Premiership Division:

 
 

Ponty pounce in dying moments to deny battling Otters

 
 

Narberth 34 - Pontypridd 38

 
 
Narberth came within minutes of taking away Pontypridd’s unbeaten record at the top of the table as they led 34-31 in a thrilling contest which was a credit to both clubs as the lead changed hands several times and both played their rugby as it should be – entertaining hard but very fair, writes Bill Carne.
 
Ponty had brought with them bus-loads of supporters, many of whom made it a ‘Pembrokeshire Weekend’ trip as they stayed in Tenby or Saundersfoot – and their behaviour was exemplary as they mixed well with home fans and enjoyed good natured banter in a cracking contest.
 

Moments of contention eagerly debated in the clubhouse

 
The Otters had played really well against the breeze in the second half as they were level at 31-l1 before a Jonathan Rogers’ penalty nudged them ahead – but then was late disappointment, and no little confusion, in a torrid few minutes before the final whistle when Ponty mounted a terrific attach which lasted a number of phases five metres out but then the young referee called a halt, seemed to signal they had been held up over the line, but signalled a Ponty scrum instead of the expected drop out by Narberth - and it eventually led to a converted try for Ponty which saw them home.
 
The other moment of even greater debate came a little earlier when two fantastic tries by home winger Dean James saw them lead 31-24 and on the attack again.
 
A tackle made by a Ponty player seemed marginally late but then the covering play knocked the ball on – and it was booted down field, Ponty were awarded a penalty and levelled matters from the ensuing forward surge.
 
Any vital decision can be debated but two Ponty supporters sitting in front of me (and I am a product of Pontypridd Boys Grammar School from my home in nearby Treforest) told me with a smile.
“We got out of jail there, Buttie!”
 

Narberth start with a bang but fail to use the elements in their favour

 
Of the game itself, Narberth started with a very good try after a minute after a break down the left flank by Dean James allowed supporting centre Ilan Phillips to race over for an unconverted try.
 
But Ponty showed why they are top as they played some excellent handling rugby into the breeze and scored quality tries from Rhys Wyatt and Joel Raikes, both converted by centre Tom Morgan.
 
Narberth pressure eventually saw bustling flanker Max Rodda-Lodder crash over and Rogers converted – but The Otters failed to use the elements in their favour and Ponty were good value for a 24-12 lead as Chad Davies crossed and Morgan converted and added a penalty from almost the final touch before the oranges.
 

Lloyd’s lecture clearly pays off

 
Whatever coach Lloyd Phillips said at the break certainly seemed to work because with Caleb Salmon, Kyle Hamer, skipper Tom Powell and especially Iestyn Wood looking dangerous with ball in hand they had quick hands to put replacement centre Ryan Davies in at the right corner and then Dean James’ try was a tribute to his uncanny ability to break tackles and use his pace to the line.
 
Harrison Bourke added the try that put his side looking favourites, these scores coming from a quickly-taken penalty by Jonathan Rogers and the second after Lewys Gibby had been involved, with both converted by Rogers.
 
At that stage Ponty looked rattled but then came those decisive decisions and tries for them by Cai James and Joseph Miles, both converted by Tom Morgan to complete a 100% record for the afternoon, and for once shading out Rogers in the kicking stakes.
 

Final verdict

 
In the final analysis, Pontypridd now have a proud record of five wins in as many matches to stay top ahead of Merthyr and Bargoed – but two bonus points here now demonstrate that Narberth, now fifth in the table, show they are very capable of competing at this level.
 
Coach Lloyd Phillips told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
“Of course, I am gutted by this result after we had gained the lead fairly late on. We didn’t use the wind in our favour in the first half, took wrong options in our own 22 and somehow managed to trail by 12 points.
 
“We were much better after half time and I was also pleased with the way we had continuity from players on the bench – so although I thought we could have won it’s now time to look ahead to our away game at Bedwas next Saturday, where we have to be in top form to come away with a vital victory!”

Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Dean Jones; Ilan Phillips; Aled Davies; Harrison Burke: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: George Rossiter; Kyle Hamer; Teifi Thomas: Iestyn Wood; Caleb Salmon: Max Rodda-Lodder; Tom Powell (Capt); Kieran Harries. Replacements: Cai Ifans; Bradley Davies; Osian Charles; Dewi Williams; Kieran Allen; Bowen Clarke; Ryan Davies; Harry Fuller.
 
