Premier Division:

 

Harrison hat-trick helps Otters win well

 

Narberth 38 - Cross Keys 24

 
Three tries by pacy winger Harrison-Burke was the highlight of Narberth’s third win of the season but it was the all-round performance against a Cross Keys outfit which had beaten Neath in their previous match that will have pleased new coach Lloyd Phillips and his second lieutenant Matt Jess, because there was total commitment throughout the game, especially in periods of defence where the tackling and general cover was immense, writes Bill Carne.
 
The did concede two late tries that flattered Cross Keys a little and one weakness on the day was their lack of success in retaining possession from kick offs, which cost them two first half tries shortly after they had scored themselves, but their handling was slick and every Otter fan would have left the Lewis Lloyd Ground feeling they had been given value for money.
 

Excellent start but careless at kick-offs

 
With the breeze in their favour, Narberth made an excellent start as they led by 14-0 in as many minutes as an early period of pressure as neat switch pass by Lewys Gibby allowed Burke to slip through on the left and Jon Rogers converted, as he did when  Max Rodda-Lodder gained possession and the outside half elected to twice kick to the corner, the second paying dividends as a controlled drive allowed busy hooker Kyle Hamer to power over the line.
 
But from the Keys’ kick off the ball was allowed to bounce and established a real bridge-head for a sustained  attack by the Gwent team  for almost ten minutes in the Narberth 22 ended with an unconverted try by second row Chris Johnsey.
 
Narberth soon regained control via a little run by Shaun Lynch and nippy scrum half Lewys Gobby sniped over for his fifth try in the three matches, his side-kick Rogers again adding the extras – but again Keys hauled themselves back into contention from the kick off and another forward surge eventually saw Nathan Huish plough through to the clubhouse corner – and Burke was yellow carded by referee Kristoff Young, who had a good game overall.
 

Ten precious points before the break – and  superb third-quarter play in defence and attack

 
But with the knowledge that they had to defend against the elements after the break, Narberth raised the tempo again and added ten points in the final minutes, of the half as some terrific handling by Ashley Sutton, who posed a threat all afternoon, released Burke into the corner to secure a bonus point – and Rogers maintained his magnificent form the boot as he converted from very wide out – and almost straight from the kick-off belted an almighty three-pointer from fully four yards inside his own half!
 
A 31-10 lead was still intact at the end of the third quarter, despite having been showntwo yellow cards, but then a careless conceding of a penalty in the Keys 22 and Morgan Cusack hoofed the ball 70 yards downfield to set up a try for another forward in Thomas Burnham, converted by Cusack.
 
But hopes of a visitors’ revival were quickly quashed as replacement Jac Delaney quickly set up a platform from which Burke spotted a gap and as usual Rogers found the target into the breeze.
 
Cross Keys did secure a late bonus point with their fourth close-range try, credited to No 8 Max Heathman and goaled by Cusack but Narberth were good value for victory, led by the outstanding leadership of flanker Tom Powell, Sam Davies (chosen by the sponsors as man of the match), Caleb Salmon and Rodda-Lodder – but this was a committed performance by the whole squad that sees Narberth top of the table after three successive bonus-point wins.
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Harrison Burke; Ilan Phillips; Aled Davies; Shaun Pearce: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: George Rossiter; Kyle Hamer; Teifion Thomas: Kieran Allen; Caleb Salmon: Sam Davies; Tom Powell (Capt); Max Rodda-Lodder. Replacements: Tom Clarke; Josh Wrigglesworth;  Osian Charles; Callum Goeman; Jac Delaney; Bowyn Clark; Dean James; Eilir George.
 
 

Division One (West):

 
 

Seasiders battle their way to narrow victory

 
 

Carmarthen Athletic 13 - Tenby United 16

 
 
The Athletic Park is never an easy place to come away from with a win but Tenby United managed to snatch the verdict in a competitive contest where it took a neat dropped goal by outside half Harry Rossiter with just seven minutes to go to settle the issue.
 
And The Seasiders could look on one moment just before half time where they were looking strong at 13-3 and with their pack trundling the Athletic back at a forward drive near the line – only for the referee to penalise them for not releasing the ball when it was clearly maintaining a momentum.
 
The Athletic cleared their line with the penalty, won the ensuing  line out and inside centre Ben Thomas scored a try which full back Zac Williams converted to go with his earlier penalty – and instead of a probable 20-3 advantage at the oranges they were only 13-10 in front!
 
The Seasiders had made a bright start when talented centre Max Brindley chose the perfect line of running to cross at the posts and No 10 Harry Rossiter converted – but Brindley had to leave the field shortly afterwards with a hamstring injury.
 
Rossiter, worked well with Cam Broadhurst, another from the second team the previous week, in the absence of regular pivot Lloyd Thomas, then slotted two penalties as well as controlling matters well – but there were no further points forthcoming in a tight second period until Zac Williams hauled his team level with a penalty to tie matters at 13-apiece.
 
But then Rossiter cooly dropped a goal after the chance was set up by his pack’s work-rate – and although The Seasiders had to endure a nervy late spell where The Athletic sought desperately for the winning score but were unable to find it, leaving Tenby coach Jonathan Evans relieved to hear the final whistle but knowing that the points were in the bag!
 
Tenby United: Jordan Asparassa: Jackson Gravatt; Max Brindley; Connor Kier; Matthew Lewis: Harri Rossiter; Cam Broadhurst: Howells Baker; Dom. Booth; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass (Capt); Alex Jenkins: Jack Brown; Josh Hamer; Dan Colley. Replacements: Iwan Duffy; Jack Davies; Mikey Ryan; Luke Dedman; Cian Evans; Will James.
 
 

Slick Felinfoel too sharp for Preseli Men

 
 

Felinfoel 61 - Crymych 14

 
 
Crymych found it hard going at Felinfoel as they were over-run in the first half by a strong forward unit and speedy back division as they found themselves 40 points in arrears, despite having had the wind in their favour in the first half.
 

It says much for their battling spirit that although they conceded another 21 points after the break but score two converted tries of their own from George Griffiths and Delme Alleyn, both converted by Jac Davies, and had half chances to grab a couple more as skipper Daf Phillips tried hard to keep his troops moving.

 
For Felinfoel, there were tries from Jac Hart (3), Rhys Davies, Aled Roberts, Lewis D’Albert, Tom Davies, Tom Jones, Lewis Edwards and David Jones, with conversions shared by Aled Roberts (5) and Dale Ford (3).


 
Crymych: Owain Evans: George Griffiths; Jac Griffiths; Aled Rees; Daf Bryan: Jac Davies; Daf Phillips (Capt): Ben Cox; Lee Griffiths; Harri Vaughan: Dion Gibby; Scott Williams-Parker: Luke Freebury; Tom Tagg; Tom Taylor. Replacements: Morgan James; George Nelson; Delme Alleyne;  Aled Harries; Deiniol Mathias.



 
 


 

Division Two:

 
 

Blues late fight-back secures success

 
 

Haverfordwest 33 - Pontarddulais 23

 
 
Haverfordwest gained a valuable bonus point win at home to a gritty Pontarddulais side to get their season in Division Two up and running after the disappointment of local derby defeat at Fishguard the previous week.
 
Despite Haverfordwest controlling the first 10tenminutes with the ball in hand, it was Pontarddulais who opened the scoring after turnover ball was hacked into the in-goal and from the resulting goal-line drop out, centre Phillip White carved through to score under the posts, Josh Goss adding the simple conversion.
 
Haverfordwest hit back almost immediately after some good work from forwards and backs gave Liam Eaton the platform from close range to find winger Scott Candler on the short side. Ifan Williams narrowly missed the conversion from out wide but The Blues then took the lead when a turnover on the half way line saw the ball thrown wide and Matt Phillips delivered the scoring pass to James Hart, who beat a couple of defenders on his way to the line from 30 metres out before No 10 Williams nailed the conversion from a tight angle.
 
Haverfordwest would have been happy with a lead going into half time with a wind at their backs for the 2nd half but Pontarddulais hit back with two late penalties from Josh Goss to take a slender lead into the break.
 

Blues hit by Bont scoring after the break

 
Haverfordwest looked to take the lead early in the 2nd half, but a long range penalty from Williams just went wide of the left upright. Then 10 minutes into the half, Rhydian Payne extended the Pontarddulais lead with a well worked try that went through multiple phases from the forwards before Iwan Evans scored. To put The Bont ahead.
 
The visitors then put daylight between the sides as they got their reward for turning down penalty kicks at goal when they opted for a kick to the corner and scored from a driving maul that was briefly stalled by the home team, before Phillip White scored the simplest of tries as he touched down next to the ruck, opening up a 23-12 gap.
 
But with just over ten minutes on the clock, Haverfordwest gave themselves hope with a try from a scrum on half way. Man of the match Iestyn Arnold with a powerful break before feeding his newly-introduced centre partner Jack Codd with the scoring pass and Williams added the extras.
 
As time was running out, Haverfordwest had to defend their line valiantly as Pontarddulais went through multiple phases again but this time the Blues won a turnover at the contact area and scrum half Liam Eaton kicked the ball 70 metres down field, deep into the Pontarddulais half. A fantastic chase from Eaton and Codd resulted in a turnover at the ruck and with a minute left on the clock, young prop Iori Curtis found himself in the first- receiver position and delivered a perfect cut-out pass to put winger Scott Candler in for his second try in the corner.
 
Williams added another difficult conversion to put Haverfordwest ahead but there was still time for more action as from the restart as Mikey Griffiths leapt above everyone else to claim the kick off and went on a powerful 30 metre run down field. The ball was spread wide to Devin Williams, who looked to have scored in the corner but was ankle tapped by the covering defence. As the ball was patiently worked closer to the try line, replacement prop Dan Berry was on hand to touch down before Williams added the final conversion to send the large Haverfordwest crowd home happy.
 
Haverfordwest: Adam Phillips: Scott Candler; Matt Phillips; Iestyn Arnold; Leon Gainfort: Ifan Williams; Liam Eaton (Capt): Iori Curtis; Rhys Phelps; Terry Lovell: Teifion Owen; Karl Busch: James Hart; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; Mike Griffiths. Replacements: Jamie Zambas; Dan Berry; Devin Williams; Jack Codd; Luke Dyer.
 

 

Laugharne ease home against slow-starting Seagulls

 

Laugharne 36 - Fishguard & Goodwick 25

 

Laugharne gained their second win of the new campaign to move clearly to the top of what is already looking to be a very competitive section, fending off a strong challenge against Fishguard and Goodwick at Wooford Park
 
The home side were 17-13 ahead at the interval, thanks to tries from Lennon Reynolds and Tom Davies, both converted by Nico Setaro, alongside a penalty, with The Seagulls responding with tries from live-wire No 8 Sion Colella and prop Adam Bowen, plus a Mark Jones penalty.
 
Laugharne played really well after the oranges to add further tries by Davies and Lennon, plus a try by their play general Setaro alongside two more conversions.
 
Fishguard responded with further tries by replacement prop Will Delaney and Mark Jones, which he converted, but they had to ultimately settle for a deserved bonus point for scoring their four tries.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick Mark Jones: Dan Evans; Dan Cleary; Kial Keane; Declan Thomas: Josh Lerwill; Max Jones: Will. Delaney; Liam Wilkes (Capt); Adam Bowen: Oscar Lawrence; