times – and hooker Brace was unlucky to be pulled back for a knock-on as he dived over the line.
Strong-running centre Simon Coleman added a second try for the Quins after the oranges but midway through the period the Teifisiders closed the gap to two points when scrum half Will Turner broke from a scrum, broke three tackles and scored a solo try from 70 metres out which Diggle converted. Inspired by this success, Cardigan added a cracking try which saw Murphy round off some good handling – only for the Quins to haul themselves back level when hooker Brace notched a penalty.
But then came that late, late try for the Teifisiders – and the Quins had to settle for a bonus point as small reward for their considerable effort!
Nathan Murphy - vital try for Cardigan.
 Seasiders snatch big win
Tenby 22 - Llanybydder 18
Tenby United maintained their thrust for promotion with a good home win over Llanybydder, but not before they had been pushed all the way by the fourth-placed outfit.
Indeed, the Seasiders trailed by 10-6 at the half-way stage as they could only muster two Tom Lewis penalties, whilst Llanybydder grabbed a try by Jason Everden which was converted by Tomos Wilson, who also landed a penalty.
 Mark Morris added a second try for the visitors in the second period and Wilson slotted his second penalty but with Sam Smith, Lewis Davies, Johnny Lane and especially Nicky Guymer going well up front, Tenby clawed their way back with good tries from abrasive scrum half Richard Rossiter and replacement Dan Thomas. Two more penalties by ‘Turbo’ Lewis were enough to give the Seasiders the win they wanted – as they remain in joint top spot with Amman United.
Nicky Guymer - outstanding for Tenby.
Richard Rossiter gets the ball away for the Seasiders.
Pictures supplied by Dave Bolton.
 Blacks edged out in tense tussle
Trimsaran 27 - Neyland 22
Neyland went down to a narrow defeat at Trimsaran and were left to reflect on moments where things didn’t quite go their way, as so often happens to teams struggling to find their form.
They did well to claw their way level after trailing 22-3 and although they went five points behind again from a contentious try they thought they had snatched the verdict in the dying seconds as they had a three-man overlap but the final pass was deliberately knocked on by a home player. The All Blacks were sure that a penalty try would be awarded but all they were awarded was a penalty – and a relieved Trimsaran stole the victory!
Mark Riley landed a first half penalty for Neyland as David Morgan and Craig Daniels crossed for Trimsaran, with a conversion and penalty from Ryan Edwards giving them a 15-3 interval lead.
It looked all over for the All Blacks as further tries came from Dafydd Latham and Gary Davies, one converted by Edwards, but with John Tennick, Steve Hamer, Matthew Doncaster and Robert Codd, skipper for the first time, leading a rampant pack by example they fought back.
Tries came from Tennick, Andrew Charnley and veteran Mark Hamer, two converted by Riley – but the All Blacks had to settle for a bonus point in defeat, despite all their efforts.
Mark Hamer - excellent try for 42 year old.
Division 5 (West):
Seagulls pack strength pays dividends
 Fishguard 16 - Pembroke 3
Fishguard maintained their unbeaten record as they proved too strong up front for Pembroke, who were knocked out of the top two in the table as a result – but even worse, lost talented young fly half Simon Hooper with a broken leg.
The Seagulls were without influential fly half Huw Evans, out with a groin injury, but moved Mark Leonard from No 8 to No 10 – and he slotted a three penalties and the conversion of a penalty try awarded by referee Adrian Slade for a scrum offence. James Davies responded with a penalty for the Scarlets as the interval score stood at 16-3 in the homes side’s favour.
 Pembroke played better up front after some words of encouragement from coach Ossie Boswell but with Romeo Colella, Gavin Walsh and Andrew Morrillo anchoring the home scrum they always held an edge that allowed skipper Steve Jenkins and his brother Nathan, Emyr Hughes, Gwilym Evans and young No 8 Charles George to go forward. There was no further scoring so the Seagulls were worthy winners – and there was the rare glimpse of a smile from coaches Evans and Randall Williams at a job well done!
Fishguard on the attack.
Pembroke look to break away.
Pictures supplied by Andrew Butler.
 Wasps win well at Pill Parks
Llangwm 34 - Swansea Uplands 24
Llangwm gained a deserved victory over Swansea Uplands in an entertaining match at Pill Parks, with their pack playing really well after recent good training sessions, and their backs always eager to run the ball.
But they trailed 16-10 at the interval before really pulling out all the stops afterwards as Richard and Will Scriven, Hamish Nicholls, Johnny James and Ian Griffiths showed the way, well supported by skipper James Lewis, Roy Venables and James Griffiths.
Martin Read and Nick Bowkett scored the Uplands tries as they included most of last season’s cup winning youth side, with Tom Lewis kicking their other 14 points from a conversion and four penalties.
 The Wasps had to replace scrum half Josh Davies early on but had Mike Venables as replacement, and he was involved with good tries by Andrew Brock (2) and Nathan Proctor. Luke Brock slotted five penalties and two conversions to help Llangwm win their fourth match of the season – and keep them in a respectable mid-table position.
Luke Brock shows his ability to go for the gap.
Will Scriven on the burst for Llangwm.
Pictures supplied by Joseph Kiff.
 Saints stumble at Penygroes
Penygroes 21 - St Davids 3
St Davids travelled to Penygroes with just 16 players and paid the price as they went down to defeat despite some yeoman work by those who took part.
Skipper Fraser Watson came back to action after a leg injury, coach Jack Dudley stepped in and played the whole 80 minutes whilst Barry John came out of retirement and helped out alongside Noel Lyons as a dynamic No 8 in a side which never gave up trying.
Centre Darren Price opened the scoring with a try for the home side and Saints’ winger Adam Phillips kicked a penalty to make the interval score just 5-3 in the home side’s favour.
Penygroes No 10 Chris Powell stole the second-half show as he firstly landed a penalty and then sliced through for a try which he also converted. Powell also landed two further penalties before the final whistle of a scrappy match in which there were no fewer than six yellow cards before Penygroes moved up the table with their third success of the season – and St Davids will be hoping for a better result next time so that they do not slide down the table!
Jack Dudley - full 80 minutes for St Davids' coach.
30th October 2010
National League Division Three (West):
Sloppy Blues gift Lampeter victory
Haverfordwest 19 - Lampeter 21
 Haverfordwest managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as they lead 19-18 against basement battlers Lampeter with seconds to go but then conceded a soft penalty which allowed Lampeter outside half Huw Thomas to become his side’s hero as he claimed three points with the final kick of the match.
It left the Blues to reflect on the fact that this was a game they could, and should, have won but they received two yellow cards during the course of the match from no-nonsense official Adrian Slade (Milford Haven) – and each time they conceded points that cost them dearly in the end so that they had to settle for a bonus point whilst Lampeter returned home delighted to claim their third win of the season and a move out of the bottom two in the section.
Haverfordwest conceded a soft seven points early on in the match when a floated midfield pass was gratefully intercepted by Lampeter winger Tim Evans before he scampered 40 metres to the posts for a try which Huw Thomas goaled.
Chances taken – points conceded
The Blues showed their capabilities as they fought back with an unconverted try by flanker Brett Davies after co-flanker Richard Brazell had gone close but did well to make the ball available – but when they were down to 14 men for the first time they conceded an unconverted try by Lampeter’s powerful No 8 Aled Thomas as he barged his way over. Thomas missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to put his time 15-5 up.
 The Blues again showed their real ability when Jon Whitticombe sliced through for a cracking try from an outside break which reduced the interval deficit to five points – and in the third quarter two well-struck penalties from outside half Steve Williams nudged them a point ahead
Again they lost a player to a careless yellow card and Huw Thomas punished them with a penalty but then Williams fired over another three-pointer to edge the Blues a point in front at 19-18 – only for Thomas to slot that vital late penalty that allowed Lampeter to travel home with the league points.
There was a minute’s silence before the start in memory of a Cyril Davies, a great Haverfordwest RFC stalwart who had passed away – and we offer our genuine condolences to his family.
Haverfordwest: Jon Whitticombe; Dan Birch; Craig Barnett; Dan Collins; Dane Pindair; Steve Williams; Ollie Reyland; Dan Miners; Gareth Green; Neil Phillips; Gareth Phillips (Capt); Adam Clark; Brett Davies; Richard Brazell; Ben John. Replacements: Ieuan Jones; Graham Jenkins; Richard Walters; Dave O’Leary.
PHOTOS: John Whitticombe on his way to the line ...
... John Whitticombe scores!
Pictures supplied by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
Blues Seconds win well
Haverfordwest 2nds 57 - Lampeter 5
There was a measure of consolation for Haverfordwest as their second team overran their counterparts from Lampeter as they scored nine tries to their opponents’ one.
Dylan Davies scored an unconverted try for the visitors but the Blues tries came from Matthew Davies, Mike Slack (2), Bryn Williams, John Thomas, Dai John (2), Simon Squelch and Daniel Davies.
There were conversions from Dai John, Matthew Davies (4) and Mikey Jones in an entertaining tussle where the Blues were always on top – but credit goes to Lampeter for the way that they stuck to their task, despite being a man short throughout.
 Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup:
Seasiders make progress in KO Cup
Pembroke Dock Quins 3 - Tenby 15
Tenby United scored three unconverted tries and restricted Pembroke Dock Quins to a penalty in an absorbing KO Cup clash at Bierspool.
The Seasiders were 5-0 ahead at half time as Dai Meyrick rounded off some good handling in a period of pressure to claim his try, despite the efforts of flankers Jake Osborne and Phillip George, plus centre Simon Coleman, for the Quins.
 Promising young No 10 Adam Cawley scored the only Quins points with a well-struck dropped goal but Tenby had the experience of centre Arthur Maulio/Martino and scrum half Richard Rossiter to keep them going as further tries were scored for Tenby from former Quins outside half Tom Lewis and Dan Colley.
Adam Cawley drops a goal for the Quins .
Dai Meyrick cuts through to score for Tenby.
Dan Colley on his way to the line.
Pictures kindly supplied by Dave Bolton.
Division One (West):
Borderers edged out by ‘Boney’
Bonymaen 24 - Whitland 21
Whitland’s run of four successive league wins was brought to an abrupt halt as the Borderers went down to defeat at Bonymaen despite being 18-7 ahead at the break.
But they somehow managed to let ‘Boney’ back into contention and missed chances, plus taking of wrong options at key moments, saw they eased out but left with the consolation of a bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition’s score.
Whitland scrum half Huw Rees landed an early penalty and after outside half Carwyn Jones had fired a drop goal attempt wide Rees landed his second penalty when Bonymaen’s Richard Murphy was yellow-carded.
But the home side battled hard with 14 men and took the lead with a try from winger Nick Harwood which No 10 Paul Warlow converted – but the Borderers claimed two tries in the final five minutes of the period when Gary Evans latched on to a Carwyn Jones chip through and skipper Ryan Michael scored in the bottom corner, the first converted by Evans.
Bonymaen made a bright start to the second half with a second try by Harwood, converted by Warlow, and took the lead again when a Warlow penalty hit the post and Gary Evans’ clearance kick was charged down so that centre Neil Wilcox scored at the posts and Warlow added the extra points.
Huw Rees missed two penalties for Whitland after 67 and 73 minutes but pulled the Borderers level with a third penalty attempt – only for Warlow to snatch the verdict for Bonymaen with a late dropped goal that found the target.
Gary Evans - opening try for Whitland.
Otters battle back for share of the spoils
 Narberth 13 - Bridgend 13
Narberth showed real resilience as they clawed back a 13-point interval deficit to deservedly share the spoils in their top of the table clash against leaders Bridgend.
Bridgend went in to the match with a 100% record and it seemed as if they might just make it nine wins from as many starts when they had an early penalty from former Whitland outside half Dan Griffiths and then had an unconverted try from scrum half Kyle Barrett to go with a Griffiths’ conversion and second penalty.
The Otters had played well up front through their tight five of Sion Lloyd, Dan Smith, skipper Justin Hughes, Alex Jenkins and Chris James but they had a missed penalty from full back Roger Davies and no points to show for their efforts as Gareth Bateman, Simon Griffiths and Lewis Wood continued to battle for possession.
But that changed in the second period as they opened their account after the oranges when Craig Jones put Roger Davies into space and the full back raced through for a quality try which he also converted.
The Otters brought on Aled Davies in an attempt to snatch the verdict and he landed two penalties which hauled the Otters level but missed another tough one from the right touch-line so they had to settle for a share of the spoils – and fully deserved it for their second half display!
Narberth front row of Justin Hughes (Capt), Dan Smith and Sion Lloyd, who played the whole match against Bridgend.
Picture by Ken Mathias.
Division Three (West):
 Crymych cruise to tenth win on trot
Gorseinon 24 - Crymych 48
Crymych made it nine wins out of nine in Division Three (West) as they came back from an early 3-9 scoreline to lead 30-12 at half time – and then take total control of the game before sitting back a little towards the end as they allowed the home side to claim a late 12 points which made the final scoreline a little flattering for Gorseinon.
The Preseli Men conceded three early penalties which Gorseinon scrum half Darren Wilcox slotted and all Crymych could muster in return was a Gareth Davies penalty. Wilcox added a fourth kick on target before the break but by then Crymych had clicked into something like top gear as they had four cracking tries by scrum half Rhodri Davies, winger Guto Griffiths, flanker Simon James and centre Elgan Vittle (from fully 50 metres). Gareth Davies converted two of them and landed a second penalty to put the visitors in a strong position.
Crymych continued to rule the roost after the break as skipper Simon James claimed his second try and then Gareth Davies slotted a drop goal before other tries came from Rhodri Davies and centre Nick Bevan as they built up an unassailable lead.
To be fair to Gorseinon, they never gave up trying and grabbed late tries by centre Kevin Laddy and prop Anthony Pompa – but it was all too little, too late, as the Preseli men won with a bonus point as their reward for playing such positive rugby.
Elgan Vittle - cracking try for Crymych.
 Swalec Plate Round One:
Blues bow out despite try superiority
Haverfordwest 12 - Newcastle Emlyn 20
Haverfordwest outscored Newcastle Emlyn by two tries to one at Merlins Bridge but paid the inevitable penalty for conceding penalties that allowed Emlyn’s ace kicker Rhydian Harries to slot the points that eased the Division Two (West) side home.
It was Harries who landed three penalties to help his side to a nine-point lead before Haverfordwest showed that they were no respecters of a side from one division higher as they scored the first try of the game when their pack won good possession and quick handling saw Dan Birch score his third try in as many games as he sped through from 20 metres.
Leading 9-5 at the interval, Emlyn had two further penalties by Harries and then grabbed their only try, from a concerted forward drive which saw Dai Jones credited with the score.
Haverfordwest never stopped plugging away, however, and their considerable efforts were finally rewarded when another attack saw prop Terry Lovell score in the corner and No 10 Steve Williams converted from the touchline.
 There was no further scoring so Emlyn eased into the next round but Haverfordwest pushed them all the way in what proved to be an absorbing clash of styles.
Terry Lovell - try for Haverfordwest prop.
Dan Birch dives over for a try for Haverfordwest.
Action picture by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
Swalec Bowl Round Two:
 Seagulls soar as Cardis
struggle up front
Fishguard 22 - Cardigan 8
Fishguard secured one of the surprise results of the day in the Swalec Bowl as they entertained Cardigan, who play in a section higher in the table but were unable to contain the forward power which has seen the Seagulls stay unbeaten so far in Division Five (West).
The homesters were deservedly 12-3 ahead at half time as their front row of Andrew Morrillo, Gavin Walsh and Gerwyn Davies ruled the roost and tries came from centre Mike Jenkins (converted by Huw Evans) and skipper Steve Jenkins, following good work at No 8 by Mark Leonard.
Mike Diggle managed a penalty from Cardigan but with Gwilym Evans, Richard Hunter, Emyr Hughes, skipper Jenkins and Leonard as real ball-winners it came as no surprise when the Seagulls increase their lead after the interval when Evans, Jenkins, the straight-running Rhys Williams and Rhodri Thomas conspired to put Gareth Adamson over in the right corner for a try which Huw Evans did well to convert from such an angle.