 

Division One (West):

 
 

Seasiders battle back as Colley reaches 25-hame milestone

 
 

Tenby United 17 - Lampeter Town 10

 
 
Tenby United bounced back to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over Lampeter Town where The Seasiders never quite kicked in to top gear and were disappointing in the first period as the visitors to Heywood Lane led 10- thanks to a penalty by Osian Jones, who also converted a try by Immanuel Olegun.
 
Whatever coach Jonathan Evans said at half time made an impact because, although they still weren’t firing on all cylinders, they managed a clean scoresheet whilst scoring two converted tries to make it three league wins from four starts.
 

Thomas starts the second half come-back

 
Lloyd Thomas opened the Seasiders’ second-half scoring with a penalty and also converted a try by skipper Dan Colley, who was playing an amazing 250^th game for the club and added yet another score to his huge number as he again found his regular station at driving mauls, and with the rest of his pack in total control he crossed for the score which levelled matters.
 
The wining try came from centre Max Brindley, happily back from injury and able to round off some quick hands, with Lloyd Thomas again added the extra points to ease his side home – but they will need to be in better form when they travel to Yr Hendy, who so far have three wins and a draw so will be a challenge for Tenby United.
 
Tenby United: Jordan Asparassa: Gwion Jones; Max Brindley; Jackson Gravatt; Matthew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Fletcher Broadhurst: Hywel Baker; Dan Duffy; Mikey Ryan: Owen Grieve; Alex Jenkins: Jack Brown; Josh Hamer; Dan Colley (Capt). Replacements: Jack Davies; Rob Luly; Cian Evans; Jesse James; Brad Cramb.






 
 

Crymych claw their way back to a bonus point

 
 

Gorseinon 55 - Crymych 33

 
 
Crymych were hit by something of a hurricane at Gorseinon as they found themselves 33-5 adrift at half time as they could only muster a solitary try by centre Gethin Davies early on and conceded five tries against the Cherry & Whites’ at The Welfare Ground.
 
Things looked even worse soon after the restart as they were 45 -5 down – but The Preseli Men showed their grittiness, led by skipper Dafydd Phillips, by running in four tries of their own to at least pocket a deserved bonus point as proof of their ability to compete in this section when they play at that level of focus.
 
Gorseinon had nine tries in total, five of them converted by scrum half Jack Gronow and with full back Johnny Adkins leading the way with a hat-trick, plus two apiece by Liam Popham and Sean Haycock, with others by Rhys Richards and Jamie Evans.
 
For the Preseli Men tries in that hectic recovery were scored by  centre Jon Hill, replacement Rhydian Howells (2) and Deiniol Mathias, all four converted by outside half Jac Davies.
 
Crymych: Deiniol Mathias: Ifan Wyn Jones; Gethin Davies; Jon Hill; Dafydd Bryan: Jac Davies; Dafydd Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffiths; Morgan James: Dion Gibby; Scott Parker-Williams: Osian Davies; Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor. Replacements: Lloyd Hughes; Luke Freebury; Rhydian Howells; Taran Morgan Davies; Owain Evans.







 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Stars storm back to roll over Haverfordwest

 
 

Haverfordwest 23 - New Dock Stars 36

 
 
Seven tries, five yellow cards, countless rolling mauls and in the end, a comeback win that New Dock Stars fully merited, writes Fraser Watson.
 
With Haverfordwest leading 18-10 shortly after the interval, the visitors took command through both their powerful lineout drive and the boot of Jordan Williams, as the No.10 landed 16 points to compliment his side's four tries. The Blues meanwhile, came away with nothing after being agonisingly denied two late losing bonus points when full back Logun Young was halted inches short of the line.
 

Hosts take charge as Stars pay the penalty

 
It was the visitors who came out firing, taking the lead before Haverfordwest could lay a glove as a two-minute spell of possession from kick-off culminated in full back Adam Gealy sauntering over out wide for a try that Williams converted.
 
But the Blues soon got a grip on things up front and dominated the ball in what proved a scrappy 30-minute spell. Rhys Phelps was held up over the line but a poor goal-line restart from Williams could only find Luke Dyer, and the winger chipped ahead before winning the race to the ball for an opportunistic five-pointer.
 
Both sides were guilty of handling errors as the home pressure continued, and No.10 Ifan Williams then punished some Stars indiscipline with a simple penalty, and after both Cai Daniels and Thomas Evans were sin-binned for the away side, he landed another three points from 40 metres to make it 11-7.
 
But despite being down to 13, the Stars hit back late in the half as their own Williams kicked a long-range penalty and then it was his tap-and-go that set up an attack which was ended when hooker Rhys Cherry knocked-on in midfield.
 

Stars storm back as tries roll in

 
Referee Rhys Andrews continued to blow-up frequently after the break, but this time it was the hosts on the wrong side of the penalty count and Young saw yellow after taking Daniels out in the air.
 
However, Simon Lepetit's side responded perfectly with two dominant scrums - the second of which yielded a penalty and a close-range lineout chance - which lay the platform for Luke Hart to peel off a maul to score and (Iolo) Williams added the extras.
 
The tide turned there though, and following a period of Stars pressure that saw Haverfordwest forwards Terry Lovell and Rhydian Watkins also sin-binned, away flanker Keane Davies touched down from a rolling maul to reduce the deficit to 18-15.
 
With their opponents still two men short, the Stars struck again after turning down an easy three points to level matters in favour of going quickly, and No.9 Evans teed up Daniels to score before Williams did the honours with the boot.
 
And with the driving lineout becoming an increasing factor of their play, the Stars sealed a bonus point when man-of-the-match Cherry - whose throwing and bally carrying proved a huge factor over the 80 minutes - was rewarded by latching onto another maul to score and after converting from out wide, Williams also nailed another difficult penalty to make it 32-18.
 
The contest looked done but Haverfordwest had late hope when their own lineout drive led to a try for replacement Harri Evans but (Jordan) Williams responded with another three points, and then in a dramatic finale, struck the bar with a monster effort inside his own half. From the loose ball the Blues countered and from deep, Young sped down the left and seemed certain to score before being denied in the corner by a superb cover tackle from away No.8 Iestyn Bunyan.
 
Afterwards, Lepetit told Pembrokeshire Sport: "We gave away too many penalties (second half) and they played to their strengths. They've got a class 10, and if you give away penalties, he punishes you. That was the difference unfortunately.
 
"I'm not disheartened. We have a home game now with Nantgaredig and it's one we have to target."
 
Opposite number Daf Daniel meanwhile, pinpointed what turned things around after the interval: "A change of discipline was needed from us.
 
"We gave away 12, maybe 13 penalties in the first half and lost out in a lot of good areas. Second half we pinned the corners a bit, were a lot more composed, kept the ball and scored some tidy tries. We had a couple of away today but those who came in gave a good account of themselves and we'll be ready to go again next week."
 
Haverfordwest: Logun Young: Scott Candler; Matt Phillips; Iestyn Arnold; Luke Dyer: Ifan Williams; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones: Iori Curtis; Jame Zambas (Capt); Dan Berry: Teifion Owen; Rhydian Watkins: Rhys Phelps; James Hart; Mike Griffiths. Replacements: Jack Clancy; Harri Evans; Terry Lovell; Dan Birch; Jack Codd.
 
Referee: Rhys Andrews.














 






 

Seagulls snatch the verdict at The Villa Field

Loughor 21 - Fishguard & Goodwick 26

 
 
Fishguard & Goodwick deservedly gained their second league victory in three starts from three starts as their formation again had to be changed but with skipper Liam Wilkes back to lead the team, alongside Sion Colella, they recovered from a slow start to take the maximum five points by scoring four tries.
 
‘The Blues’ opened their account with a penalty from Bailley Porter, who also converted a try by scrum half Oscar Smith before The Seagulls recovered from their usual travel sickness to score a try by second row Luke McDuff, over from New Zealand playing for them, as did his father Miles some years ago,
 
Then the visitors went ahead at The Villa Field as nippy scrum half Max Jones sniped through and No 10 Kial Keane converted – but Loughor responded with a Jac Evans’ try which gave them a 15-12 interval lead.
 
The ubiquitous Sion Colella put The Seagulls back in front with a try as reward for his real graft and Kean converted – as he did when burly prop Adam Bowen crashed over from close range.
 
Loughor did manage another try by Smith but Fishguard were more than able to secure a deserved win to show the value of a strong squad.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Oscar Lawrence; Rhys Evans; Dan Cleary; Declan Thomas: Kial Keane; Max Jones: Will Deleney; Liam Wilkes (Capt); Adam Bowen: Luke McDuff; Osian Rowe<: Bryn Thomas; Sion Colella; Jac Dellaney. Replacements: Will Robinson; Ben Jones; Taine Williams; Cai Llewellyn; Jack Richards; Iori Cottrell; Ryan Burton.





 
 

Division Three (West):

 
 

All Blacks beaten by The Magpies

 
 

Neyland 25 - Tumble 32

 
 
Neyland’s powerful No 8 Ben Williams (2) and centre Alex Codd grabbed tries for The All Blacks against  Tumble but it wasn’t enough to secure a first win of the season as ‘The Magpies’ claimed a bonus point in the process.
 
Neyland are still without some key players but welcomed back Rio Phillips to league action and the talented young outside half was joined by the versatile George Evans[A1]  in trying to keep their pack going.
 
George Williams, still playing out of position in the back row, Luke Griffiths-Dawes, skipper Alex ‘Budgie’ Swales featured in the forward exchanges alongside second row Morgan John, who was their man of the match.
 
But Tumble had tries by Harri and Steff Bennett, Owain Griffiths and Alex Jones as  Ollie Bunford slotted three conversions and two penalties.
 
Rio Phillips landed two conversions and two penalties and now Neyland face another tough tussle next Saturday as they entertain table-topping Pontyberem.
 
Neyland: Josh Watts: Evan Roberts; Patrick Bellerby; Alex Codd (Capt); Korey Arran: Rio Phillips; George Evans: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Seb McIntosh; Mason Kerrison: Morgan John; Jay Vakadaudau: Dan Hart; George Williams; Ben Williams. Replacements: Tal Tamilia; Craig Power; James Hamilton; Max Rozblat; Jasper Endean; Craig Sanders.

 
 

Mariners win well at Llan

 
 

Llangadog 12 - Milford Haven 32

 
 
Milford won with tries from Owyn Griffiths 2, Zac Davies, Ieuan Davies and Zak Davies, plus two conversions and a penalty by James Trueman.
*Sadly, no further details are available!
 
 
 

Whitland delighted with their first win of the season

 
 

Whitland 30 - Trimsaran 22

 
 
Whitland sealed a much needed first league win on the season after repelling a fight back from Trimsaran.
 
The Borderers had looked in control at 17-0 early in the second half but in a tense finale, found themselves hanging on at 25-22 before a late try from player-coach Lee Rees sealed matters.
 
The hosts fielded something of a veteran back row with former Fishguard No.8 Mark George and stalwart Mike Georgiou named, and took the lead when Connor Toland emerged with the ball from a driving lineout. Minutes later new signing Rhys Evans underlined his promise by breaking though in midfield to make it 10-0 at half-time.
 
Trystan Bowen added a third try after the interval with a powerful close-range finish and Liam Price kicked the extras, but the visitors kept in it as prop Joshua Daniels went over and Corey Phillips converted - before the latter also added a penalty to bring the visitors back within seven points.
 
The pendulum continued to swing as home skipper Price broke from just inside half-way and sped over for the bonus point and Connor Court landed a penalty - only for Jack Bonnell to twice cut over out wide for the visitors as Alex Burt converted the latter.
 
But the tension was cut by the experienced Rees, who showed quick feet to jink over from the back of a breakdown and finally put daylight between the teams.
 
"The came back at us and at one stage it was close but Lee's try sealed it for us," said Whitland team manager James Lewis afterwards.
 
"It was a game we needed to win and we got there - and we are happy with the performance."
 
Whitland: Willem Fryer: Deian Davies; Liam Price; Rhys Evans; Joshua Clarke: Connor Court; Jac Rogers: Dorian Harris; Thomas Iraia; Ceirion Evans: Trystan Bowen; Gavin Smith: Michael Georgiou; Connor Toland; Mark George. Replacements: Jack Jenkins; Arwel Beynon; Jonathon Phillips; Tomos Hughes; Lee Rees.
 
 
 
Ponty resist The Teifisiders come-back
 
 
Pontyberem 28  - Cardigan 19
 
 
Pontyberem’s tries were scored by Dafydd Rees, Kieran Cullen, Daniel Morgans and Sam. Cavill, with all of them converted by Rhodri Lewis.
*Sadly, no further details were available.*
 
Cardigan: John Lumb: Aaron Evans; Joe Thomas; Emyr Harries (Capt); Iwan John: Llyr Jones; Ifan James: Ben Hughes; Luke Palmer-Davies; Andrew Jones: Dean Harries; Kieran Hurley: Iestyn Evans; Connor Owen; Owen Fletcher. Replacements: Will Brice; Rhys Hughes; Luke Rogers; Alun Jenkins; Morgan Evans.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Scarlets halt Seasiders’ Seconds good start

 

Pembroke 31 - Tenby United Athletic 13

 
 
Try braces from Lloyd and Lewis Davies continued Pembroke's positive start to the season as they notched a third straight league win against visitors Tenby.
 
After losing to their local derby with the Quins on the opening Saturday, the Scarlets have responded in kind and started confidently here with the wind behind them. Skipper (Lloyd) Davies went over from a lineout surge and then the prop notched his second try moments later, rounding off a series of 'pick and go' moves from the pack as Jarred Sherratt twice added the extras.
 
The hosts continued to press and got a third try before the break when centre Davies linked up on the blindside and beat two defenders for a brilliant try with Sherratt again nailing the two points.
 
Things got worse for Tenby as Ryan Bolton was yellow carded but they came out in the second half a different side, and Harry Rossiter led the fightback by ghosting through a try he also converted, and added a penalty to being things back to 21-10.
 
The Seasiders began to enjoy more possession and went close as Cemlyn Bolton broke the line but couldn't get the scoring pass away with Joseph Andrews in support, but although Rossiter kicked another three points the Pembroke pack got hold of things in the final quarter as the away forwards tired.
 
The influential Sherratt kicked a penalty to make it 24-13 before the bonus point try came in style, as Lewis Jones made a break and linked with Morgan Owens, and from the resultant breakdown it was Davies who benefitted from some quick handling to score and Sherratt inevitably converted to round off the win.
 
"It was a good game of open rugby," said Pembroke team manager Robin Badham afterwards.
 
"Our pack was quite dominant at the set-piece but their backline was impressive and they caused us issues when they spread the ball wide. We managed to have a lot of ball in the last 20 minutes and we made a lot of ground of our driving mauls - and Jarred was influential at outside half. He kicked really well and controlled matters for us."
 
Pembroke: Rhydian Jones: Morgan Owens; Lewis Jones; Lewis Davies; Damo Stratford: Jared Sherratt; Josh Greenwood: Lloyd Davies (Capt); Dan Davies; Rio Stratford: Dan James; William Edwards: Theo Davies; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Olly Lewis; Dan Gosnold; Cyle Weatherall; Evan Phillips; Iolo Williams.
 
Tenby Athletic: Luke Hartland: Darcy Langston; Tomas Jones; Jack Gooding (Capt); Keanu Williams: Harry Rossiter; Jake Henson: Lewis Rossiter; Sam Prestwich; Cian Knights: Rhys Grigg; Cian Rogers: Cemlyn Bolton; Ryan Bolton: Josh Griffiths. Replacements: Taz Richards; Cal Earland; Jayden Allen; Cai Lewis; Joe Andrews; Tyler Evans.
 
 

 

Saints too strong as Quins claim uncontested scrums

St Davids 29 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12

 
 
St Davids sit proudly atop the Division Four (West) A table after this fourth win in four matches over a Pembroke Dock Harlequins team which started the season by beating Pembroke but since then have struggled to field a consistent team and paid the inevitable price.
 
