PHOTOS:
Haverfordwest try scorers Mauritz Neumann and Dewi Williams
The forwards battle it out in heavy weather

Pembs KO Cup Quarter Final:

Haverfordwest 23 - Cardigan 5

Haverfordwest moved into the final four of the Pembs KO Cup as they overcame a resilient Cardigan side in awful weather at Merlins Bridge, with both teams deserving credit for producing an absorbing clash in those challenging conditions.

Back row players Adam and Dewi Williams crossed for tries in the first half, and centre Moritz Neumann also went over after the break as the Blues set up a semi final clash with Neyland – and Barry John’s men will now be strongly fancied to reach the final of a competition they last won in the 2012/2013 season.

Blues look good into the elements

 
The home side played into the strong wind and driving rain in the first half – but still took an early lead when outside half Steve Williams drilled over a 25 metre penalty after good work by Gareth Green, Graham Jenkins, Neil and Gareth Phillips.

Williams pushed a second effort wide from a little further out and into the driving wind and rain, but namesake Adam then crashed over in the corner following a concerted lineout drive from the Blues pack which was orchestrated by Gareth Green and Dewi Williams before No 10 Williams just failed to add the extras.

Cardis bounce back with ‘debatable’ try
 

Understandably in the conditions, both sides struggled to string phases together during the first half – but five minutes before the break The Teifisiders got back into the game when outside half Llyr Tobias pounced on a loose ball on halfway and broke upfield, to spark off a period of pressure which culminated in full back Alun Jenkins slipping the scoring pass to centre Will Turner.

The grounding of the try appeared questionable – but referee Adrian Slade, who had a good game, was on the spot to award it, before Tobias was wide with the conversion.

Vital scores either side of half time

 
But crucially, Haverfordwest struck again right on half time, as No 8 Dewi Williams picked up from a powerful five metre scrum and dived over for another unconverted score in the right corner, giving The Blues a 13-5 lead at half time despite having played against the elements.

Early in the second half the Blues all but sealed victory when replacement centre Jonathan Venables, who had replaced the injured David O’Leary early in the first half, broke through at pace in midfield and slipped a pass to Neumann, who went under the posts.

Teifisiders battle to the end

 
Williams converted, and despite missing a 30-metre penalty soon after, made amends with a three pointer after more Blues pressure saw Cardigan flanker Sion Owen sin binned for an offence at a ruck.

But to Cardigan’s credit, they refused to fold in as their pack battled to keep possession against the wind, and they exerted some late pressure after home full back Jamie Lewis also saw yellow.

The final moments were marred somewhat by a leg injury to Haverfordwest’s Adam Williams, and referee Slade sensibly opted to finish the contest a few minutes early while the flanker received prolonged treatment.

The Blues will now be at home in their semi final clash with the All Blacks – with the game to be played by the end of February.

Haverfordwest: Jamie Lewis, Darren Salmon, David O’Leary, Moritz Neumann, Scott Candler, Steve Williams, Danny Morgan, Neil Phillips, Graham Jenkins, Gareth Green, Gareth Phillips, Liam Brown, Adam Williams, Jon Mason, Dewi Williams.
Replacements: Dan John, Ryan Banner, Ashley Mathias, Jamie Zambass, Lee Summons, Jonathan Venables, Dan Birch.

Cardigan: Alun Jenkins, Griff Lewis, Will Turner, Emyr Harries, Rhydian Jenkins, Llyr Tobias, Will Bryce, Tomos Evans, Aled Meredith, Trystan Lewis, John Evans, Aled Richards, Sion Owen, Llyr Griffiths.
Replacements: Jamie Morgan, Aaron Tomkinson, Johnny Evans, Iestyn Compton, Sion James, John Lumb, Marcus Castle.
Referee: Adrian Slade (Milford Haven)