Cardigan managed a try for prop Richard Jones as they tries to counter-attack but with Fishguard able to call on powerful replacements like Nathan Jenkins and Romeo Colella there was little chance of a Cardigan comeback – and a Huw Evans’ penalty put the seal on the Seagulls’ victory!
Gareth Adamson - excellent try for Fishguard.
 Scarlets suffer in Mid Wales
Llanybydder 32 - Pembroke 8
Pembroke made an excellent start against Llanybydder as they took an early seven-point lead with a try from skipper Steve Dyde, converted by N0 10 Simon Hooper, but the Scarlets lost Dyde, outstanding hooker Gareth Jones and James Davies to injuries and paid the price as Llanybydder took control in key areas.
Dyde rounded off a concerted Pembroke power play but Llanybydder had tries from outside half Darrell Griffiths, winger Dyfrig Davies, full back Rhun Wilson and scrum half Gareth Evans as they used their experience to good effect.
Tomos Wilson contributed 12 points with three conversion and two penalties and Llanybydder were good value for victory, the side fourth in Division Four (West) leaving the Scarlets to focus on keeping at the top of Division Five (West).
Steve Dyde - Pembroke skipper scored their only try.
 Quins gain revenge win
Pembroke Dock Quins 29 -
Milford Haven 23
Pembroke Dock Harlequins lost out to Milford Haven in the opening league match of the season at Bierspool but gained a measure of revenge as they beat the Mariners in this Swalec Bowl Second Round tussle.
The Quins were 22-11 ahead at half time as full back Jason Scarfe crossed at the posts, Kevin Bratcher powered away from a scrum to score a good try and then winger Sam Irwin rounded off some quick hands to score try No 3, all converted by young hooker Neil Brace.
Leigh Broome had given Milford the early lead with a penalty and also added a second three-pointer alongside a try by No 8 Rhys Holmes to close the first half scoring.
Irwin crossed for a second try for the Quins to start the second half scoring and Brace slotted a penalty to put the Quins 29-11 in front before the Mariners battled back in the final quarter. Milford man of the match Gareth Fawcett scored a try and Grant Power converted before Leigh Broome also sped over for an unconverted try but the Quins refused to surrender the verdict and were still in front at the final whistle to move into the third round of the competition.
Sam Irwin - two tries for the Quins.
 Blacks bag Swalec success
Pontyates 11 - Neyland 22
Neyland travelled to Pontyates with something of a makeshift side that included veteran half backs Mark Hamer and Steve Evans but they still had too much fire-power for a team anchored firmly at the base of Division Five (West).
Neyland sit at the foot of Division Four (West) but secured their second success of the season as they had tries by centre Delme Bateman, winger Darren John and outstanding back rower John Tennick, with hooker Robert Codd showing his versatility as he landed a penalty and two conversions in the absence of regular kickers Mark Riley and skipper Mathew Williams.
Codd also played well in the front row alongside Mark Smith and Ashley Mathias, who did well until he was eventually replaced by another grafter in Jack Kinnersley.
Messrs Hamer and Evans used their experience to good effect as they moved into a 17-0 lead before Pontyates battled back with a try by Richard Langton to go with a penalty brace by Andrew Evans – but the All Blacks were good value for victory and this success might just spark a league revival if they can play to their full potential.
Robert Codd - 7 points for Neyland hooker.
 Seasiders succeed despite
Wasps’ great effort
Tenby United 41 - Llangwm 8
Tenby United gained their expected win over Llangwm but the Wasps deserved every credit for the way that they stuck to their task and played their part in an entertaining Swalec Bowl encounter.
The Seasiders had a hat-trick of tries from powerful No 8 Sam Smith, two of them in the first half as he formed a strong back row with Torau Ilaisa and Gareth Nock that benefitted from the ball-winning capabilities of Johnny Palmer, Nicky Guymer, Rob Clarke, Gareth Edwards and Johnny Lane. Dai Meyrick and Gavin Brace also crossed for tries for the Seasiders, with James Davies landing two conversions.
The Wasps were often on the back foot against the power up front of the Seasiders but they tackled like demons and forwards coach Scott Gregory must have been pleased at the way his Llangwm eight never gave up trying. They scored a try in the first half from outside half Andrew Brock when Josh Davies, who came on after 30 minutes, charged down a clearance attempt and Brock benefitted from his enthusiasm. Steve Inward, who started at scrum half and then switched to full back, scored his first-ever Wasps’ points after half time with a beautifully judged touchline penalty.
But Tenby added further tries from the ubiquitous Sam Smith, whose brother Toby also got on the try-sheet alongside James Davies, and were good value for victory in a lively contest.
Sam Smith - try hat-trick for Tenby.
 Saints strong in first half
Tycroes 17 - St Davids 25
St Davids produced an excellent first-half performance which saw them home to victory against a Tycroes side which has yet to win a match in Division Five (South-West) but battled until the final whistle against a Saints’ outfit which took its foot its foot of the pedal a little in the final quarter.
The Saints travelled with only 17 men and coach Jack Dudley showed he can still graft with the best of them by playing for the entire 80 minutes, with influential skipper Fraser Watson still out of action through injury. It was big second rower Chris Morgan who gave the Saints the start they needed when he crashed over for a try, followed by other tries from prop Ben Evans and winger Craig Challonder. Adam Phillips notched two of the conversions and also landed a penalty as all Tycroes could manager in response were unconverted tries by winger Jonathan Tancock and centre Gareth Lewis as the Saints were 22-10 ahead at the half-way stage.
Adam Phillips managed another penalty for the Saints in the third quarter but they were unable to turn further pressure into points and in the final minutes Tycroes claimed their third try when Gareth Lewis sliced through for his second try and also kicked the conversion.
But there wasn’t enough time for the home side to get any closer as the Saints closed ranks in the final stages – and moved into the third round as a result of their victory.
Craig Challonder - good try for St Davids winger.
23rd October 2010
 Division One (West):
Otters squander golden chance
Carmarthen Athletic 7 - Narberth 6
Narberth missed out on a golden opportunity to beat Carmarthen Athletic but failed to take their chances when it counted, were never able to maintain any real momentum and couldn’t cross the Athletic’s line on a single occasion.
The Otters remain in second spot but lost more ground on leaders Bridgend, who easily beat Waunarlwydd 34-9, with the Narberth players and supporters left to wonder why they failed to beat a side which had won just twice before this season
Narberth were on to for much of the first period but could only muster two penalties by Aled Davies before the Athletic bounced back just before the break with a try from flanker Lawrence Reynolds after Narberth had lost their own line out, with Ricky Williams adding the extra points to nudge his team 7-6 ahead.
 Williams missed out on a penalty chance early in the second period and with neither side able to master the tricky conditions underfoot there was no further scoring – but the Otters had a late, late chance to snatch victory when they were awarded a penalty near half way. Up stepped Davies but his long-range effort barely got off the ground and the Athletic were the winners of a low-key contest.
Narberth on the rampage.
Alex Jenkins thrusts forward for the Otters.
Pictures by Joseph Kiff.
Borderers bag another big win
 Whitland 28 - Llangennech 13
Whitland maintained their impressive winning streak as they clawed their way back from an early eight-point deficit to beat Llangennech with another solid all-round team performance.
The Borderers have now won four games on the trot and are in the top half of the section as their reward, coming back to lead 15-8 at half time and generally having the edge over a visiting team which was always looking to join the Borderers in playing good rugby.
Llangennech outside half Craig Evans gave his side an early lead with a penalty and they added a try when quick hands put winger Chris Matthews over in the corner after only nine minutes.
But the Borderers soon clawed their way back with a try by winger Dion Thomas after flanker James ‘Cub’ Davies had charged down a clearance attempt and Thomas dribbled through to claim the touch-down. Huw Rees missed the extras but contributed a penalty after 25 minutes to level matters before he also added the conversion of a splendid try by flanker James Davies, who received the ball near half way and brushed off three would-be tacklers on his surge to the try-line.
Soon after the start of the second half Whitland pivot Carwyn Jones dropped a goal to increase the lead but Llangennech showed their grit as they fought back to score an unconverted try by No 8 Rhydian Jones after a series of scrums five.
Whitland had the final word, however as Carwyn Jones made the initial break and Will Davies sped over at the posts for Rees to convert. Raff Williams went close for the Borderers as reward for his genuine graft and Carwyn Jones missed two late penalties but it was of no real import because the Borderers were worthy winners - and the team send best wishes to club stalwart Richard Merriman on a speedy recovery.
Dion Thomas - scored Whitland's first try.
 Division Three (West):
Subdued Crymych still keep winning
Crymych 13 - Pontarddulais 11
Crymych maintained their wonderful 100% record in this division against a robust Pontarddulais side but this wasn’t the Preseli Men at their best as they led 13-3 at half time but rarely looked likely to set up another comfortable win as the Bont kept coming back at them.
Pontarddulais’s only points in the first half came from a penalty by fly half Jonathan Lloyd as the homesters had a try by flanker Richard Sharp-Williams to go with the conversion and two penalties from Gareth Davies.
There were useful performances by Andrew Phillips up front and Rhys Davies at the base of the scrum for Crymych but Pontarddulais claimed a try by No 8 and captain Jonathan Hice, plus a second penalty by Lloyd after he had missed what proved to be a vital conversion.
But the Preseli Men defended stoutly in a tense finale and just about deserved to maintain their winning streak to stay ahead of Mumbles at the top of the league table.
Gareth Davies - eight points for Crymych.
Dunvant do just enough
Dunvant 16 - Haverfordwest 5
Dunvant lead by 10 points at the interval and went on to record victory over a Haverfordwest side which battled hard in the second half but were never quite able to snatch the game out of the fire.
But they were praised highly by Dunvant chairman Martin Lewis for their part in what he described as “an entertaining game in awful conditions, with Haverfordwest scoring the try of the match just after half time, when a 90-metre move involving most of their side ended with winger Dan Birch crossing for an unconverted try.”
The Blues had also started well but Dunvant enjoyed a purple patch midway through the period when No 10 Dickie Lewis and centre Dan Davies scored tries in only four minutes.
Full back Craig Davies missed both conversions but he managed to add two penalties in the final stages to seal his side’s third win of the campaign, whilst inflicting a fourth defeat on the battling Blues.
 Cardis come back to win
Hendy 17 - Cardigan 20
Cardigan just about maintained their good run of form with a hard-fought win over Hendy which saw them fight back from an early 14 point deficit to keep them firmly in third place in the section table.
The Teifisiders found themselves two scores adrift as Hendy started like whirlwinds with tries in the fifth and 12th minutes by No 8 Gareth Price and centre Rob Richards, both converted by outside half Jamie Davies.
But Cardigan gradually settled and opened their own account with a penalty by outside half Mike Diggle which was followed just on half time by a good try by centre Aled Phillips which Diggle converted.
The Cardis made a far better start to the second period and took the lead for the first time when winger Aaron Owens rounded off some good handling to score a try which went unconverted, as did another Cardigan score by full back Wayne Parsons as reward for another period of pressure.
Hendy made a late come-back with a penalty from Jamie Davies but the Teifisiders’ defence held firm in the closing stages to earn them another good away win.
Wayne Parsons - try for Cardigan full back.
 Mariners just make it in local derby
Milford Haven 27 - Neyland 25
Local derbies between Milford Haven and Neyland are traditionally hard-fought and this one was no exception as the Mariners edged through by two points after being ahead for a major part of the match.
Leigh Broome gave them the early lead with a penalty, which was cancelled out by a similar effort from opposite number Mark Riley, followed by a try from Ian Rusinek to maintain his good run of form for the Mariners.
Good work by Andrew Ling, Adam Thomas, Darren Lewis and Mark Wonnacott up front allowed the strong-running Lee Riley to speed over for a second Milford try, converted by Broome before veteran forward Chris Busby rounded off some good work by the Neyland pack in which John Tennick was outstanding, Riley adding the extra points to limit Milford to a 15-10 interval lead.
 Busby had a second try soon after the restart to level matters but Milford found success with their substitutions as they brought on David Sweeney and Steve Mayne – and both claimed tries, the first superbly converted by talented young scrum half Tom Arnold.
Sandwiched in between was a Mark Riley penalty for the All Blacks and the same player converted a late try by centre Adam Collins to narrow the gap to just two points but there was no way back for Neyland as Milford eased home for a welcome win and kept the All Blacks still at the foot of the table.
Ian Rusinek scores again for the Mariners.
Lee Riley races clear for Milford Haven.
Pictures by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
Young Quins miss out
Pembroke Dock Quins 7 - Llanybydder 16
Pembroke Dock Quins went into their home match against Llanybydder with confidence high after victory the previous week but although they played well in parts they made errors at times which cost them vital scores.
They were ahead at the interval but a mixture of over-enthusiasm and taking of wrong options showed their relative inexperience against fourth-placed opposition who kept things tight and eased through.
Kevin Bratcher scored the Quins’ try as Alex Pearce again showed his merits at flanker, with skipper Gareth Scourfield notching the conversion.
Llanybydder replied with a penalty by Tom Wilson before half time and Wilson also notched two further penalties after the oranges and converted his team’s only try by Gary Evans. His contribution ensured that Llanybydder had secured a win, leaving the Quins to reflect on what might have been.
 Seasiders so strong in another big win
Tenby United 59 - Aberaeron 7
Tenby United showed their real potential as they cruised to victory over a useful Aberaeron side which was in fifth place in the table but had no answers as the Seasiders secured top spot since Amman United didn’t play.
Tenby were already 19-0 ahead at the interval as they grabbed tries from centre Arthur Maulio-Martino, plus wingers Simon Stanford and Dai Meyrick, two of them converted by centre James Davies.
Aberaeron did manage a try from prop Deiniol Evans after the interval, converted by Dylan Evans, but the Seasiders combination of pace, power and good handling saw them run in further tries by Meyrick, Sam Smith (2), Dan Colley and Wyndham Williams
 Davies and Toby Smith shared the kicking duties to take the Seasiders to a very big win where they served real notice of intent on the other teams in the section.
Sam Smith hands off an opponent and touch judge Russell Miln appreciates it!
Simon Stanford stays strong for the Seasiders.
Pictures by Dave Bolton.
 Division Five (West):
Scarlets stay top and
keep a clean sheet
Bynea 0 - Pembroke 21
Pembroke stay top of the table after an excellent away win over a battling Bynea side that was made all the more credit-worthy since the Scarlets had to forsake their normal attack-orientated game and grind out victory in awful conditions.
Coach Ossie Boswell was a little disappointed by the performance, although he said that the end-result was terrific in heavy rain and slippery conditions.
“We had to grind out a win today,” he said, “and I’m pleased that we kept a clean score sheet in the process.”
The Scarlets were 6-0 ahead at half time thanks to penalties by James Davies and Simon Hooper, and with signs already appearing that their pack power was beginning to tell on the home side.
Skipper Steve Dyde rounded off a period of pressure to score the Scarlets’ first try, followed by Mark Boswell, as reward for all his real graft, and flanker Luke Hansford, who is always in the thick of things. None of them were converted but it didn’t really matter because Pembroke had secured another good win on the road.
Mark Boswell - try for Pembroke's second row.
 Reynolds leads Seagulls’ rout
Fishguard 55 - Pontyates 3
Three tries by pacy centre Matthew Reynolds helped Fishguard achieve their expected win over lowly Pontyates but the visitors deserve credit for the way that they tried to play running rugby, despite being under the cosh from the Seagulls for much of the time.
The home pack was on top from the outset as Romeo Colella, Steve and Nathan Jenkins, Gerwyn Davies, Mark James and Gwilym Evans were in the thick of things, whilst Mark Leonard and Emyr Hughes reveled in the freedom they found.
Winger Matthew George opened the scoring for Fishguard and then Leonard and Hughes vied to claim the second touchdown before Matthew Reynolds scored his first try in the right corner – and Huw Evans landed the difficult conversion after missing both previous attempts.
 Pontyates landed a penalty from outside half Lee Jones in a rare attack where veteran prop Alun Stephens featured as her led by example for much of the afternoon. Fishguard went close with little bursts by Mike Jenkins, Gareth Adamson and Dai Evans but the Seagulls increased their interval lead to 24-3 thanks to a second try by Reynolds from a tapped penalty, with Huw Evans again superbly converting.
Matthew George again opened the second half scoring with a try, converted by Evans, and after Steve Jenkins was denied a try, because the ref was unsighted, Mark Leonard grabbed a good try where Huw Evans hit both posts with the conversion attempt but the ball bounced the wrong side of the crossbar!
 Mike Jenkins scored a try and Reynolds completed his hat-trick, both converted by Huw Evans, who also had the final word as half back partner Gareth Owen put him in at the corner to set the seal on a powerful performance by the Seagulls, albeit against weak opposition.
Mark Leonard scores a Fishguard try.
Mike Jenkins off-loads to Gerwyn Davies.
Romeo Colella on the burst.
Pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
 Superb away win for Wasps
St Clears 5 - Llangwm 13
Llangwm gained a thoroughly deserved away win against St Clears to lift the spirits in their camp after so much hard work in training seems to be paying off for what is a relatively young side.
The spirit at Pill Parks was shown by Nick Phillips, moved up to prop from second row for the first time to help out a shortage there and playing really well alongside No 8 James Griffiths and flanker Ian Griffiths. The Wasps defended well when they needed to and showed their attacking qualities as talented young three-quarter Nathan Proctor dived over in the left corner to claim their first try – and although Andrew Brock missed the conversion he made amends with a well-struck penalty to give his side an 8-0 interval lead.
St Clears showed that they were still intent on victory as they scored first after the interval with a good try from centre Ceri Jones when the Wasps were reduced to 14 men but when Llangwm returned to full strength they grabbed a cracking try from a scrum near half way where Mike Venables made the initial break and cleverly kicked ahead so that his brother  James could win the race for the touch-down.
It proved to be the final score of an absorbing clash and Llangwm were good value for victory, with the boost of an away win to please coach Colin Picton and team manager Richard Scriven.
Nathan Proctor en route to a Llangwm try.
Jonathan Brock tackles well for Llangwm.
Pictures Joseph Kiff.
St Davids v Burry Port
Match postponed – to be arranged at a later date
16th October 2010
Feature Match
Division Three (West):
 Bluebirds battle hard to beat Cocklemen
Haverfordwest 19 - Penclawdd 14
Two well struck penalties by outside half Steve Williams helped Haverfordwest ease to a narrow home win over third-placed Penclawdd but the Blues had their supporters on the edge of their seats in the closing stages as the Cocklemen pressed desperately to snatch victory.
Williams slotted his penalties in the 69th and 71st minutes after trailing 14-13 but from then on it was the Penclawdd pack which set up a platform in the right corner and it required some desperate defending by the home side, aided by a bad penalty miss from Penclawdd’s Jamie Moore when the gap was only two points.
 Penclawdd showed why they are in contention at the top after they had resisted early pressure from the Blues, assisted by some penalties awarded by referee Peter Evans which infuriated the home supporters. Moore made an incisive break in his own half which was maintained by Damian Williams and Steve Snell before full back Osian Williams raced over for an unconverted try.
Blues battle back
But Haverfordwest fought back well despite a couple of penalty misses by Williams either side of a try scored by centre Dan Harries after Penclawdd flanker Richard Jones was yellow-carded and harries showed his strength to claim the try, although Williams was again off target with the conversion but notched a penalty. Moore also found the target with three penalties so the Blues trailed 14-8 at the interval.
 Haverfordwest were first to score after the oranges when Jon Whitticombe created the space to put winger Dan Birch away before flanker Alun Harries did well to support on the inside and grab an unconverted try. Dan Harries almost added another score but his final pass went to ground and there was no further scoring until Steve Williams landed a simple three-pointer and then an excellent long-range attempt which was vital since it meant that the Cocklemen had to score a converted try or two penalties to take the verdict.
But the Blues, with Richard Brazell on as replacement and leading the defensive cover, managed to keep Penclawdd out – and were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle.
Haverfordwest: Jon Whitticombe; Dan Birch; Dan Harries; Ollie Reyland; Darren Salmon; Steve Williams; Tom Walker; Neil Phillips; Graham Jenkins (Capt); Dean Wilcox; Adam Clarke; Matthew Clarke; Richard Walters; Alun Harries; Ben Johns. Replacements: Dan Miners; Gareth Phillips; Richard Brazell; Dan Collins.
Photos: Blues (top) on the backfoot. Team-mates (middle) congratulate Dan Harries after Blues' first try. Johnathan Whitticombe (bottom) looks to attack.
Pictures by Bill Carne of PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
Division One (West):
 Nerve-jangling win for Borderers
Felinfoel 27 - Whitland 28
Whitland made it three wins from their last three matches as a late penalty by replacement scrum half Huw Rees gave them victory over basement battlers Felinfoel – although it was a nerve-jangling affair where the home side played far better than their played six, lost six, previous record would suggest.
Indeed, the Borderers looked a little jaded early on as Carwyn Jones missed a penalty and Felinfoel scored tries by full back Stuart Wall and scrum half Luke Marsh, a former Whitland player, both converted by winger Rhodri Mason.
Carwyn Jones opened Whitland’s account with a penalty before flanker Dylan Richards crossed from a wheeled scrum and No 8 Luke Kendall powered his way over for unconverted tries that reduced the deficit to a single points. But Mason slotted a penalty for Felinfoel and when No 10 Johnny Griffiths sliced through for a try it made the interval score 22-13 in the homesters’ favour.
A try by Felinfoel No 8 Stuart Roberts set the alarm bells ringing even louder amongst the Whitland faithful but replacement back rower Celt Thomas claimed a try and Huw Rees grabbed a try which he also converted to take the Borderers to within two points of the opposition.
Then Rees was on target with a penalty and although he hit the upright with another late attempt it mattered little because Whitland had done just enough to secure a vital victory to keep them climbing up the table.
Whitland: Johnny Morgan; Dion Thomas; Gary Evans; Mike Georgiou; Will Davies; Carwyn Jones; Dafydd Evans; Gareth Lloyd (Capt); Marc Jones; Andrew Jones; Raff Williams; Carl Smith; Dylan Richards; Jack Mason; Luke Kendall. Replacements: Alan Proctor; Andrew Davies; Geraint Rees; Celt Thomas; Huw Rees.
Dylan Richards - scored opening try for Whitland.
Otters bounce back with bonus-point win
 Narberth 42 - Bridgend Athletic 22
Narberth showed they had shrugged of the disappointment of defeat at Whitland to secure victory over a useful Bridgend Athletic outfit where they also secured a bonus point as outside half Aled Davies contributed 22 points as he once again went through the scoring card with two tries, three conversions, a penalty and a dropped goal.
The Otters took the lead as early as the fourth minute when centre Lee Glanville intercepted a loose pass and sped to the line for Davies to add the extra points, before Stuart Morris hit back with an Athletic penalty. Then Davies intervened seven minutes later when the fly half rounded off a good handling move and then kicked a close-range penalty and dropped a neat goal to put his side 20-10 in front at the interval since the Athletic managed a late try by centre Rob Coles.
Roger Davies opened the Otters’ second half account with a good try and although Aled Davies missed the conversion he quickly made amends with a solo try and conversion. The Athletic showed their willingness to compete as they scored a try from scrum half Aled Thomas which Morris converted but a long-range dropped goal from Roger Davies made sure that the Otters had plenty of breathing space.
The Otters added their sixth try when winger Tom Bonnell rounded off a good move for Roger Davies to convert before the Athletic rounded off the scoring in an entertaining match when Rob Coles grabbed his second try.
There was a minute's silence for former Narberth hooker Kevin Davies, who sadly died this week at the age of 35.
Narberth: Roger Davies: Mark Heywood; Richard Davies; Lee Glanville; Tom Bonnell: Aled Davies; Andrew Davies; Tom Slater; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt); Jason Jennings; Alex Jenkins; Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Jim Kaumahotoya. Replacements: Craig Jones; Steve Martin; Lewis Wood; Simon Griffiths; Sean Lloyd.
Jason Jennings wins lineout ball for Narberth playing in pink!
Picture by Ken Mathias.
Division Three (West):
 Preseli Men pounce in second half
Llanelli Wanderers 10 - Crymych 33
An excellent second-half performance by Crymych ensured that they remain top of the table but they were pushed all the way in the first half and were a point adrift of bottom-placed Llanelli Wanderers at the interval.
But whatever coach Lyn Williams said at half time it certainly worked because in the second period the Preseli Men not only kept a clean sheet but secured a bonus point for scoring four tries!
Mark Davies led the way for the Wanderers in the first half as he landed a penalty and then converted his own try after Gareth Davies had slotted a penalty for Crymych. Davies was also on target with two other kicks but the Wanderers looked anything but a side which had lost all six of its previous league games as they led 10-9.
All that changed after the break, however, because dynamic flanker Richard Sharp-Williams, who played well in the back row alongside Tomos Jones and skipper Simon James, grabbed two tries alongside others from scrum half Rhodri Davies and right winger Andrew Thomas. Gareth Davies landed two conversions and Crymych maintained their 100% record at the top of the section.
Richard Sharp-Williams - two tries for Crymych.
Division Four (West):
 Cardis maintain good form
Cardigan 37 - Betws 20
Cardigan continued their good form as they fended off the strong challenge of Betws to earn their fourth win from six starts and a third place in the table.
The Teifisiders led 19-10 at the half way mark as they secured good tries by second row Rob Connolly, fly half Mike Diggle and No 8 Llyr Griffiths, the first two of them converted by Diggle.
Full back Nathan Murphy opened the second half scoring for Cardigan and after Diggle contributed a penalty to the cause there were further tries from pacy winger Rhydian Jenkins and Murphy as the Teifisiders forwards and backs combined well in some expansive play.
In response, Betws managed tries from second row Dan George, winger Rhys Williams and prop Jonathan George, plus a conversion and a penalty from No 10 Phillip Saunders – but Cardigan were always on top and fully merited their victory.
Rhydian Jenkins- try for Cardigan.
 Scourfield sets up first Quins’ win
Cefneithin 17 - Pembroke Dock Quins 38
Three tries from pacy winger Lee Scourfield helped Pembroke Dock Harlequins pick up their first win of the season at the expense of a Cefneithin side which now replaces the Quins in the bottom two of the section table.
Scourfield has been unable to play on a regular basis but he showed what an asset he can be with his real pace and strength in scoring his tries, whilst always posing a constant threat for the home defence.
The Quins trailed by 18-17 shortly after the break but then Lee Scourfield was joined by outstanding full back Paul Jonkers (2) and winger Carl Scott as their try scorers, with Darren Gibby back in the centre to put his wealth of experience to good use alongside skipper Gareth Scourfield, who landed a conversion and two penalties to help the Quins do well.
For Cefneithin there were tries by flanker Andrew Cudd and centre Jason Matthews, whilst full back Richard Watts kicked both conversions and a penalty.
But it was all the Quins after the break as their young side showed how quickly they are developing – and coach Mike Scourfield must have been delighted by this first win of the campaign.
Paul Jonkers - two tries for Quins in outstanding performance.
 Seasiders too strong in local derby win over Blacks
Neyland 8 - Tenby United 29
Tenby United again showed what a strong side they are as they maintained second spot in the table with victory over Neyland in this local derby, whilst the All Blacks lurched into bottom place with this fifth defeat from six starts.
The Seasiders were strong up front with Johnny Lane, Gareth Knock, Gareth Edwards and especially Sam Smith leading the way alongside Wyndham Williams, Lewis Davies and skipper Nicky Guymer in the ball-winning stakes.
 They were already 22-3 in front at half time with tries from winger Dai Meyrick, centre Arthur Maulio-Martino and second rower Lane, with winger James Davies landing two conversions and a penalty – and all Neyland could muster was a penalty from Mark Riley.
The second half was far more even as outside half Toby Smith scored Tenby’s only try, which he also converted, whilst powerful centre Adam Collins burst through for an unconverted home try to complete the scoring in a match that was well refereed by Adrian Slade (Milford Haven).
Arthur Maulio-Martino canters over for a try for Tenby. Toby Smith dives over for a try at Neyland.
Pictures by Dave Bolton & Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
Rusinek four-timer in vain as Mariners leak points
 Trimsaran 48 -
Milford Haven 32
Milford Haven’s strong running centre Ian Rusinek claimed four tries in the Mariner’s match at Trimsaran but still ended up on the losing side as his team led several times but were eventually over-hauled by the homesters.
The Mariners were early 12-0 leaders, were still 17-12 in front at the interval and were 32-31 in the lead until the final quarter, when they had Gareth Fawcett yellow-carded and Trimsaran claimed 17 points to deny Larry Spillane’s boys a win. Their other try came from Fawcett, whilst Leigh Broome and Tom Arnold shared the kicking duties to garner the rest of their points whilst the front row of Mike Cockburn, Chris Spillane and James Passmore played well as a unit.
Trimsaran’s tries were scored by outside half Phil Davies (2), scrum half Ioan Jones, a penalty try, centre Dafydd Latham, No 8 Mark Davies and winger Mike Daniels. Flanker Ryan Edwards landed five conversions and kicked a drop goal in his side’s win – leaving the Mariners to reflect on the fact that they scored five tries in an away match yet still lost!
Ian Rusinek - four tries as Milford lost!
Division Five (West):
 Wasps miss chances galore
Llangwm 7 - Llandybie 13
Llangwm missed a golden chance of victory over Llandybie at Pill Parks as they failed to take chances created by dropping passes at key moments and even dropping the ball over the line at least three times.
Indeed, team manager Richard Scriven admitted that he felt sorry for the Llangwm squad because all their genuine efforts were negated by over-eagerness or the taking of wrong options, like attempting two penalties from wide out and missing, whilst taking tap penalties that were far easier which might have brought three points on each occasion.
 In a tight tussle the Wasps were just 3-0 adrift at the break as Llandybie’s experienced skipper Robert Goodfellow notched a penalty – and full back Goodfellow added another ten points afterwards with another penalty and a try which he also converted.
For Llangwm, there were useful performances from the front row of Will Scriven, Johnny James and Ray Venables, whilst Dan Hughes adapted well in his switch from the front row to flanker. The Wasps scored a try by centre Jonathan Venables which his brother Mike converted, whilst Nathan Proctor also featured as he was ever-ready to attack.
But the Wasps were left to rue missed chances, although they did collect a deserved bonus point for being within seven points of their opponents.
Jonathan Venables (top) grabs a try for Llangwm.
Nathan Proctor on the burst for Llangwm.
Pictures by Joseph Kiff.
 Scarlets succeed in stopping Saints
Pembroke 34 - St Davids 17
Pembroke played some excellent rugby against old rivals St Davids to win their local derby clash at Crickmarren as winger Leigh Duffy raced over for a hat-trick of tries.
The Scarlets were strong up front and built on a 12-10 interval lead to secure the win points alongside a bonus point for scoring four tries, with Duffy opening their account with an unconverted try before talented young No 8 Jordan Gwilliam continued his run of great form with the second score, converted by outside-half Simon Hooper.
But the Saints fought back with tries from full back Andrew Lamb and winger Adam Phillips, but missed both conversions and a penalty.
Their hopes of taking the initiative after the interval were soon halted, however, when Duffy added his second try which Hooper converted before he also got onto the try sheet with an unconverted score. Duffy added his third try before the Saints hit back with a try by scrum half Eddie Bolger, converted by Phil Lamb, but the Scarlets had the final word when Gwilliam powered his way over. Pembroke coach Ossie Boswell was pleased with his team taking five points for their efforts but he was honest enough to admit that the performance wasn’t as good as in the previous match as he praised the Saints for sticking to their task throughout.
Seagulls secure points in stop-start game
 Swansea Uplands 3 - Fishguard 29
Fishguard gained their expected win at Swansea Uplands but they were never allowed to build up any momentum by the stop-start nature of a game where the referee intervened on numerous occasions.
The Seagulls opened their account with a penalty by veteran fly half Huw Evans, who also added the conversion when Mike Jenkins scored his second try in as many matches as he pouched a hacked clearance attempt and side-stepped to the posts.
Swansea Uplands did manage a penalty after half time through Simon Thomas but the Seagulls soon added further points when replacement winger Matthew George finished off a quality move when Gareth Adamson made the initial incision and linked well with George to cross in the corner before Evans slotted the touchline conversion.
A good passage of play saw Fishguard take play into the corner and skipper Steve Jenkins, revelling in his new role at flanker, crashed through for an unconverted try before the bonus-point try came from a penalty try after the Seagulls had opted for a close-range scrum from a penalty – and drove the opposition back. Huw Evans inevitable kicked the simple conversion to set the seal on another win for his side – but he also congratulated the Uplands for playing far better than their league position would suggest!
Huw Evans - more points for Fishguard.
9th October 2010
Division One (West):
Borderers bag deserved derby win
Whitland 28 - Narberth 12
 Whitland threw the form book out of the window as they gained a deserved win over a Narberth side which arrived at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn with five wins from five starts but never mastered a Borderers’ outfit in which Mike Georgiou led the way with some ferocious tackling.
He found excellent support from Raff Williams, Jack Mason, Luke Kendall, skipper
Ryan Michael and the rest of the home pack and a measure of the defensive cover was that all the Otters could muster were four penalties from Aled Davies, whilst the Borderers scored their first try in the opening two minutes, and added two more to show their attacking qualities.
And a cracking try it was that gave Whitland the lead in the second minute, when Carwyn Jones, switched to outside half because his namesake Rhys was injured, made a decisive break about 30 metres out and fed Georgiou, who in turn supplied co-centre Gary Evans with the scoring pass before No 9 Huw Evans added the easy extras.
 Action aplenty
Aled Davies reduced the deficit with a penalty soon after the restart but made a hash of a long-range attempt – and in a dramatic opening ten minutes Whitland almost claimed a second try as Jones chipped through and Johnny Morgan hacked through, only to be beaten by the dead-ball line.
Huw Rees slotted a Whitland penalty after 21 minutes, following good work by Aidan Laxton, Gareth Lloyd and Trystan Griffiths, and although Aled Davies kicked a second penalty for the Otters, a snapped drop goal from Carwyn Jones was followed by a try by James as he followed up his astute chip ahead and received the perfect bounce to score an unconverted try. Aled Davies had a penalty over-ruled by the referee Darren Evans (Liverpool) but found the target just before the interval to restrict Whitland to an 18-9 interval lead.
 Vital Whitland score
There was no further scoring in the third quarter as Narberth tried to use the breeze to good effect but then Aled Davies landed a penalty to bring the visitors to within a single score; although their hopes of a big come-back were ruined as Whitland scored a superb try that was initiated by Raff Williams in his own half and was continued by Aled Richards and Ryan Michael before Luke Kendall’s support was rewarded with a try near the posts that Rees converted.
Sound Borderers’ cover
Narberth enjoyed several periods of sustained pressure but the Whitland cover was excellent and in the closing moments another penalty by Huw Rees put the seal on a famous Whitland win, leaving the Otters to reflect on a below-par performance where they were never allowed to stamp their own mark on play because Whitland played with a fire and determination that gave them a vital and merited success.
Whitland: Johnny Morgan: Dion Thomas; Mile Georgiou; Gary Evans; Will Davies; Carwyn Jones; Huw Rees; Gareth Lloyd; Trystan Griffiths; Andrew Jones; Raff Williams; Aidan Laxton; Jack Mason; Ryan Michael (Capt); Luke Kendall. Replacements: Mark Jones; Aled Richards; Dylan Richards; Celt Thomas; Jonathan Thomas.
Narberth: Roger Davies; Nick Jones; Steve Martin; Lee Glanville; Tom Bonnell; Aled Davies; Adrian Killa; Sion Lloyd; Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt); Jason Jennings; Alex Jenkins; Gareth Bateman; Wayne Williams; Lewis Wood. Replacements: Andrew Davies; Tom Slater; Simon Griffiths; Timoci Kaumaitotoya; Richard Davies.
PHOTOS: Young Lock Aidan Laxton (top) played well for Whitland.
Huw Rees (middle) makes the ball available for Whitland.
Lewis Wood tries to break clear for Narberth.
Action pictures taken by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
Division Three (West):
Preseli Men continue unbeaten streak
Crymych 24 - Laugharne 10
Crymych maintained their 100% start to this season with a hard-fought win over Laugharne that showed that the Preseli Men can tough it out as well as play attractive rugby because to achieve victory in this match at Parc Lloyd Thomas they had first to quell the fire in a Laugharne pack which is adept at keeping possession.
Indeed, it was Laugharne who took the early lead with a penalty from Jack Tremlett but Crymych soon took the lead with a clever try by winger Guto Griffiths as he latched onto a clever chip ahead by No 10 Gareth Davies before his brother, Ianto Griffiths, added the extra points.
The homesters added a second try, this time unconverted, when dynamic flanker Tomos Jones intercepted a floated pass and galloped 40 metres for his opportunist score. Back came Laugharne with a try by scrum half Mark Stephenson scored and Tremlett converted – but Crymych led 15-9 at the half-way stage as Ianto Griffiths notched a penalty.
The second period was equally as hard-fought but good work up front from Jason Nicholls, Josh Clark and John Davies in the tight, allied to good ball-winning and retention by Andrew Phillips, Rhys Davies, Richard Sharp-Williams, Tomos Jones and especially skipper Simon James, meant that Laugharne clear-cut chances were few and far between. Player/coach Elgan Vittle called the shots behind the scrum and three more penalties by Ianto Griffiths earned the Preseli Men their sixth win from six starts – and a clear lead at the top of the table!
Guto Griffiths - another try for Crymych winger .
 Blues fight back for three-point draw
Tumble 31 - Haverfordwest 31
Haverfordwest earned three points from their high-scoring draw at Tumble, running in five tries and forcing their way back from a 24-10 deficit at half time to share the spoils.
Tumble played with the win in the first half and took the lead with a try by prop Alan King from a trade-mark rolling drive from a lineout – but the Blues fought back almost straight away when a long pass from Steve Williams allowed John Whitticombe to use his considerable pace and grab an unconverted try.
Home hooker Mike Powell crashed through for Tumble but Blues’ centre Dan Harries again hauled his team level as he rounded off a concerted handling move involving forwards and backs.
But in the final ten minutes of the period it was Tumble who added a further 14 points with tries by scrum half Chris Davies from a charged down clearance attempt, and prop King from another drive, both tries converted by full back Steve Hewitt.
As the breeze dropped in the second half it took Haverfordwest 18 minutes to break down the Tumble defence when good handling allowed Darren Salmon to score a try which Williams converted, as he did in the 80th minute when No 8 Ben John rounded off a period of pressure to score.
A draw seemed assured but Tumble counter-attacked to score a try by winger Nicky Allinson which Hewitt goaled – and deep into time added on the Blues snatched a deserved draw when replacement forward Ollie Reyland rounded of a move in the corner and Steve Williams’ magnificent conversion gave the Blues a deserved share of the spoils.
John Whitticombe - superb try for Haverfordwest.
Division Four (West):
 Blacks return to winning
ways in tight local derby
Neyland 23 -
Pembroke Dock Quins 20
Neyland returned to winning ways as they fended off a strong challenge from old rivals Pembroke Dock Quins in an absorbing local derby clash at the Athletic Ground.
But the youthful Quins’ team can at least take some consolation from the fact that they played well, particularly in the first half when they played down the slope – but failed to turn considerable pressure into enough points. They took the lead with a well-worked try set up by promising No 10 Adam Crawley and scored by winger Sam Irwin but skipper Gareth Scourfield missed the conversion and a couple of penalties so they only led by 5-3 at the break since Mark Riley landed a penalty for Neyland.
Irwin was also involved in the Quins’ second try which was scored and converted by Gareth Scourfield before Neyland centre Adam Collins finished off some smart work by Mathew Williams and Gregg Miller, with Riley adding the easy extra points and a penalty to nudge the All Blacks ahead for the first time.
A Scourfield penalty almost straight from the kick-off put the Quins back in front but Neyland regained the initiative with a Riley penalty and a superb corner conversion of a try by winger Andrew Charnley.
The Quins had the final word with a try from flanker Phil Hughes but it was too little, too late as Neyland celebrated victory – but the Quins can at least take heart from this all-round performance where they outscored the All Blacks by three tries to two.
Andrew Charnley - try for Neyland.
 Division Five (West):
Wasps wilt against
promotion contenders
Burry Port 47 -
Llangwm 17
Llangwm found it hard going as Burry Port showed why they are in the top three in the table with seven tries as they led 21-7 at half time and maintained their momentum despite the fact that the Wasps managed a try in each half.
Andrew Brock scored the first Llangwm try and the talented young outside half also landed the conversion and a second-half penalty, plus the extra points when James Venables raced over for a good try.
 There were also useful displays in the second period from Dan Morgan and Gavin Jones as they were pressed into service in the second row, but Burry Port had tries by centre Stephen Coles, winger Oliver Day and flanker Dan Burke-Filer in the first half, all converted by No 10 Tom Price.
Price also added three more conversions in the second period as Burry Port were awarded a penalty try alongside others by winger Alan Howells, flanker Rhys Harries and replacement winger Raymond Evans.
PHOTOS: James Venables (top) on the burst.
Matthew Kiff (right) makes a big tackle.
Action pictures kindly supplied by Joseph Kiff.
Swalec Bowl – Round One:
 Murphy hat-trick in Cardigan romp
Cardigan 77 - Lampeter College 10
Cardigan enjoyed a 13-try romp against the inexperienced students from Lampeter College, running in no fewer than seven tries as they led 41-0 at half time and although they inevitable took their feet off the gas a little in the second half they still added a further six tries.
Leading the way for the Teifisiders was Nathan Murphy, with a try hat-trick, followed by others from Jack Lewis, Llyr Griffiths, Aled Phillips (2), Iestyn Davies, Rob Davies (2), Rhydian Jenkins and Kieran Hurley (2).
Jack Lewis also slotted three conversions, as did Rob Connolly in this runaway win, but the Lampeter students deserve credit for sticking to their task and scoring a try by Zenon Szwitzak to go with the conversion and a penalty from Chris Quigley.
Nathan Murphy - three tries for Cardigan.
 Scarlet runners enjoy try romp
Pembroke 71 - St Clears 0
Pembroke returned to something like a full squad against St Clears and showed their true capabilities as they ran in 11 tries whilst keeping a clean score-sheet themselves.
Scarlets’ coach Ossie Boswell has said before that when his squad is fully fit they will take some stopping and that was certainly the case here as they played some very entertaining rugby for their hardy band of supporters to enjoy.
The platform for this big win was the Scarlets’ pack which had James Walters, Gareth Jones. Mark Boswell, Paul Parcell and Tom Jones as a ball-winning tight five alongside excellent work in the loose from Josh Taylor, skipper Steve Dyde and No 8 Jordan Gwilliam.
It was Gwilliam who claimed a try hat-trick as others came from Mark Boswell, Mark Roach, Josh Taylor, Jamie Alderman, Rhys Marchant and Paul Parcell, whilst outside half Simon Hooper continued to gather points with a haul of 26 that came from two more tries and eight conversions.
Simon Hooper - 26 points for Pembroke.
 Evans eases Seagulls through
Tregaron 12 - Fishguard 26
Fishguard gained a good Swalec Bowl win at Tregaron, who play in Division Six, with Huw Evans calling the shots as he used his experience to good effect – but another feature of the Seagulls’ success was the fact that they had three teenagers playing in centre Mike Jenkins, winger Dai Evans and replacement scrum half Sam Kurtz.
Tregaron were intent on using their big pack to apply pressure but it was Fishguard who moved into a nine-point lead with three penalties from Huw Evans as skipper Steve Jenkins played well in the back row alongside Mark Leonard and Gavin Walsh, both playing out of position but always in the thick of things. Also playing their hearts out were props Andrew Morrillo and Gerwyn Davies, both staying on the pitch for the full 80 minutes for the third match in succession, whilst Rhys Williams looked elusive in the centre.
Tregaron scored a try by Dorian Pugh, converted by Llion Jones before Fishguard went into the break 14-9 ahead thanks to a try by Steve Jenkins, as he smashed his way through two tackles to reach the line.
Matthew George also scored for the Seagulls in the second period as the winger was put away on the blind side and although Tregaron claimed a second try, this time from Gary Rees, it was Evans who had the final word as he ghosted though the home defence and put Mike Jenkins over for a debut try before the ubiquitous Evans added the extra points.
Steve Jenkins - try for Fishguard skipper.
2nd October 2010
Division One (West):
Otters on top after slow start
Narberth 44 - Maesteg 16
 Narberth maintained their winning start to the season as they eventually proved too strong for Maesteg and claimed another bonus point in the process – but not before the ‘Old Parish’ side had belied their lowly status with some good rugby of their own.
In fact, Maesteg looked anything but potential relegation material as they held sway in the opening five minutes but an interception from Richard Davies changed that, although he was caught near the Maesteg line. But from this platform the Otters op3ened their account with a penalty by Aled Davies, who also added a second penalty before Maesteg outside half Robbie Evans slotted a three-pointer from the touchline.
Narberth pressure finally told after 35 minutes when centre Steve Martin took play left before play was switched right to create the space for winger Roger Davies to beat his opposite number for a quality try which Aled Davies converted to give the Otters a 16-3 interval lead.
Otters on top
 Aled Davies also opened the second half scoring with a penalty but missed with another attempt soon after Robbie Evans had added his second penalty for the Old Parish. But the Otters increased their lead when Roger Davies powered over for his second try, with Aled Davies adding the extra points.
The home side made three changes up front and whilst they were settling in Maesteg grabbed a soft try from a quick throw-in which allowed big second row Scott Hicks to gallop over for an unconverted try. The Otters also introduced Adrian Killa to the action and the veteran scrum half sniped through for a trademark try which Aled Davies converted, as he did when another replacement in Nick Jones helped set up a try for Steve Martin.
Maesteg showed good spirit to claim a corner try for Ryan Sheran but Narberth had the final word when Nick Jones was shoved off the ball as he attempted to ground it for a try, leaving the referee with no alternative but to award a penalty try which Aled Davies goaled to keep the Otters firmly at the top of the table and anticipating a clash at Whitland as their next challenge.
Narberth: Craig Jones, Roger Davies (Nick Jones), Steve Martin, Richard Davies, Mark Heywood, Aled Davies, Andrew Davies (Adrian Killa),: Sean Lloyd (Tom Slater), Dan Smith; Justin Hughes (Capt), Jason Jennings, Alex Jenkins, Gareth Bateman, Simon Griffiths (Wayne Williams), Lewis Wood (Timoci Kaumaitotoya).
Steve Martin on the break for Narberth.
Dan Smith tackles well for the Otters
Action pictures by Bill Carne.
 Wonderful win for Whitland
Waunarlwydd 26 - Whitland 30
Two tries by winger Johnny Morgan helped Whitland achieve their first victory of the campaign as reward for a gutsy display at Waunarlwydd where they led for much of the game, lost the initiative for a short spell but came back to seal their success.
The Borderers started well, despite the early loss through injury of skipper Ryan Michael, with Jack Mason scoring their first try after a concerted effort by their pack. Rhys Jones missed the conversion but landed a successful penalty before Waunarlwydd responded with a penalty from outside half Johnny Davies.
Whitland grabbed a second try from the opportunism of hooker Trystan Griffiths as he charged down a clearance attempt and did well to recover quickly and claim the try which Rhys Jones converted before a second Davies penalty for the home side saw the Borderers lead 15-6 at the break.
Davies added a second penalty soon after the restart but a series of well-orchestrated drives from the Whitland pack allowed prop Gareth Lloyd to claim a try as reward for his yeoman work alongside Griffiths, Andrew Jones, Raff Williams and teenager Aidan Laxton.
Borderers look in control
A neat chip ahead by Carwyn Jones allowed Johnny Morgan to use his pace for an unconverted try and at 25-9 ahead the Borderers looked in control. But Waunarlwydd clawed their way back with two tries from Daniel Fox which Davies converted to put them only two points in arrears – and a Davies penalty put them in front for the first time.
It says much for Whitland’s spirit that they refused to settle for another narrow defeat, however, and a typical Will Davies half break created space for Jack Mason and Mike Georgiou to maintain the move before Johnny Morgan popped up and sped to the line for an unconverted try.
Even then the drama wasn’t over because Whitland had Gareth Lloyd sent off for a second yellow card but Davies missed the resultant penalty – and resolute defending by Whitland’s 14 men in the closing moments saw =them able to celebrated a good win before entertaining neighbours Narberth on Saturday!
Whitland: Johnny Morgan, Dion Thomas, Carwyn Jones, Mike Georgiou, Will Davies, Rhys Jones, Huw Rees, Gareth Lloyd, Trystan Griffiths, Andrew Jones, Raff Williams, Aidan Laxton, Jack Mason, Ryan Michael(C), Luke Kendall Replacements: Aled Richards, Marc Jones, Carl Smith, Dylan Richards and Gary Evans.
Johnny Morgan - two tries for Whitland winger.
Division Three (West):
Blues beaten in second half
Gorseinon 29 - Haverfordwest 16
A spirited second-half come-back by Gorseinon to achieve victory over Haverfordwest after the Blues had led 16-14 at the half-way stage.
Steve Williams put Haverfordwest ahead after only four minutes with a penalty and although Gorseinon came back with a try by outside half Tim O’Kelly which half back partner Darren Wilcox converted, the Blues went back in front after Williams had dropped goals in the ninth and 18th minutes.
Back came Gorseinon with a second O’Kelly try, again converted by Wilcox – but Haverfordwest had the final word in the opening period when a long range attack saw Darren salmon just held up – but from the resultant scrum Salmon powered over the line and Williams added the extra points.
Haverfordwest had lots of ball after the break but failed to turn periods of pressure into points – and were punished as a Wilcox penalty put Gorseinon back in front. As the Blues tried to run the ball back at the home side they were twice caught napping so that they conceded two tries to prop Gareth Morris, one converted by Wilcox as Gorseinon claimed their third win from four league outings.
Darren Salmon - try for Haverfordwest.
 Preseli Men edge top-four battle
Llandeilo 12 - Crymych 13
Crymych knew that they were to face a tough battle to retain their undefeated tag and top spot as they journeyed to third-placed Llandeilo – and that’s just the way it turned out before the Preseli Men travelled home with victory by a single point.
It required them to play with real grit and they had Rhys Davies playing well in the lineout battle and Rhys Richards doing well when he came on to join the fray – but they trailed 7-3 at half time as Ianto Griffiths notched a penalty and the homesters had a try from hooker Dan Roberts which Kelvin Davies converted.
The Preseli Men took the lead with a superb try from winger Guto Griffiths which his brother Ianto converted before the experienced Gareth Davies landed a neatly-taken drop goal.
But Llandeilo, urged on by their vociferous supporters, reduced the deficit to one point when winger Josh Williams was credited with a try, but Kelvin Davies was off target with the conversion and a very late penalty so that Crymych were able to celebrate five league wins from as many starts – but they knew that it had been mighty close before their will to win pulled them through!
Guto Griffiths - scored Crymych's only try.
 Division Four (West):
League leaders beat Blacks
Amman United 34 - Neyland 13
Amman United showed just why they are top of the table as they inflicted defeat on a Neyland side which wasn’t at full strength but did well to remain in contention for much of the match.
The All Blacks were 13-6 in arrears at half time as Mark Riley kicked two penalties for them, with Andrew Lacey and Gareth Davies scoring tries for Amman to go with a Rhys Thomas penalty.
There was real endeavour for Neyland from Ashley Mathias at prop, with Mark Chamberlain and Mark James battling hard in the linesout, whilst Patrick Bellerby had a promising debut at No 10 and Adam Collins was always a threat in midfield. But Amman used their experience to good effect to score further tries by Stuart Herbert and Scott Stephens (2), all converted by Rhys Thomas.
Neyland did have the final word when Adam Collins powered his way to the line and Riley added the extra points – but it was far too little, too late as Amman United stay top and Neyland languish near the foot of the table.
Mark Riley - eight points for Neyland.
 Cardis lose narrowly
Llanybydder 17 - Cardigan 13
Cardigan lost narrowly at Llanybydder after leading by 10-7 at the interval but unable to build on that promising start as Llanybydder fought back well.
In a scrappy first half, where there were errors aplenty, the Teifisiders had a good try by right winger Kieran Hurley to go with the conversion and a penalty by full back Mike Diggle, whilst Llanybydder replied with a try by prop Gavin Boak, converted by No 8 Tomos Wilson.
Llyr Griffiths again played well for Cardigan at No 8 but all they could muster in the second half was a second Diggle penalty whilst Llanybydder had a try by hooker Mark Morris to go with a Wilson penalty as the Teifisiders lost their second game of the season and Llanybydder moved into the top three.
Mike Diggle - eight points for Cardigan.
 Mariners back to winning ways
Milford Haven 36 - Betws 29
Milford returned to winning ways in an entertaining tussle with Betws where the Mariners were outscored in terms of tries but showed good discipline to ease through as Leigh Broome and Tom Arnold punished the Betws errors with penalty points.
Betws snatched the early lead with a try by scrum half Dylan Rees which Matthew Rees converted before the Mariners fought back with a Gareth Fawcett try to go with the conversion and a penalty by Broome, plus a penalty from Arnold.
An excellent try by Milford skipper Craig Thomas put his side 20-7 in front but back came Betws with a try by hooker Ian Morris just before the interval.
Big second row Wayne Comely scored an unconverted try for Betws and although Broome notched another penalty it was Betws who increased their try tally with a try by flanker Dai Jenkins which Rees converted to put Betws a point ahead.
As fortunes ebbed and flowed, Ian Rusinek raced through for a Milford try, with co-centre Dean Matthews adding another unconverted try – only for Betws to respond with a try second row Dan George.
It took the visitors to within a score of snatching victory but a late Broome penalty gave Milford that vital breathing space they needed to secure a deserved win that brought a rare smile to the face of coach Larry Spillane!
Craig Thomas - try for Milford skipper.
 Young Quins eased out by Aber
Pembroke Dock Quins 26 -
Aberaeron 34
Pembroke Dock Quins young side played some innovative rugby against visiting Aberaeron but they still went down to defeat as the Mid Wales side led 21-9 at the interval and scored another 13 points afterwards.
Quins’ skipper Gareth Scourfield kicked three first half penalties for the Quins and added a fourth after the oranges, as well as converting excellent tries by hooker Gareth Brace and powerful centre Kevin Bratcher after good work by outside half Adam Cawley.
But Aberaeron had tries by skipper Tudur Jenkins, playing at No 8, winger Rhodri Thomas, and centres Tom Taylor and Bleddyn Henton. Outside half Dylan Evans notched all four conversions and kicked two penalties in the second period to give his team victory but the Quins pocketed a bonus point so that although they remain rooted to the foot of the table they again showed that they will soon get off to winning ways as they gain a little more experience.
Kevin Bratcher - try for Quins centre.
 Seasiders still in second spot
Trimsaran 15 - Tenby United 45
Tenby United remain in second place in Division Four (West) after a thoroughly deserved away win over a Trimsaran side which never gave up trying but was never able to counter the power and pace of the Seasiders as they plundered seven tries.
Tenby were already 19-3 ahead at the break as Trimsaran could only muster a penalty from flanker Ryan Edwards, who also landed the conversion of a penalty try and grabbed a try of his own as reward for a non-stop performance.
But the Seasiders looked sharp as Nicky Guymer, Gareth Nock, Lewis Davies and Gareth Edwards were key ball winners. Gavin Brace scored an early try and they also had a penalty try, plus a try by winger Dai Meyrick, plus tow Jimmy Davies conversions before half time.
Arthur Maulio-Marino and Brace, who took over at scrum half when Richard Rossiter injured an ankle, also played significant roles and further tries came from replacement second rower Luke Deadman, bustling No 8 Sam Smith, pacy winger Simon Stanford and Gareth Edwards. Davies notched three more conversions to set the seal on a very good Tenby win as they maintain the pressure on Amman United at the top of the table.
Gareth Edwards takes clean lineout ball.
Gavin Brace makes a slick pass.
Luke Deadman puts in a crunch tackle.
Sam Smith goes on the charge.
Simon Stanford dives over for a try.
Action pictures kindly supplied by Dave Bolton.
 Division Five (West):
Seagulls come back
for local derby win
Fishguard 18 - Llangwm 12
Fishguard gained their expected local derby win over Llangwm with the benefit of home advantage but not before they were pushed all the way by a bustling Wasps’ side which actually led 12-6 going into the final quarter.
To be fair to both sides, there were a large number of penalties which left them perplexed, plus no fewer than five yellow cards, which meant that the game was a stop-start affair throughout.
Huw Evans missed two eminently kickable penalties for Fishguard and Andrew Brock was off-target once for Llangwm before Evans finally found the mark with a three-pointer and Brock responded.
 Evans and Brock were again on target to bring the interval score to 6-all but then the Wasps moved into a 12-6 advantage after 62 minutes when Brock landed two further penalties.
But Fishguard scored the first try of the match from a catch and take at a lineout allowed Mark James to emerge with a try which Evans did well to convert from five metres inside the touchline.
It meant that the Seagulls led by a single point – but they added a further 7-pointer when acting scrum half Mark Leonard spotted a gap at a quickly-taken penalty and fed 46 year old Graham Williams, on as replacement flanker and showing he could still cut the mustard at this level. Evans missed the conversion but it mattered little since they were able to hold out for a win – with Llangwm deservedly pouching a bonus point for their considerable collective efforts.
James Venables on the burst for Llangwm.
Mark George & Graham Williams set up a Fishguard attack.
Nathan Jenkins (Fishguard) and Ian Griffiths (Llangwm) battle for lineout ball.
Action pictures kindly supplied by Joseph Kiff.
 Scarlets strong run ends
Pembroke 13 - Burry Port 15
Pembroke’s excellent run of victories which took them to the top of the Division Five (West) table came to an abrupt halt as they went down to a disappointing home defeat against Burry Port.
The Scarlets were without several regulars but Gareth Jones caught the eye at hooker and there were useful performances from Jordan Gwillam and Luke Hansford but the Scarlets took the wrong options on occasions and paid the inevitable price.
Burry Port took the lead with a penalty by outside half Tom Price before Simon Hooper levelled matters for Pembroke to leave the interval scoreline at 3-all, despite the fact that Pembroke had the lion’s share of possession.
The visitors had tries by second row Chris Wells and Price in the third quarter, one converted by Price, before the Scarlets fought back with good tries by Gwillam and Hansford. But both conversions failed and Pembroke were denied a deserved late try when Leigh Duffy was pegged back right in the corner.
But coach Ossie Boswell, although disappointed in defeat, was quick to praise the efforts of his young side, who had to settle for a bonus point as their only reward for a great deal of hard work.
Gareth Jones - outstanding for Pembroke.
 Saints suffer in second half
St Davids 7 -Furnace 25
St Davids’ hopes of another win to maintain their top three place were ruined in the second period when Furnace came back from a 7-3 interval deficit to snatch a win that keeps them firmly in second place.
Yet the Saints made a cracking start as their pack won good early possession and quick hands allowed Andrew lamb to score a try which Geraint Morris converted.
It took Furnace until the final minutes of the first period to break down the well-organised home defence when they were awarded a penalty which Lee Millen slotted.
Furnace claimed their first try when winger Mike Cook rounded off a period of pressure to score a try which Millen converted before they added two interception tries as the saints made costly mistakes in trying to play ‘catch-up’ rugby. Cook added his second try after co-winger Andrew Dibley had also broken clear, with Millen adding another conversion and penalty to set the seal on a Saints’ defeat where the final scoreline didn’t really do justice to their part in an entertaining match.
Andrew Lamb - try for St Davids.
25th September 2010
Feature match
 Division Five (West):
Wasps win well at Pill Parks
Llangwm 9 points -
Penygroes 5 points
Llangwm played really well in their match against Penygroes at Pill Parks and although they failed to turn concerted pressure into tries they were undoubtedly good value for victory as the hard work undertaken with coaches Colin Picton and Richard Scriven is paying off.
The Wasps made a bright start but James Venables was held in the left corner before brother Michael managed to contribute three points with a nicely-struck penalty after 12 minutes.
Michael Venables also went close to a try as he made a powerful burst before being held up short – and Hamish Nicholls had claims for a try turned down by excellent referee Chris Williams, who adjudged that he had been held up.
 Chris Powell missed a couple of long-range penalties for Penygroes and Jonathan Singleton had one long-range probe but it was the Wasps who held the edge, especially in the scrum though Dan Hughes, Daniel Eade and Will Scriven – but Llangwm sometimes took wrong options and wasted chances so that they only led by 3-0 at half time.
It was a similar story after the interval as Ian Griffiths, James Griffiths and skipper James Lewis all played well but they could only muster two penalties from young No 10 Andrew Brock.
Penygroes managed a try by Singleton despite having flanker Sion Davies red-carded but it was Llangwm who were still ahead at the final whistle and able to celebrate a second win in three starts as proof positive of the big steps they have made, with youngsters like Ollie Davies, Nathan Proctor and Andrew Brock playing well.
Llangwm: Robbie Neill: Jonathan Brock, Ollie Davies; Jonathan Venables; James Venables: Andrew Brock; Mike Venables: Daniel Hughes; Daniel Eade; Will Scriven: Hamish Nicholls; Steve Thomas: James Lewis (Capt); Ian Griffiths; James Griffiths. Replacements: Scott Gregory; Nathan Proctor; Josh Davies; Ray Venables.
Mike Venables on the burst.
James Venables battles for possession.
Action pictures by Joseph Kiff.
Division One (West):
 Aled snatches late verdict for Otters
Corus 20 points -
Narberth 23 points
A late penalty by outside half Aled Davies maintained Narberth’s excellent start to the campaign with an away victory at Corus.
But they were pushed all the way by the Steel Men, despite making an excellent start, and perhaps played their ‘get out of jail’ card in this tough tussle after allowing Corus to claw their way back to 20-all.
The Otters showed why they were top of the table, with three bonus-point victories, as they had early unconverted tries by Nick Jones and Lee Glanville, with Aled Davies hitting the post with the second conversion but slotting a penalty to put his side 13 points clear.
Corus responded with a try from no 8 Robbie Morgan after 33 minutes which No 10 Simon Evans converted – but Narberth established a 20-7 interval lead as flanker Wayne Williams crossed for a try as reward for good work by the Otter pack that also included skipper Justin Hughes, Dan Smith, Sion Lloyd, Chris James and Alex Jenkins.
Corus had the better of the second period as they had tries from winger Richard Thomas and No 8 Robbie Thomas, plus a Simon Evans’ penalty, but Narberth kept their nerve and up stepped Davies to kick his 76th minute penalty – and the Otters had edged home!
Aled Davies kicked a late penalty to seal victory for Narberth.
 Borderers battle in vain
Whitland 19 points -
Bridgend 29 points
Whitland produced an excellent start against high-flying Bridgend as they established an early ten-point advantage but the former top-class side fought back to take their fourth win from as many matches.
Borderers’ No 10 Rhys Jones slotted a penalty from three early attempts but then added the extra points to a good Whitland try after teenager Aidan Laxton won lineout ball and good work up front from Raff Williams, Jack Mason and skipper Ryan Michael allowed centre Gary Jones to claim a try which Jones converted.
Bridgend fought back with a try by flanker Adrian Hiller-Rees and although former Whitland outside half Dan Griffiths missed the conversion he added a penalty before his side took the lead with an unconverted try by second row Kyle Maddison.
Whitland levelled matters with a Jones penalty and the No 10 also added two more three-pointers in the second half – but Bridgend had three more penalties by Griffiths, who also converted a good try by powerful centre John Leyshon, to help keep the Borderers still seeking that elusive first win of the season.
Gary Evans - try for Whitland.
Division Three (West):
 Preseli Men win top of table clash
Crymych 36 points -
Mumbles 25 points
Crymych fended off a very strong challenge from fellow section leaders Mumbles to reach top spot in the table after this fourth victory on the trot, with a bonus point for scoring four tries.
The Preseli Men had young scrum half Rhodri Davies as the catalyst for many of their attacks as he scored a deserved hat-trick of tries to win the man of the match accolade, closely followed by John Davies and the rest of the home pack as they made sure that Mumbles were never able to exert their usual influence.
It was Ianto Griffiths who helped Crymych to an early 9-3 lead as he notched three penalties to one from opposite number Adrian Thomas before Rhys Davies sniped over for his first try and Griffiths added the extra points. Davies added try No 2 after good work by Cennydd James, Andrew Phillips, Justin Nicholls, Josh Clark and John Davies – and they led 17-8 at half time as scrum half Andrew Evans scored the lone Mumbles try.
Davies completed a deserved try trio before he went off to a standing ovation but Iwan James replaced him ad set up the vital fourth try for Nick Bevan after Mumbles had a try by full back Jack Webster.
The visitors secured a bonus point with late tries by hooker David Littlehayes and flanker Phil Day but by then the Preseli Men had done enough to secure victory and suit proudly atop the table as their reward.
Rhodri Davies - try hat-trick for Crymych.
Superb Blues bounce out the Bont
Haverfordwest 52 points -
Pontarddulais 19 points
Haverfordwest produced one of their best performances for some time as they beat previously undefeated Pontarddulais in an entertaining clash at Merlins Bridge where they were already 20 points ahead after only 17 minutes and were on top throughout as forwards and backs showed what they can do.
Steve Williams landed a ninth-minute penalty for the Blues and then converted a good try from Darren Salmon almost from the kick off, before adding the extra points to an equally good support try by Richard Brazell after 14 minutes and adding a second penalty three minutes later.
 The Bont scored a try by flanker Nathan Hessey which outside half Jonathan Lloyd converted but the Blues kept firm control as skipper Gareth Phillips, Matthew Clark, Danny Miners, Graham Jenkins and Adam Clark all played well, and were rewarded by a third Williams’ penalty, plus an excellent try by centre Craig Barnett.
Pontarddulais winger Steffan Williams grabbed a try right on the break but the Blues were good value for a 30-12 interval lead.
Matthew Davies gave the Blues a positive start to the second half with a good try and Steve Williams landed another penalty before winger Williams claimed his second Bont try and Lloyd converted. But it was to be the visitors’ final score because the Blues finished as they started, with Jonathan Whitticombe speeding 75 metres for a cracking try and Barnett claiming his second score – and Steve Williams notching both conversions to take the Blues to over a half century of points!
Richard Brazell (above) scores a try for the Blues as skipper Gareth Phillips cheers him on.
Craig Barnett (right)- try brace for Haverfordwest .
Pictures by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
 Division Four (West):
Seasiders stroll to vital victory
Betws 15 points - Tenby 40 points
Tenby United confirmed their second-placed status with a convincing away win over Betws in an absorbing top three clash where the Seasiders led 21-3 at half time and were always on top thereafter.
Half of Tenby’s points came from influential outside half Tom Lewis but he would be the first to admit that this was an excellent all-round team performance where the forwards secured quality possession and the backs looked incisive from the outset.
 Big second row Luke Deadman opened the Tenby scoring a with a good try, followed by others from outside centre Mark Heywood and winger Dai Merrick, all three converted by Lewis as Betws could only muster a penalty by Matthew Rees in return.
Rees also slotted a second half conversion of his own try alongside an unconverted score by Neil Morris for Betws but it was never going to be enough as Lewis sliced through for two tries and also kicked two conversions, and Heywood made a welcome return with his second try to give the Seasiders a cracking win which undoubtedly keeps the pressure on early pace-setters Amman United.
Mark Hayward on the burst for the Seasiders.
Tom Lewis - points galore for the Seasiders.
Pictures by Dave Bolton.
 Teifisiders sink lowly Mariners
Cardigan 39 points -
Milford Haven 20 points
Cardigan maintained their recent good form with a deserved victory over a Milford haven outfit which isn’t firing on all cylinders after a promising start to their campaign.
The Teifisiders were already 29-6 ahead at half time and although the Mariners had second use of the strong wind blowing down the King George Vth Ground it was always the home side that maintained control.
Mike Diggle opened the home account with a penalty and after flanker Gethin Davies had scored their first try, Diggle added another seven points with a try which he also converted. Milford had two penalties by talented young scrum half Tom Arnold but the Teifisiders had further tries before the interval from centre Nathan Murphy and second row Matthew James, both converted by Diggle.
Milford needed a positive start if they were to catch up such a large deficit but they were rocked back even further because Cardigan right-winger Robert Davies scored within two minutes of the restart. The Mariners finally got going with tries by outside half Leigh Broome and centre Ian Rusinek, both converted by Arnold to take them within two scores of their opponents.
But good work by Iestyn Crompton, making a welcome return from Newcastle Emlyn, saw replacement winger Huw Davies round off an excellent handling movement to set the seal on a home win.
Matthew James - try for Cardigan.
Neyland v Pembroke Dock Quins
Derby match postponed because of wedding celebrations
 Division Five (West):
Scarlets quell Furnace fire
Furnace 20 points -
Pembroke 25 points
Pembroke coach Ossie Boswell was delighted by this top of the table victory at Furnace and who could blame him because the Scarlets played really well as a unit to maintain their 100% record, grabbed a bonus point into the bargain and took away Furnace’s unbeaten tag.
“We took command up front and although Furnace showed they are a good side we fully deserved our success after a lot of hard work. Our pack was tremendous and Luke Hansford deserved his two tries alongside our others from centre Mark Williams, plus the winning score from second row Dai Beynon, which Simon Harper converted.”
The Scarlets were 12-5 down at half time as Tom Barnes and Dale Watts scored for the homesters, one converted by replacement full back Simon Jones. Mark Cook added a third try for Furnace and Lee Milland notched a penalty but with Gareth Jones, Richard Mason, Tom Jones, Mark Boswell, Jordan Gilpin and skipper Steve Dyde all playing well in conjunction with scrum half Darren Gilbert, Hansford and Beynon it was the Scarlets who remain undefeated whilst Mumbles had to settle for a single bonus point as the Scarlets returned to Pembroke with a deserved clutch of five points.
Luke Hansford - two tries for Pembroke.
 Fraser fires another try hat-trick
Pontyates 19 points -
St Davids 29 points
St Davids made it three wins in as many starts as they travelled to Pontyates and not only came away with victory but also pouched a bonus point for scoring four tries in the process.
Talented skipper Fraser Watson had scored six tries in their previous win but despite having to switch from centre to scrum half he still managed another hat-trick to give him a remarkable nine tries in two games.
It was Watson who gave the Saints a good start as he raced clear from 55 metres after nine minutes and full back Andrew Lamb added a second unconverted try to give the Saints a 10-0 interval lead.
A Phil Lamb break set up the chance for a try by Saints’ centre Rupert Dunn but Penygroes replied with an unconverted try by big No 8 Steve Gibbon – only for Watson to exert his considerable influence on events as he sliced over from close range and then dived through from a scrum five, both tries converted by Phil Lamb.
The Saints had Steve Morris playing really well at hooker but the visitors relaxed in the latter stages of the game to allow Pontyates further tries by prop Matthew Jones and Gibbon, both goaled by No 10 Kieran Evans. But it was too little, too late for Pontyates and St Davids celebrated a win hat-trick – although they will face tougher opponents than this in the weeks to come!
Fraser Watson - three more tries for St Davids.
 Seagulls stymie the
Carmarthenshire Saints
St Clears 15 points -
Fishguard 27 points
Fishguard showed what they are capable of as they gained an excellent away win at St Clears as reward for a solid all-round team performance that pleased coaches Randall Williams and Huw Evans.
They took the lead with another try for busy No 8 Mark George after a concerted forward drive to the line, with Evans adding the extra points and a penalty before exerting his considerable influence on the game with a solo try. It stemmed from a little shimmy in his own half, a chip over the last line of defence and enough gas still left in those veteran legs to reach the try line, although he did receive ‘stick’ afterwards since they felt he should have gone round near the posts so that they could have had another two points!
St Clears had a penalty from Jim Devonald as they trailed 15-3 at the interval but Fishguard started playing into the breeze with a good try where the ubiquitous Evans put winger Matthew George in at the corner and added the extra points.
St Clears fought back with tries by Chris Rockhampton and Dai Jenkins, one converted by Devonald, but the Seagulls made sure of victory when a Huw Evans up and under wasn’t cleared and powerful centre Rhys Williams scored a try as reward for his considerable contribution, with Evans again converting to nicely round off a good Fishguard win.
Mark George - try for Fishguard.
18th September 2010
Division Five (West)
Featured match:
Evans takes control in Seagulls’ success
Fishguard 29 points - Llandybie 12 points
 Fishguard played really well to inflict a first defeat of the season on Llandybie, with Huw Evans controlling the game at fly half as the Seagulls’ pack was on top for match of the game, and skipper Steve Jenkins led the backs by example.
The Seagulls took the lead after nine minutes with a Huw Evans’ penalty from fully 40 metres – and after Llandybie full back Wayne Williams had missed a simple penalty it was Evans who struck again after a superb drive by the Fishguard forwards enabled Evans to create space for winger Matthew Reynolds to slice through and score a try which Evans converted.
 Llandybie showed why they had won both their opening matches in a period of pressure which ended when Williams ploughed over in the right corner but was unable to convert.
But their hopes of a comeback were dented through good defence by Gareth Adamson, Rhys Williams and the rest of the home backs before Fishguard scored again after 36 minutes when Llandybie conceded a penalty in front of their own posts after good work by Gwilym Evans, Richard Hunter, Meirion Ladd, Emyr Hughes and Mark George in the home eight. Everyone expected Evans to pocket an easy three points but he spotted space on the left, took a quick tapped penalty and put left-winger Matthew George over for an unconverted try.
Mark George then decided that anything his twin brother Matthew could do he would emulate as he crashed over from a concerted forward drive involving Andrew Morrillo, Gavin Walsh and Gerwyn Davies, with Huw Evans converting to put his team 22-5 to the good at half time.
 Llandybie opened the second half scoring when replacement winger Adam Jones was allowed to claim a soft try which skipper Robert Goodfellow converted but from a scrum five the Seagulls’ pack exerted enough pressure for scrum half Alun George to stretch out for the line, with Huw Evans duly converting to set the seal on an excellent Fishguard win.
Fishguard team: Gareth Adamson: Matthew Reynolds; Rhys Williams; Steve Jenkins (Capt); Matthew George: Huw Evans; Alun George: Gerwyn Davies; Gavin Walsh; Andrew Morrillo: Richard Hunter; Gwilym Evans: Meirion Ladd; Emyr Hughes; Mark George. Replacements: Mark James; Romeo Colella; Mark Leonard; Nathan Jenkins.
PHOTOS: Fishguard RFC. Huw Evans gives Matthew George a scoring pass.
Mark George on the burst.
Pictures by Bill Carne & Bernie Armstrong.
Division One (West):
 Whitland find it hard going
Carmarthen Athletic 32 points -
Whitland 10 points
Whitland’s slow start to the new campaign continued against Carmarthen Athletic as the Borderers were already 24-10 adrift at half time and although they restricted the Athletic to just eight points afterwards they were unable to score again themselves.
Yet the Borderers took an early lead with a penalty from scrum half Huw Rees before the home side fought back with a try from flanker Lawrence Reynolds, converted by Ricky Williams, who had earlier hit the post with a penalty chance.
Back came Whitland with an excellent try by flanker Ryan Michael after a quickly-taken penalty, with Rees adding the extra points, only for the Athletic to draw level when Williams landed a penalty.
It was the start of a good period for the home side as a high ball launched into the Whitland defence was dropped, allowing Winger Christian Owens to score a try which Ricky Williams converted, as he did when No 9 Ricky Richards sniped over just before the interval.
Williams missed a penalty after half time for the Athletic but was on target after Whitland hooker mark Jones had been yellow-carded. Huw Rees missed a penalty for the Borderers before the Athletic rounded off the scoring when left winger Rhys Thomas crossed to give his side a bonus point and Williams landed the conversion.
Ryan Michael - try for Whitland.
 Brilliant Otters grab third win on trot
Narberth 45 points - Bonymaen 3 points
Narberth sounded a clarion call to other teams in the section as they not only pouched their third win in as many matches but also secured their third bonus point as reward for excellent attacking rugby.
 The Otters were only 6-0 ahead after 35 minutes as Aled Davies landed two penalties and opposing No 10 Richard Williams missed three penalties for Bonymaen, but then flanker Wayne Williams grabbed Narberth’s first try, converted by Davies, as reward for his excellent support play alongside Chris Scarfe (replaced after 25 minutes by Timoci Kaumaitotoya after 25 minutes) and Lewis Wood.
There was still time for Richard Williams to notch a penalty for Bonymaen but two further davies penalties soon after the restart to put the Otters 19-3 ahead – and then the tries came as Roger Davies jinked his way through from near half way and Adrian Killa (on for Andrew Davies) snipped through for a try, both converted by Aled Davies.
Richard Davies contributed a good try which brother Roger converted and Wayne Williams finished where he started, with his second try setting the seal on a comprehensive Narberth victory that pleased their coaching staff and supporters alike.
Narberth RFC &
Wayne Williams - scored two tries for Otters.
 Division Three (West):
Crymych stumble –
but still beat Tumble
Crymych 35 points - Tumble 30 points
Crymych made it three wins in three starts against Tumble, who battled hard throughout to earn two bonus points, one for scoring four tries and the other for being with seven points of the Preseli Men at the final whistle.
Yet Crymych had seemed assured of a comfortable victory after leading 22-6 in the second half, but every time they scored they seemed to allow their opponents back in – and almost paid a heavy price before pouching a very welcome five points of their own.
Crymych were 12-6 ahead at half time as they scored tries from flanker Richard Sharp-Williams and winger Nick Bevan, one converted by Ianto Griffiths, whilst Steve Hewitt kicked two penalties for the visitors.
Gareth Davies landed a drop goal for the Preseli men and player/coach Elgan Vittle cut through for a try which Ianto Griffiths converted – but they sat back a little and Tumble grabbed a try from Mike Powell which Hewitt goaled.
Ianto Griffiths kicked a Crymych penalty but Tumble scored two unconverted tries from Hewitt and flanker Josh George to move to just two points adrift. Gareth Davies dropped his second goal and a try from skipper Simon James, converted by Ianto Griffiths, settled things down for Crymych. But a fourth try for Tumble, this time by Dafydd Pritchard and converted by Hewitt, ensured they had two bonus points for their efforts in an entertaining match where former Welsh prop John Davies received the man of the match accolade.
John Davies - man of the match for Crymych.
 Blues bag big win
Llanelli Wanderers 3 points -
Haverfordwest 48 points
Haverfordwest showed their real capabilities as they ran in no fewer than seven tries against Llanelli Wanderers to record their first win of the season, whilst making sure that their opponents, who now have three defeats from as many games, didn’t secure a bonus point, as they did in their other matches.
And the Blues, who looked strong up front and sharp behind the scrum, secured a bonus point of their own before half time, when they led 29-3, after the Wanderers had taken an early lead with a penalty from outside half Mark Davies.
Steve Williams levelled matters for the Blues with a penalty before Darren Salmon claimed the first of his tries following some enterprising work. John Whitticombe and Dave Williams looked strong in the centre and it was Whitticombe who claimed the Blues’ second try which Williams converted, as he did when Matthew Davies got his name on the scoresheet. Scrum half Tom Warlow then scored the visitors’ fourth try before the interval and Williams added the extra points.
The Walker/Williams duo again struck soon after the break to earn another seven points and then Matthew Davies and Salmon contributed their second tries, the latter converted by Williams, who caught the eye alongside skipper Gareth Phillips, young prop Adam Clark and Davies in what was a big win for the Blues!
Matthew Davies - a try brace for Haverfordwest.
 Division Four (West):
Teifisiders take verdict
by a single point
Cefneithin 13 points - Cardigan 14 points
Cardigan gained their second win of the new season whilst inflicting a first defeat on a gritty Cefneithin side by a single point.
It was always going to be close as neither side could really gain the ascendancy up front, despite some yeoman work by the Teifisiders’ back row of Gethin Davies, Llyr Griffiths and skipper Dylan Davies. There was only one score in the first half as Cefneithin skipper Jonathan Morgan scored from his centre berth and full back Richard Watts converted to give them a 7-0 interval lead.
Cardigan responded from a lineout take and drive where Dylan Davies claimed the touch-down and Jack Lewis added the extra points – only for Cefneithin to retake the lead with a Watts’ penalty.
The Teifisiders scored their second try when quick ruck ball allowed play to be swung right before Diggle cleverly switched the focus of the attack with a kick left and winger Wayne Parsons sped home for Lewis to land the conversion.
Cefneithin managed a second Watts penalty with four minutes to go that reduced the deficit to one point but the Teifisiders’ defence held out and they celebrated an excellent away victory.
Wayne Parsons - grabbed vital Cardigan try.
 Three defeats on the trot for All Blacks
Hendy 28 points - Neyland 21 points
Neyland’s hopes of a good start after promotion last campaign suffered another set–back as they lost against a Hendy side which hadn’t picked up a single point from their opening two games.
But Hendy eased through by seven points in this tussle and there was more bad news for the All Blacks since influential skipper Mathew Williams was also shown the red card.
The Hendy try scorers were second row Martin Evans, centre Kevin James and No 8 Nathan Price, who was man of the match, with full back Carl Rees notching two conversions and three penalties.
For the All Blacks, there were tries by Mathew Williams and Jason Riley, whilst Mark Riley slotted a conversion and three penalties – but it was a third defeat for Neyland in as many matches.
Mathew Williams - try and red card for Neyland skipper!
Quins’ superb fight-back denied by late penalty
 Pembroke Dock Quins 21 points -
Trimsaran 21 points
Three converted tries in a ten-minute purple patch during the second half saw Pembroke Dock Quins overturn an 18 point deficit, only for Trimsaran to snatch a point when flanker Ryan Edwards landed a last-gasp penalty.
The Quins have a very young and inexperienced team this season and they found themselves 18 points down through tries from Trimsaran outside half Paul Davies and Ryan Edwards, who also landed a conversion, plus two penalties by full back Christian Owens.
But whatever the Quins’ coaching staff said at the break it worked because they played some really good rugby and bounced back with tries from Liam Smith, Jake Osborne and Carl Scott, all converted by skipper Gareth Scourfield.
It looked just enough to give the Quins their first win of the season but up popped Edwards to snatch a share of the spoils with his late three-pointer – and the Quins had to settle for a draw after so much hard work.
Liam Smith - scored opening try for the Quins.
 Seasiders storm to local derby win
Tenby 31 points -
Milford Haven 13 points
Tenby United moved into second place in the table with this comfortable win over Milford Haven, who lost their second match on the trot after such a bright start to their season against the Quins.
The Seasiders led by 16-10 at the interval with tries by winger Neil Powling and flanker Nicky Guymer from a quickly tapped penalty where he sped between two defenders for Tom Lewis to add the extras.
 Milford’s try came from skipper Craig Thomas, converted by Tom Arnold, who also landed a penalty in each half – but with Scott Payne, Terry John, Lewis Davies, Luke Deadman, Rob Tuttle and Wyndham Williams playing well up front for Tenby they added further tries from Sam Smith and Lewis, who also kicked another conversion and penalty to set the seal on a Seasiders’ success.
 PHOTOS: Nicky Guymer claims a Tenby try.
Sam Smith scores again for Tenby.
Tenby winger Neil Powling celebrates a try.
Action pictures by Dave Bolton.
Division Five (West):
Six-try Fraser equals Saints’ record
St Davids 50 points - Swansea Uplands 0
St Davids skipper Fraser Watson was the toast of his colleagues as the talented outside centre equalled the club’s try-scoring record with a superb double hat-trick against Swansea Uplands.
Uplands arrived with two defeats under their belt and were already under the cosh by half time as they trailed 17-0 – with Watson serving notice of intent in the very first minute as he used turn over ball won by Ben Evans, Steve Morris and Dan Colfer.
Left winger Craig Challonder claimed try no 2 after good work by the back row of Noel Lyons, Eddie Bolger and Gethin Jones allowed Andrew Lamb to put him in the clear – and Watson sliced through to the posts so that fly half Geraint Morris could slot the simple conversion.
The Saints used excellent possession secured by Gethin Bateman and Fintan Godkin to keep the scoreboard ticking over after the break, with Morris kicking well for position and Watson finding spaces to exploit as he added two further tries, both converted by Morris. Challonder added his second try, again goaled by Morris, before Watson finished things off in style with another late try brace to take his side to 50 points as Morris added the extras to one of them.
Fraser Watson - amazing 6 tries for St Davids skipper .
Nathan Proctor scores for Llangwm.
Wasps celebrate first win of season at Bynea
 Bynea 10 points -
Llangwm 18 points
Llangwm journeyed to Bynea and returned with a first win of the season against a Bynea team which is still seeking a first success after three defeats.
The Wasps took the lead with a cracking try where almost every player in the side handled before Daniel Eade was perfectly placed to round the movement off - and scrum half Mike Venables scored the second unconverted try after his clever chip ahead bounced just right for brother James, who cleverly switched play back inside for Venables senior to cross the line.
Bynea fought back with a try scored by hooker Mark Liley which Steve Jones converted, to go with a second half penalty.
But the Wasps continued to hold the advantage as Nathan Proctor grabbed the Wasps’ third try as reward for his involvement alongside Mike Venables in all their team did. Team manager Richard Scriven, who doubles up as team manager, finished the scoring off with a penalty and Llangwm made the journey home with the four league points tucked neatly under their belts.
Llangwm scrum half Mike Venables chips ahead for his try.
Action pictures by Joseph Kiff.
 Peerless Pembroke power to the top
Pembroke 59 points -
Pontyates 8 points
Pembroke produced some excellent rugby in patches against a disappointing Pontyates outfit which now has three defeats, whilst the Scarlets have a bonus point in all their three victories so far.
Coach Ossie Boswell is ever the realist and he said afterwards that although his team scored nine tries it wasn’t the Scarlets at their clinical best because dropped passes and over-eagerness prevented further scores – but there is no doubt that having uncontested scrums took the sting out of some of the Scarlets’ plans.
With no scrummaging of note to do, veteran prop Richard ‘Spud’ Mason used his energy to plough over for a hat-trick of tries, whilst talented young No 10 Simon Hooper not only scored two tries with runs from the half-way line but slotted seven conversions for a personal hail of 24 points.
Other tries came from flankers Steve Dyde, making a welcome return to action, and Paul Parcell, plus replacement centre Mark Roach and winger Mike Williams.
Pontyates had a first-half penalty from Huw Jenkins and a late try from Peter Thomas but they simply couldn’t match the Scarlets for pace behind the scrum or power up front.
Richard Mason - try hat-trick for Pembroke prop.
18th September 2010
Division One (West):
Aled inspires superb Otters’ fight-back
Llangennech 22 points -
Narberth 40 points
30 points from inspirational outside half Aled Davies helped Narberth to a superb second half come-back which saw them overturn a 19-9 interval deficit into a second win of the season and an 18-point advantage at the final whistle.
Davies went through the scoring card with two tries, four conversions, three penalties and a drop goal as he called the shots in the second half.
If there was a negative point in such a good victory it was the slow start made by the Otters as Llangennech raced into a 13-0 lead through two penalties from No 10 Craig Evans, followed by a try by pacy full back Ellis Phillips which Evans converted to go with a third Evans’ penalty. Aled Davies landed three penalties in the second quarter for Narberth but Evans notched another three-pointer to give his side a ten-point lead at half time.
Whatever their coaching staff said at the break it certainly worked because the Otter pack played really well, they cut down their conceding of penalties and gradually took control as Wayne Williams, Chris Scarf and Gareth Bateman caught the eye, and with Adrian Killa sniping away at their heels. Aled Davies dummied his way over at the posts and slotted the simple conversion, as he did when Killa utilised space to score a try.
Davies then dropped a goal before completing another solo try from a scrum and adding the extra points and all Llangennech could muster in return was another Evans’ penalty. Narberth also had the final word when their pack went for a push-over try from a scrum five and Chris James was credited with the score before Aled Davies slotted the conversion and sealed the Otters’ second win in as many matches.
Aled Davies - 30 points for Narberth
Last-gasp penalty costs Borderers a win
 Whitland 8 points -
Bridgend Athletic 8 points
Whitland had to settle for a point as Bridgend Athletic grabbed a penalty from the final kick of the match to secure a share of the spoils.
Neither side was able to maintain momentum for long periods and in a stop-start game the Borderers actually took the lead after less than two minutes with a penalty by scrum half Huw Rees.
Bridgend Athletic opened their account with a try by winger Lloyd Pemberton but Whitland’s new outside half Rhys Jones cut through for an unconverted try to put his side 8-5 to the good at the half way stage.
And that is the way that the scoreline stayed until the very final moments of the match when a Whitland transgression saw Stuart Morris, the visitors’ fly half, kick a penalty under pressure which denied the Borderers a first win of the campaign.
But there were plus points in the performances of young forwards Carl Smith, Brynley Toms and Michael Jones, who played at No 8 with flankers Celt Thomas and Ryan Michael also busy.
Huw Rees - first half scorer for Whitland
 Division Three (West):
Blues miss out in tense finale
Haverfordwest 20 points -
Laugharne 21 points
Haverfordwest came within a whisker of snatching a late victory over Laugharne at Merlins Bridge but Mikey Jones’ wide-angled penalty from out on the left went just the wrong side of the near post for the Blues and Laugharne edged home by a single point.
To be fair to Laugharne, their second-half domination up front meant that they seemed likely winners until those late stages but then Blues’ centre Dan Harries stormed through for a try which Matthew Davies converted to close the gap to that tantalizing one point just before that very late chance of snatching the verdict.
Blues make early running
It was Haverfordwest who made the early running, despite playing against a strong breeze, and they took the early lead when Matthew Davies chased down his own little chip ahead and set up the platform from which prop Dean Wilcox claimed his first try for Haverfordwest after moving over from Pembroke Dock.
Laugharne responded with a well-struck penalty by skipper Jack Tremlett and they took the lead from a quickly taken penalty in the left corner which allowed hooker Gethin Beynon to scramble over wide out. But Haverfordwest took a 10-8 lead into the interval after Matthew Davies squeezed through in the left corner, but full back Jonathan Whitticombe was wide with a difficult penalty chance.
 Second half war of attrition
Laugharne spent long spells in the Blues’ 22 as the game developed into a war of attrition up front which the visitors won, with Jack Tremlett chipping over a three-pointer and although Matthew Davies did the same for the homesters on a rare foray out of their own half, Laugharne added tries from flanker Mark Pearce and Jack Tremlett, the first from a forward drive and the second from a chip through a flat home defence.
It seemed all over for the Blues until Harries stormed through and Matthew Davies converted – but that is the way the scoring stayed and the Blues had to settle for another bonus point as Laugharne went home with their first win of the campaign.
 Dan Harries about to score for Haverfordwest
Shaun Lynch makes a break for Laugharne
Mikey Jones sends his last-gasp penalty just wide for the Blues
Action pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
 Preseli Men pounce in second half
Lampeter 6 points -
Crymych 42 points
Crymych showed that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in this section as they were only 6-3 ahead at half time but scored 36 second-half points as proof of their high fitness levels alongside skills aplenty.
There was little evidence of how heavy the defeat would be for Lampeter as home outside half Huw Thomas slotted a penalty against two from Crymych’s Ianto Griffiths – but Thomas could only muster another three points after the break as the Preseli Men ran in five tries and No 10 Ianto Griffiths pouched 17 points through four conversions and his three penalties.
The front row of Jason Nicholls, Josh Clark and John Davies laid the basis for the Crymych attacks and there were two tries for replacement left-winger Guto Griffiths, to complete a good day for the Griffiths brothers, plus two tries by talented young scrum half Rhodri Davies and one from skipper and No 8 Simon James.
It all added up to a comprehensive win for the Preseli men – and a very promising start to the campaign as reward for a great deal of hard work in training.
Rhodri Davies - 2 tries for Crymych
 Division Four (West):
Youthful Quins lose at Betws
Betws 31 points -
Pembroke Dock Quins 8 points
Pembroke Dock Harlequins went down to defeat against a sharp-looking Betws side but the final scoreline didn’t quite do justice to the Black and Whites because they went close to scoring on a number of occasions in the second period.
The Quins were already 26-3 behind at the interval, with skipper Gareth Scourfield slotting their penalty, whilst young flanker Alex Pearce claimed their second-half try after a typical Quins’ tap and go from a penalty which saw skipper Scourfield supply the final pass for Pearce to crash through.
For Betws, influential full back Matthew Rees cut through for a try brace, as did right-winger Damian Williams, with centre Mark Thomas as their other try scorer. Rees also notched three conversions to seal the Betws victory but Quins’ coach Mike Scourfield had Peter Harris, Neil Brace, Barry Parsons, Jake Osborne and Pearce as players under the age of 21 in his pack so once they gain in experience the Quins should again be a force to contend with!
Alex Pearce - try for Quins
Mariners miss out after bright start
 Milford Haven 20 points -
Amman United 32 points
Milford Haven made a bright start as they led 13-7 against a powerful Amman United outfit but the Mariners found themselves 17-13 adrift at half time and could have few complaints about the final margin of defeat.
Indeed, coach Larry Spillane was quick to point out that his players weren’t at peak performance, although there was no shortage of effort from Mark Wonnacott up front, with Ian Rusinek again showing his undoubted pace as he scored two of the Mariners’ three tries.
Leigh Broome opened the Milford Scoring with a penalty but it was cancelled out by a similar effort by Rhys Thomas, who also scored two tries alongside two by Scott Stephens, plus another penalty and three conversions.
Powerhouse centre Dean Matthews scored the first Milford try in the bottom corner and Rusinek’s first try came from 75 metres out, converted by scrum half Tom Arnold. Rusinek
also added his second try from shorter range and Arnold converted – but it was Amman United who took the honours on a disappointing day for the Mariners!
Ian Rusinek - another two tries for Milford Haven
 Missed kicks cost All Blacks dearly
Neyland 10 points -
Llanybydder 14 points
Neyland suffered a second successive defeat in controversial circumstances as the All Blacks had a last-gasp claim for a try disallowed as they trailed by just four points.
It was turned down because the referee felt that the ball had been knocked forward by Andrew Charnley when it had, in fact, hit his shoulder and went backwards to Jason Riley, who looked in the clear but was recalled by the official, to the fury of the partisan home supporters.
They also had both conversions and three penalties missed, although Mark Riley did rap the upright with one three-pointer.
But as Neyland team manager Martin Rees said afterwards, had they won it would have been a ‘get out of jail card’ used by the All Blacks because they had come off second best against a big Llanybydder pack after losing influential back-rower John Tennick in the first half. Tennick scored the All Blacks’ first-half try from close range after a concerted pack drive but they were 5-14 behind at half time as Llanybydder had tries from No 8 Gary Evans and prop Meirion Jones, both converted by hooker Thomas Wilson.
Andrew Charnley claimed the Neyland second try after play had been switched cleverly to create an overlap, but there were no further points for the All Blacks as the players and supporters’ evening centred on discussion over the Neyland ‘try’ which wasn’t given!
John Tennick - scored Neyland's first try
 Sam sends Seasiders to vital victory
Tenby United 16 points -
Cardigan 7 points
Tenby United fended off a strong challenge from visiting Cardigan to earn a victory after defeat last week against Amman United, with Cardigan sustaining a loss after a win over Aberaeron seven days earlier.
 The first half was typically hard an uncompromising but the Seasiders led 10-0 thanks to an early penalty by centre Tom Lewis and a bustling try by No 8 Sam Smith which Lewis also converted.
The second period was equally as tough and although Tenby half backs Richard Rossiter and Toby Smith probed for openings all they could muster was another Lewis penalty and drop goal.
Cardigan had No 8 Llyr Griffiths to the forefront and they scored a good try from scrum half Mike Diggle as he went through a narrow gap at a forward take and drive, adding the extra points himself.
But the Teifisiders were unable to maintain any periods of sustained pressure and in the final analysis Tenby covered well and were good value for victory.
Sam Smith bustles through for Tenby's try
Tom Lewis drops a goal for the Seasiders
Pictures by Dave Bolton
 Division Five (West):
Scarlet runners look so sharp
Swansea Uplands 12 points -
Pembroke 36 points
Pembroke produced a performance of pace and power at Swansea Uplands as they ran in six tries to secure a bonus point as reward for their excellent all-round team display.
The Scarlets were already 17-5 ahead at half time as James Davies gave them the lead and other scores came from outside half Simon Hooper and half back partner Darren Gilbert, one converted by Davies.
Scrum half Alex Greenslade responded for the Uplands but they were always on the back foot against a Pembroke pack in which skipper Mark Boswell, Richard Mason, Robin Badham, Josh Taylor and Gareth Jones played well. The home side also added a second try after the interval, scored by flanker Phil Morris and converted by Robert Jones, but they were rocked back again by a splendid Pembroke try which stemmed from some enterprising work near their own line before very good handling amongst forwards and backs saw James Davies round off the move at the other end for his second try.
Hooper also added a second score and a penalty try completed the try count for the Scarlets, with coach Ossie Boswell understandably delighted by the way his team had played.
James Davies - two tries and three conversions for Pembroke
 All square at The Moors
Fishguard 19 points -
Burry Port 19 points
The match between Fishguard and Burry Port ended up all square at The Moors but with the visitors unable to field an experienced front row there were uncontested scrums, which certainly denied the homesters a definite advantage up front.
Player/coach Huw Evans gave the Seagulls an early six-point lead with two well struck penalties but Burry Port opened their account with a nicely-conceived try by scrum half Oliver Day which No 10 Tom Price converted.
Huw Evans landed a third penalty to nudge his team 9-7 in front at the interval and the veteran outside half added a fourth kick on target just after half time – but Burry Port bounced back with tries from wingers Adam Davies and Alan Howells, the first converted by Price, to put them 19-12 ahead.
Fishguard fought back well via their pack and scrum half Sam Kurtz, who is still a youth player, showed his talent as he jinked through from close range to score a cracking try which Evans duly converted. It meant the teams were sharing 38 points and the Seagulls pressed hard for a winning score in the closing stages, but were held out by last-ditch tackling by Burry Port and in the final analysis perhaps a draw was the fairest result on the day.
Huw Evans - 14 points for Fishguard
Llangwm v St Davids
Match postponed – St Davids players attending a funeral
4th September 2010
 Division One (West):
Otters in the hunt at start of season
Narberth 33 points - Felinfoel 9 points
Narberth began their new campaign in very positive style as they ran in no fewer than five tries against old rivals Felinfoel to secure a maximum-points start at the Lewis Lloyd Ground.
The Otters played some really good running rugby to build up a 19-9 interval lead and they maintained a strangle hold on play afterwards as they added a further two scores whilst keeping a good defence that was well organized by full back Roger Davies. But Davies was also a very potent threat with his runs from deep positions and his try brace was enough to earn him the man of the match accolade as a bonus.
Another to make a good start was new flanker Wayne Williams, who was involved in both Narberth’s tries, the first when a long pass by Aled Davies created the space and scrum half Andrew Davies scored a cracking try after inter-passing with Nick Jones, followed by a try from Roger Davies, and both converted by Aled Davies.
Sandwiched neatly in between was a penalty from Felinfoel winger Jason Howells, who slotted two further penalties, the second from the final kick of the half, as the visitors battled hard to stay in contention.
Play was fairly even in the third quarter but then Narberth claimed a 68th minute try as Roger Davies scored a superb second score to show his elusive qualities, converted by Aled Davies – but he was denied a hat-trick when the referee decided that another jinking run ended with him not grounding the ball to the official’s satisfaction.
But The Otters made sure of success after 75 minutes when Sion Lloyd, who was on as a temporary replacement, scored a close-range try and Aled Davies duly notched the conversion. It nicely rounded off a convincing display by the otters, which must have pleased coaching director Jonathan Dodd and head coach Sean Gale.
PHOTO: Sion Lloyd - rare try for Narberth prop.
 Students too strong for
battling Borderers
UWIC 28 points - Whitland 18 points
Whitland made the long journey to Cardiff to take on the talented young students at UWIC and although the Borderers went down to defeat there were some encouraging signs for new coaches Randal Evans and Robin Davies.
They trailed 22-11 at the half way stage of the game as Carwyn Jones rounded off some quick hands to score a try and although scrum half Huw Rees was unable to convert he did manage to land two well-struck penalties.
But the Borderers conceded penalties and UWIC outside half Rhys Roberts punished these indiscretions with four penalties to go with unconverted tries by inside centre Will Rees-Hole and hooker Jack Yandle.
Roberts added two further penalties during the second half but the students were unable to breach the Borderers’ defences to score any tries – and Whitland managed the only try of the period when Ryan Michael crossed for a good try and Huw Rees converted.
PHOTO: Ryan Michael scored for Whitland in defeat at UWIC.
Division Three (West):
 Crymych deliver Dunvant KO
Crymych 19 points - Dunvant 13 points
Crymych started their new season with something of a bang as they fended off the challenge of former top-class side Dunvant at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
The Preseli Men were 8-6 adrift at the half way stage but showed their real grit as they came back to win a match where young second row Rhys Davies was adjudged man of the match for his rousing play and ball-winning skills.
Dunvant made a good start as they took the lead with an unconverted corner try by outside half Adam Williams but Crymych pulled back with a penalty from outside half Gareth Davies after good work by Tomos Jones. Adam Williams slotted a penalty for Dunvant but another of Crymych’s young players in Ianto Griffiths kicked a three-pointer to limit Dunvant’s interval lead to two points.
Crymych took the lead for the first time when flanker Richard Sharp-Williams ploughed over for a try which Ianto Griffiths converted – and a Gareth Davies penalty was reward for forward pressure by the Preseli Men.
Dunvant responded with a try from winger Mike Arnold but another penalty from Gareth Davies, put Crymych back in control and they enjoyed an opening-day win as reward for all their efforts.
PHOTO: Richard Sharp-Williams - good try for Crymych flanker.
 Blues just miss out
Llandeilo 14 points -
Haverfordwest 7 points
Haverfordwest were without several key players for their trip to Llandeilo and paid the inevitable price – although it says something about the Blues’ squad strength that they were only one score behind at the finish and had a bonus point for their hard work.
The visitors took the lead after only seven minutes when an attempted drop goal by Matthew Davies was off-target but centre Dan Harries was first to react as he won the race for the loose ball and gained an opportunist touch-down which Davies converted.
Llandeilo opened their account four minutes later with a penalty from full back Steffan Howells, who added a second kick on target after 21 minutes so although both teams had half chances the interval scoreline showed Haverfordwest a point ahead at 7-6.
The Blues were hit by a double injury after only seven minutes of the second period as scrum half Tom Walker and prop Dan Miners had to leave the field – and Llandeilo took the lead soon afterwards with a try by second row Gareth Augustus.
Howells notched a third penalty with eight minutes to go and that ended the scoring, despite Haverfordwest’s efforts to claw their way back into contention in a hard-fought tussle.
PHOTO: Dan Harries - opportunist try for Haverfordwest centre.
 Division Four (West):
Seasiders stunned by
broken leg drama
Amman United 17 points -
Tenby United 12 points
Tenby United’s defeat at Amman United was overshadowed by a nasty broken leg for the Seasiders’ popular player Barry John, which caused him to be air-lifted to hospital – and rugby lovers will wish Barry a speedy recovery.
 No 8 Sam Smith and pacy winger Simon Stanford scored the Tenby tries and outside half Neil Powling slotted a penalty as they trailed 8-5 at the interval to a try by Scott Stephens and a penalty from Rhys Thomas.
Thomas added three more penalties in the second period for Amman United so that although the Seasiders outscored the opposition by two tries to one they had to settle for a bonus point on what turned out to be a low-key start to the season.
PHOTOS: Sam Smith barges over for Tenby.
Simon Stanford races clear for a Tenby try.
Action pictures supplied by Dave Bolton.
Cardis make welcome winning start
Cardigan 16 points - Aberaeron 8 points
Cardigan made a welcome winning start to their new campaign after relegation last season, fending off the strong challenge of an Aberaeron side which was eager for a good start after being promoted from Division Five (West).
Aberaeron outside half Dylan Evans put his side ahead with a penalty but it was soon cancelled out by a neat drop goal from the Teifisiders’ Jack Lewis. The only other score in the first session was a good try for Cardigan prop Dan Martin as reward for their pack effort at a lineout take and drive which saw Martin impelled over the line for an unconverted try.
The Teifisiders increased their lead with a cracking try which saw forwards and backs interpassing before replacement flanker Gethin Evans finished the move – but after home winger Wayne Parsons had been shown a red card, Aberaeron exploited the blind side at a set-piece to set up a score for No 8 and captain Tudur Jenkins.
Cardigan soon re-grouped, however, and a late penalty by Jack Lewis settled them back into a groove so that they finished the match still six points ahead and off to the winning start they had hoped for.
 Cruel late score hits All Blacks
Cefneithin 26 points - Neyland 21 points
Neyland came within a few moments of victory at Cefneithin but a freak combination of events saw them denied victory as a touch-line collision between skipper Mathew Williams and touch judge Martin Rees saw the latter unable to see a clear foot in touch for the homesters before they scored the winning try and conversion.
No-one could blame flag man Rees or the referee because both were unsighted and so the score stood, with the All Blacks having to settle for a bonus point after looking to be likely winners after Chris Busby had put them 21-19 ahead following a good combined move that featured front rowers Mark Smith, Robert Codd and Richard Banner.
The All Blacks were 13-9 ahead at the break as Richard Watts kicked three penalties for the home side and Neyland replied with tries from Mathew Williams and winger Andrew Charnley to go with an early Williams’ penalty.
Mark Riley came on as a replacement and notched a Neyland penalty before a try from Luke Jenkins alongside the conversion and another Watts’ penalty put Cefneithin ahead with ten minutes left.
Then came that Chris Busby try – and the late winner by Andrew Cudd which Watts converted to really rub salt in the All Blacks wounds!
PHOTO: Neyland touch judge Martin Rees - knocked over by his skipper at Cefneithin.
 Makeshift Mariners win
well in local derby
Pembroke Dock Quins 13 points -
Milford Haven 30 points
There was a large crowd to watch this entertaining local derby between Pembroke Dock Quins and Milford Haven at Bierspool, which the Mariners won, despite being without some key players.
But they were able to use the experience of 38 year old Nathan ‘Yoppers’ Young, who had a good game at full back and had a match-winner in young scrum half Tom Arnold, who kicked 18 points from all angles and generally looked very sharp about the pitch.
The Quins took the lead with a penalty by skipper Gareth Scourfield which was cancelled out by a similar effort by Arnold, who then converted a good try be centre Rhys Holmes as he cut straight through the middle
The Quins responded with a forward drive that resulted in Jake Osborne being credited with the try but an interception try by Milford second row Gareth Fawcett, who took possession near his own 22 and completely outstripped the Quins’ defence on a 75 metre run to the line, saw his side go into half time with a 17-8 lead after Arnold slotted the simple conversion.
The second period was equally as fast and furious, with Arnold kicking another good penalty and then converting the try of the match after Nathan Young had broken out of defence, drew his marker and put winger Tom Bullivant over for a try which had ‘class’ written all over it.
Arnold eventually landed yet another three points for the Mariners but the Quins had the final word when their pack went close on a couple of occasions before lock Barry Parsons was driven over for an unconverted try.
PHOTO: Gareth Fawcett runs in an interception try for Milford.
Action picture supplied by Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk
 Division Five (West):
Scarlet runners too much for Wasps
Pembroke 42 points - Llangwm 17 points
Pembroke produced six tries in their local derby win over Llangwm and the Wasps certainly played their part in providing entertainment for a good crowd as they also ran in a try trio of their own.
Indeed, it was Llangwm who opened the scoring with a cracking try as Matthew Kiff and Robbie Neill made the running before Andrew Brock powered through to the right corner – and added the extra points with a superb kick.
 Pembroke powered back to lead 14-10 at the half way stage thanks to tries from new Irish recruit Paul Parcell, who drove through from his back row berth, and winger Leigh Duffy, who showed a good turn of speed on the blind side, both converted by outside half James Davies, with Brock landing a Llangwm penalty in reply.
Brock was again involved shortly after the break as he cut through for another try and converted to put Llangwm ahead again but Pembroke’s pack raised the tempo and lock Mark Boswell finished off a driving maul to score a try as reward for all his efforts. Simon Hooper converted, as he did when powerful centre Mark Williams burst through and supplied the scoring pass for his younger brother Michael, who had come on a substitute.
The Scarlets were able to add two further tries, both converted by Hooper, who scored the first of them and helped set up the other for Mark Williams, to bring a smile to the normally taciturn face of coach Ossie Boswell, who recognized a good job well done by his squad in a local derby that doubles up as league points and the first leg of the Palmer Cup.
PHOTOS: Llangwm’s Matthew Kiff snipes for the line.
Pembroke’s Simon Hooper on the run
Action pictures by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
Penygroes v Fishguard
Match postponed – Penygroes unable to raise a team because of illness
 Morgan’s try makes the difference!
St Davids 7 points - St Clears 6 points
Replacement front rower Chris Morgan was the toast of his St Davids colleagues as the big feller came on as a second-half replacement to score what turned out to be the only try of the match.
‘Mogs’ rounded off a controlled 57th minute drive with a short-range thrust that took him over the line and Phil Lamb added the extra points to give the Pembrokeshire Saints a 7-3 lead since Jim Devonald had landed a penalty for St Clears to put them into a narrow interval lead.
Devonald also landed another penalty after 65 minutes and had two further chances to slot a penalty that would have taken victory away from St Davids – but was off-target with both.
William Bateman caught the eye for St Davids as he switched from wing to scrum half during a second-half reshuffle, whilst skipper Fraser Watson also looked sharp when he had the ball in his hand.
“We are delighted to have started off with a win against a team that gives nothing away,” said Watson, “now we must learn to turn periods of pressure into points.
PHOTO: Chris Morgan - vital try for St Davids.
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Micky's Pembrokeshire
Division Four (West):
Tennick played an influential role as he played on a dual registration with Whitland and showed his power and work-rate alongside skipper Chris Busby and Andrew Slark in the back row. Mark Smith, Ashley Mathias and Robert Codd were strong in the set-pieces whilst Mark James and Matthew Doncaster were also important ball-winners for the All Blacks so that Mark Hamer could get his backs in motion.
Jason Davies reduced the deficit with a penalty but Neyland scored their third try near half time through the busy Slark – although there was still time for Davies and Slark to exchange successful penalties to give the All Blacks a 22-11 interval lead.
Neyland: Gregg Miller: Andrew Charnley; Steve Hamer; Adam Collins; Delme Bateman: Mark Riley; Mark Hamer: Ashley Mathias (Jack Kinnersley); Robert Codd; Mark Smith: Mark James; Matthew Doncaster (Jamie Dalton): Andrew Slark; Chris Busby (Capt); John Tennick. 
Division One (West):
Then an even bigger group removed the covers on Saturday morning and when it was discovered that a section of the pitch in front of the stand was still very hard they rigged up a makeshift tent and used a hot-air machine to blow through it and try to effect a speedy thaw.
Division One (West): 
Division Four (West) 
Quins go down but deserved better
Division Five (West):
Williams could only add one more conversion because the Scarlets were good value for victory from an excellent all-round team display.
Saints scoop points in local derby tussle
Scarlets so strong in second half
The Wasps started off brightly with Johnny James, Ian Griffiths, Will Scriven and skipper James Lewis leading by example up front. They were awarded penalties after two and seven minutes but outside half Luke Brock scuffed the easier first kick and was just wide with a wide-angled attempt. Brock made it third time luck with a well-judged penalty after 19 minutes. Brock also had two other long-range penalties which drifted just wide of the near post.
Powerful flanker Luke Hansford also scored a try for the Scarlets, this time unconverted, as was their final score late on when full back Sean Beynon joined the line to score in the left corner.
Borderers beaten by half time
Otters lose to last-ditch seven-pointer!
Ring-rusty Quins bow out
Riley boosts All Blacks’ hopes
Division Five (West): 
Saints struggle up front against old rivals
Pembrokeshire KO Cup Semi-Final:
Skipper Nicky Guymer scored one of Tenby’s tries and livewire No 8 Sam Smith claimed the other, whilst winger James Davies notched a conversion and a penalty – but it was Crymych who came through for yet another KO Cup Final appearance.
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