PHOTOS:
Winners Crymych 2nds
Cennydd James and Eirian Edwards
Runners up Whitland 2nds
Jamie Harries on a burst
Match officials

Junior Union Cup Final:

 

Crymych 2nds 28 - Whitland 2nds 21

 
Preseli 2nds won the Junior Union Cup Final in a cracking game at Haverfordwest where fortunes ebbed and flowed, the lead changed several times in an absorbing clash, and a good crowd was treated to a contest worthy of the final that was a credit to both clubs.

In the final analysis, the Preseli Men just edged the verdict in terms of pace behind the scrum and also had a strong bench that included players of the calibre of Aled Harries, Tom Powell, Richard Sharpe-Williams and Rhys Davies, all of whom played significant second half roles.
 

Even first half shaded by the Borderers

 
Aled Davies opened the scoring with a Crymych penalty that was quickly cancelled out by a similar kick from Liam Price before the Preseli Men scored a cracking try from winger Tom Lewis after quick hands and then a superbly-timed pass by No 8 Dion Gibby sent the winger on a 30-metre run to the corner.

The Borderers’ pack power set up a try for prop Lee Williams that again hauled them level and both teams’ attempts at playing running rugby brought further half chances, the best to Crymych No 10 Rhys Dow after a strong run, which came to nought before a Liam Price penalty put Whitland into a narrow 11-8 lead at half time.

Whitland start well but Crymych finish better

 
Price added his third penalty soon after the resumption but back came Crymych with a try from replacement Rhys Davies which was set up by a pass from older brother Aled – and Rhys Davies then turned provider as he measured pass meant that skipper Cennydd James could cross in the far right corner to put Crymych 18-14 in front.

But again the Borderers fought back and excellent handling allowed centre Jamie Harries to cross for a try which Price converted from wide out.

The lead was short-lived, however, because a strong surge by No 8 Dion Gibby resulted in a try for Crymych which Rhys Davies converted – and Aled Davies had the final word as the experienced centre dropped a neat goal to allow his side to win the match.
 
Skipper Cennydd James received the trophy from Junior Union president Eirian Edwards, who, along with secretary Keith Bryant and chairman Richard Merriman, had contributed so much to the successful outcome of this year’s competition.
 
Crymych 2nds: Rhodri Lewis: Owain Richards; Dan Griffiths; Aled Davies; Tomos Lewis: Rhys Dow; Arwel Davies: Rhodri Harries; Martin Edwards; Andrew Fletcher: Cennydd James (Capt); Luke Freebury: Daniel Griffiths; Marc Beasley; Dion Gibby. Replacements: Matthew House; Aled Harries; Tom Powell; Richard Sharpe-Williams; Llyr Evans; Rhys Davies; Aled Morgan.

Whitland 2nds:  Mathew Davies: Giles McNamara; Jamie Harries; Liam Price; Ollie Morgan: Shane Morgan; Adam Davies (Capt): Lee Williams; Iwan Davies; Gethin Lewis: Daf Walters; Courtney Bowman: Charlie Preece; Aled John; Kyle Williams. Replacements: Steven Bevan; Mike Jones; Neil Evans; George Griffin; Ryan Powell; Dewi Davies; Johnny Seeley.