Featured Match:

 

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Blues grab victory in cracking local derby

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 3 - Haverfordwest 21

 
A very large crowd at Bierspool enjoyed an excellent local derby between Pembroke Dock Harlequins and Haverfordwest which was deservedly won by The Blues but by a margin that didn’t do justice to The Quins part in an action packed contest of styles.
 
The Blues clearly held the edge in the close-range stuff but the homesters’ brand of running, especially from deep positions, often had the crowd on their feet – especially when diminutive winger Sam ‘Rasher’ James had the ball and countered well alongside full back Ben Hathaway and centre Geraint Powell in a series of raids that were only halted by last-ditch tackles from Blues’ full back Archie Thomas and winger Sam Webber.
 
Despite a great deal of action, however, the first half only produced two penalties, the first after 12 minutes when Archie Thomas slotted three points from 28 metres and the second from Quins scrum half Morgan Rogers right on the interval.
 
But the first try came soon after the restart after another powerful surge by Jonathan Mason, Will Blackburn, Karl Busch and Tom Carrington saw No 9 Lee Summons held up a metre short and prop Terry Lovell picked up and drove over the line.
 
Archie Thomas missed the conversion but made amends with a well-struck penalty after a Blues’ thrust for the line was illegally held up.
Haverfordwest received three yellow cards from referee Colin Phillips, who had a very good game, and one was for halting a move again instigated by Sam ‘Rasher’ James and Powell but there were to be no tries for The Quins.
 
And Haverfordwest had the final word with two unconverted tries, the first from another period of sustained forward pressure before hooker Jamie Zambas was credited with the touch-down – and when play was finally switched wide it was Scott Candler who touched down in the far right corner.
 
It left The Blues with a deserved win but The Quins deserve every credit for their involvement, especially from a pack which never gave up and put in any number of forward drives with half backs Jack Davies and Kieron Machin keeping their momentum.

Haverfordwest player/coach Matthew John made some nice breaks and Scott Candler went close, as did several forwards – but they were unable to pouch a bonus point but moved up into fifth place after their dreadful start!
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway: Tom Donovan; Gethin Bradney; Geraint Powell; Sam ‘Rasher’ James: Kieron Machin: Morgan Rogers: Jack Davies; Dan McLeod; Connor Kolmel: Jack Byrne; Sam James: Hywel Baker; Harry Owen; Jack Brown. Replacements: Tom Wheeler; Kobie Thomas; Morgan Rogers; Jordan Palmer; George Bellmaine.
 
Haverfordwest:  Archie Thomas: Scott Candler; Lee Davies; Josh Thomas; Sam Webber: Matthew John; Lee Summons: Terry Lovell; Jamie Zambas; Tom Carrington: Karl Busch; Will Blackburn: Jonathan Mason (Capt); Mikey Griffiths; Ryan Banner. Replacements:  Ben Llewellyn; Ben Thomas; Jack Codd; Liam Eaton; Jack Evans.
 
Referee: Colin Phillips.




 
 

Championship Division:

 

Otters stumble to surprise defeat

 

Ystalyfera 21 - Narberth 19

 
After a run of excellent performances Narberth were below par against an Ystalyfera side lingering in the lower reaches of The Championship but finding a good day to catch The Otters off guard.
 
There were warning signs for Sean Gale’s team in a tight first period where they failed to capitalise on pressure periods and trailed 14-12 as Lewis Gibby continued his try-scoring feats alongside Josh Davies, with Nick Gale slotting one conversion but missing another that we well within his compass.
 
For the home side there were tries by outstanding scrum half Zac Beynon, voted man of the match in the clubhouse afterwards, and winger Callum Tomza, both converted by outside half Sam Comley.
 
Ystalyfera’s third score was claimed by flanker Ben Williams, who also skippered the side, and again Comley notched the extra points – whilst winger Josh Evans responded and Gale converted.
 
Narberth battled hard to try and snatch the vital late score they needed but missed two late chances as Ilan Phillips was held up short with players outside him and George McDonald looked to have scored from the last move but was recalled for a forward pass!
 
Ystalyfera defended well in that decisive final quarter – and provided proof for The Otters, not that they needed it,  that there is no such thing as an easy game at this high level!
 
Narberth: Nick Gale: Josh Davies; Jordan Roberts; Ilan Phillips; Josh Evans: Ianto Griffiths: Lewys Gibby: Bradley Davies; Tom Clarke; Sean Janes: Rhys Williams; Alex Jenkins (Capt): Caleb Salmon; Josh Hamer; Caine Rees-Jones: Replacements: Kyle Hamer; Lewis Davies; Rich Rees; Jonathan Rogers; George McDonald.
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Scarlets suffer as Aber look sharp

Pembroke 19 - Aberystwyth 73

 
Pembroke played with their usual enthusiasm and commitment in their home match against Aberystwyth but their lack of experience at this level was evident as they trailed 38-7 at half time and Aber finished up with 11 tries as reward for a polished performance.
 
It is to The Scarlets’ credit that they never gave up despite conceding tries at regular intervals, with skipper Seamus ‘Moose’ Wiseman leading by example – and they were rewarded with three tries by No 8 Aaron Williams, Tommy John and Luke Alderwick, who also landed a conversion in each half.
 
Aber full back Dylan Benjamin opened the scoring for Aber and there were two tries apiece from flanker Iestyn Evans, classy centre Carwyn Evans and winger Ben Jones, plus others from Kerijama Fasuluku, Matthew Jacobs, Chris Jones and outstanding scrum half Charles Thomas.
 
Outside half Steff Thomas called the shots with aplomb and added nine conversions as Aber made the long journey home with the points whilst Pembroke can only be praised for their graft in such adversity as they play such a young team.
 
Pembroke: Lewis Davies: Travis Matthias; Barry Alderman-John; Josh Hicks; Steve Brown: Luke Alderwick; Matthew Lewis: Evan Phillips; Seamus Wiseman; Lloyd Davies: Will Edwards; Tom Cabot: Andrew Evans; Jordan Evans; Aaron Williams. Replacements: Tommy John; Scott Powell; Leon Stewart; Rhys Johns.
 
Aberystwyth:  Dylan Benjamin: Ben Jones; Matthew Jacobs; Carwyn Evans; Kevin James: Steff Rees; Charles Thomas: Will Caron; Owain Bonsall; Rhodri Evans: Llewellyn Evans; Charles Handford: Bryn Shepherd; Iestyn Thomas; Lee Evans (Capt). Replacements: Celt Lewis; Guto Jones; Connor Rees; Chris Jones; Kerijama Fasuluku. 
   .
 

Borderers beaten after the break

 

Whitland 17 - Llanelli Wanderers 34

 
Whitland went down to a home defeat against Llanelli Wanderers after playing well to go in at half time level on 17-all but were unable to add any further scores thereafter and it was The Wanderers who moved into the top half of the table with a third win from six outings.
 
The Borderers played well in that first period and were rewarded with excellent tries from Rhys Nicholas and Jack Phillips, both converted by Geraint Jones to with a penalty.
 
But The Wanderers raised the tempo after the oranges and finished up with a bonus point for four tries, claimed by Josh Weeds, Ellis Dickerson, Luca Giannini and Iwan Maze.
 
Lewis Jones also had a good game with the boot as he converted all four scores and also slotted two penalties, leaving The Borderers in the bottom two with only one win from six starts.
 
 

Match postponed out of respect for president Kaye

 

Llangennech P-P Crymych

 
**Crymych asked for the postponement of this top-of the table clash after losing their president Kaye Mansell-Davies at the age of 86 – who was held in such high esteem at Parc Lloyd Thomas that he has been the only president that has ever been in office at Crymych since they started out.
 
Our thoughts are with his family, many friends and everyone at Crymych RFC.
 




 

Division Two (West):

 

Seasiders stay calm in fiery finish

 

Tenby United 16 - Milford Haven 0

 
Tenby United were worthy winners of this clash at Heywood Lane as they outlasted Milford Haven in a game that had old timers watching talking about local derbies of old: with action aplenty on the pitch in front of a large crowd and with a minimum of travel involved.
 
Be that as it may, both sides were clearly up for a contest where no quarter was asked for or given and The Seasiders had the better chances but The Mariners defended well and also might have pouched a few points and lost their heads a bit late on with a number of yellow cards and one red one!
 
As well as a win which put them into fourth place in the section table the homesters also had two hookers enjoying special occasions as current incumbent Dan Allen was celebrating his 100 match in the red and black colours and later in the game veteran No 2 Nicky Guymer ran out to huge applause for his 200^th appearance for The Seasiders.
 
Also making a welcome return after six weeks out with a nasty leg injury was talented young centre Max Brindley and after only ten minutes he made a big impact as he scored a try under the posts after a set-piece move saw No 8 Dan Colley and scrum half Cam Broadhurst combine before a flat pass put Brindley steaming through for a try which outside half Lloyd Thomas converted.
 
Milford Haven had half chances as co-skippers Lee Riley and Dan Birch joined Dan Jenkins and Steve Martin in posing a threat but defended well by Jack Gooding, Jake Roberts Rob Luly and Co for the Seasiders.
 
The Mariners were strong in the ball-carrying stakes but the only other points came after 30 minutes when Tenby were awarded a penalty which No 10 Thomas kicked.
 
The second half was just as fiercely contested but the only points came from two more Lloyd Thomas penalties after 59 and 70 minutes to seal The Seasiders’ success but Milford Haven also played their part in a lively tussle!
 
Tenby United: Luke Hartland: Jordan Asparassa; Max Brindley; Toby Smith; Matthew Morgan: Lloyd Thomas; Cam Broadhurst: Ethan Morgan; Dan Allen (100); Rob Luly: Tom Barrass; Luke Dedman (Capt): Jimmy Davies; Will Swales; Dan Colley. Replacements: Frankie Boyd; Nicky Guymer (200); Mike Davis; Jake Roberts; Jack Gooding.
 
Milford Haven: Steve Martin: Lee Riley (Co-Capt); Dan Jenkins; Dan Birch (Co-Capt); James Sheen: James Williams; Dan McClelland:  Ben Jenkins; Luke Ryan; Jimmy Buirds: Jay Goodall; Zac Davies: Scott Buirds; Gareth Fawcett; Dewi Williams. Replacements: Aaron Mayne; Dylan Evans; Ethan Aldred; Ben Groves; James Trueman.



 
 

Bennett try gives Seagulls a rare win over Athletic

 

Carmarthen Athletic 6 - Fishguard & Goodwick 13

 
In past years Carmarthen Quins have been something of a bogus side for Fishguard and Goodwick but on this occasion The Seagulls rose to the challenge and although shaded in the possession stakes they defended really well for periods of pressure and scored the only try of the match.
 
In a very tight tussle the scores were tied 6-6 at half time as James Griffiths landed two penalties for the visitors and outside half Deian Morgan did the same for The Athletic.
 
In the second period there was some real endeavour in defence via Sion Colella, Ted Tamilia and Will Lewis in the back row alongside skipper Chris Shousha, Will Delaney and Aled Bowen – and The Seagulls grabbed the all-important try as good handling allowed winger Ned Bennett to cross the whitewash and Griffiths added the extra points.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Creegan Foot: Dan Cleary; James Griffiths; Sion Rowlands; Ned Bennett: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Iwan McVeigh; Liam Wilkes; Adam Bowen: Will Delaney; Chris Shousha (capt): Will Lewis; Tal Tamilia; Sion Colella. Replacements: Richie Hunter; Osian Lewis; Mark George; Randall Williams.
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Big Blacks’ win in Mid Wales as reward for hard work

 

Tregaron 5 - Neyland 67

 
Neyland’s hard work in recent training reaped its own reward as they played some quality rugby against lowly Tregaron and as reward collected one of their biggest away wins for a long time.
 
The All Blacks were already 41 points to the good at half time and all Tregaron could muster in response was a try from Geraint Jones but by then Neyland were 53 points in front – and this minor set-back galvanised them into increasing their try county to 11.
 
Ollie Rothero gave Neyland an early lead with a penalty before mobile prop Luke Griffiths-Dawes scored their first try which went unconverted but full back Rothero made amends by converting good tries by No 8 Ben Williams and veteran Andrew Slark, playing on the wing instead of his customary back-row slot.
 
Talented young scrum half  Owen Hamer was the next scorer before centre Patrick Bellerby crossed for a deserved ty which Rothero converted, as he did when ‘old-timer’ Slark rounded off some good handling on half time.
 
Neyland did take their foot slightly off the pedal for a while after prop Ben James scored (converted by Rothero) and flanker Owain Evans also got his name on the try sheet.
 
After Tregaron had managed their only score The All Blacks added further tries from Rothero and youth scrum half Rhys Powell (coming on as replacement winger) with Rothero converting both to give him a deserved 22-point haul.
 
Another player to catch the eye for the homesters was centre Adam Peele, who is already looking a class act in a very good Neyland all-round performance that will have pleased coach Steve Evans.
 
Neyland:  Oliver Rothero: Stuart Phillips; Patrick Bellerby; Andrew Slark: George Evans; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales; Ben James: Harrison Grice; Dan Hart: Iestyn Evans; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Jasper Endean; Rhys Power; Mark James; Toby Hayman; Steve Evans.
 
 

Wasps wilt as Aber plunder 15 tries

 

Aberaeron 95 - Llangwm 0

 
Aberaeron showed the importance of depth in squad, as they enjoyed an enterprising afternoon against struggling Llangwm, running in no fewer than fifteen tries, with thirteen of the tries come their free-flowing back line.
 
The visitors had little answer to the pace and opportunism shown by their opponents, with the majority of the scores, especially in the first half, coming from deep inside home territory. It was 59-0 at the break and it was only a question of how many would be added to the scoreboard after the break, and it was somewhat of a relief when the referee blew up, just short of the three figures.
 
To their credit Llangwm battled to the end, with their forwards giving a decent account in the set pieces. But in the end they didn’t manage a single point as reward for their efforts, with Aberaeron celebrating a near record scoreline.
 
Nine players found their names on the scoreboard with wing Stefan DJ Jones bagging four, followed by hat tricks apiece for fellow wing Dilwyn Harries on his first appearance of the season and another for scrum half Tudur Jenkins Jr.
 
Young centre Gethin Jenkins added to his tally for the season with centre Steffan B Jones benefiting for a kick ahead.
 
Not to be outdone, the home forwards did have their moments of glory with No 8  Tudur Jenkins Snr and second row Bleddyn Thomas also adding to the score. Outside half Rhodri Jenkins crossed with an individual effort and completed the scoring with ten successful conversions.
 
Aberaeron: Rhodri Thomas: Owen Lloyd; Dyfrig Dafis; Ollie Sawyer; Bedwyr Davies; Rhodri Jenkins; Llyr James: Owain Wozencroft; Huw Wozencroft; Dafydd Lloyd: Gethin Hughes; Llyr Davies: Hefin Williams; Gethin Dafis; Osian Sychpant. Replacements: Steffan Bonsall; Daniel Williams; Ross Holder; Gruff Davies. Morgan Davies.
 
Llangwm (Squad): Ieuan Power; Dan Woodward; Callum Jenkins; Ioan Jarman; Ashley James; James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Owain Jones; Jake James; Aled Morgan; Dan Chesmer; Dylan Philpott; James Brock; Yale Grice; George John; Ollie Gerson; Daniel Morgan; Dan Ridge; Ben Hawkins.
 
 

Saints suffer heavy home defeat

 

St Davids 3 - Lampeter 75

 
After their best start to a season for many years St Davids went down to a very heavy home defeat against a Lampeter team which showed why they are one of the favourites for promotion as they not only prevented the opposition from crossing their line by did so themselves on 11 occasions.
 
Yet it was The Saints who opened their account early on with a penalty from Aaron Foster that gave them the lead but from then on the visitors were on top in all areas, other than the set scrums where they just about had parity.
 
The Lampeter backs had pace aplenty so that although Scott Riches and Rhys Price tackled their hearts out, scores came at regular times from Ceri Thomas (2), Jack Williams (3), Llion Lewis, Guto Ebsworth, Huw Jones (2), Rhodri Williams, and Tomos Rees-Jones.
 
Russell Jones converted ten of them as this was Lampeter’s fifth bonus-point victory in as many matches and puts them three points behind St Clears but with a match in hand.
 
St Davids: Harvey Godkin: Jake Rees; George Raymond; Ben Joyce; Morgan Davies: Aaron Foster; Zac Morgan: Ben Evans; Adam Williams; Carwyn Lewis: Llion Williams; Aled Davies: Rhys Price; Keiran Jones; Scott Riches. Replacements: Ryan John; Andrew Batten; Dafydd Williams.
 
 

Cardis’ control rewarded by a bonus-point win

 

Cardigan 24 - Llanybydder 5

 
Cardigan played some of their best rugby of the season as they beat a Llanybydder outfit placed two positions higher than the home side but unable to stop them scoring two tries in each half which saw them leap-frog over Llan in the league table.
 
With their pack playing well The Teifisiders had control via half backs Tomos Jones and Jac Davies, with hooker Luke Palmer-Davies and centre Ben Rogers claiming tries which were converted by No 10 Jac Davies.
 
Llanybydder did manage to open their account from a period pf pressure as No 8 Rhys Morris powered over as reward for his good support play but Cardigan took a 21-5 lead into the interval as good work up front by Kester Adams, veteran front rower Andrew Fletcher and skipper Tom Taylor, playing at No 8, saw flanker Rhodri Davies cross the whitewash for Jack Davies to land his third conversion.
 
Both sides had chances in the second half but the only try came for Cardigan from right winger Alun Jenkins to give them a morale-boosting and deserved home victory.
 
Cardigan: John Lumb:  Alun Jenkins; Ben Rogers; Kieran Greenland; Tom Griffiths: Jac Davies; Tomos Jones: Andrew Jones; Luke Palmer-Davies; Andrew Fletcher: Sion Phillips; Kester Adams: Aaron Tomkinson; Rhodri Davies; Tom Taylor (Capt). Replacements:  Rhodri Parry Jones; Will Brice; Kieran Hurley; Emyr Harries; Geraint Williams.