The Saints, however, have excellent numbers in training, and as well as their turn-out for this match were sportingly able to loan two players to another club.
 
Despite being denied the chance to show their scrummaging power because of The Quins not having a recognised front row, The Saints were still able to lead with tries from man of the match Ryan McVeigh and excellent full back Ben Joyce, who was a threat in attack throughout, with Bob Froy adding the extra points.
 
But The Quins fought back with an unconverted try by their best player Gethin Bradney after Harry Owen, Ben Hathaway and Morgan Rogers had been involved to make score 12-5 to The Saints at half time.
 

Joyce pounces for his second score

 
Joyce also opened the second half with his second try, converted by Froy after centres Nathan Foster and skipper George Raymond, who had successfully transitioned from the back row, showed quick hands alongside Owen Swaine and Aaron Foster.
 
James Goldsmith, Rhys Price and Iwan McVeigh helped set up Daf Williams for The Saints bonus-point try and scrum half Swaine rounded off the homesters’ scoring before The Quins bounced back with a deserved second try when winger Kobey Thomas finished off an entertaining game before the evening’s entertainment began!
 
*After the game the Saints had their tractional annual ‘Oktoberfest’ celebration,  with plenty of German food, like bratwurst and schnitzel, singing and drinking German beer - and dressed in their Lederhosen, (German for leather trousers or pants) which apparently cost £15 each on Amazon!
 
*Team manager Jack Dudley was understandably pleased with  this fourth win on the trot, but not that his team wasn’t told The Quins had to opt for uncontested scrums until just before the kick off – and vehemently denied that he had refused to join his young charges in this special annual celebration at the club, other than eating the sausages!
 
St Davids: Ben Joyce: Bob Froy; Nathan Foster; George Raymond; Dom Sinnott: Aaron Foster; Owen Swaine: Ethan Griffiths; Dan Murphy; Iwan McVeigh: Iestyn Owen; Ryan McVeigh: James Goldsmith; Rhys Price; Daf Williams. Replacements: Charlie Lavin; Mike Gurney; Ethan Sapsford; Dan Page; Adam Williams, Ryan John; Luke Brooks.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Gethin Bradney: Kobey Thomas, Sam James, Josh Brown; Owain Turner:  Ben Hathaway; Morgan Rogers: Kieran Cookson, Will Nicot,  Alfie Ball: Liam Baker, Shaun John: Callum Jones; Dannie Wilkes; Harry Owen. Replacements: Sam John; Nathan John, Kobey Thomas.





 
 
 

No details

 

Teirw Crymych 58 - Llanybydder 34

 
*Sadly, No further details were available*
 
Teirw Crymych: Hedd James: Iolo Phillips; Steffan Rees; Owain Rees; Steffan Rees: Tomos Lewis; Arwel Davies: Geraint Thomas; Eled Hughes; Thomas Davies: Rhys ‘Biki’ Davies; Gwion Evans: Steff Davies; Sior Phillips; Sion Wilson. Replacements: Harri Worthington; Rhodri Lewis; Aled Morris; Iwan DJ Jones.
 
 

Wasps go down at Pill Parks

 

Llangwm 10 - Narberth Athletic 20

 
*Sadly, no further details were available*
 
Llangwm: Ollie Davies: Alfie Elrick; Joe Johns; Ieuan Grey; Jack Roberts: Dylan Philpott; George James: Ieuan Power; Phil Llewellyn; Callum Jenkins: James Wade; Jake Thomas: Ryan Cole; Finley Phillips; Ryan Banner. Replacements: Joe Newton; Gethin Thomas; Dylan Rowles; Jordan Evans; Breig Matthews. Reserves: Josh Owen; George Nicholls; Luke Sandell.
 
Narberth Athletic: Ioan Thomas: Iestyn Doble; Dan Coaker; George Jones; Theo Tilley: Shane Rossiter; Elliot Evans: Daf Walters; Rhys Jenkins; Jac Norcross: Henry Foster (Capt), Wyndham Williams: Harry Philipps, Harry Harries; Jack Tucker. Replacements: Jake Levitt; Jamie Algeo; Shay Norcross; Luke Conbeer; James Owen; Mason Montague; Finn Bruce.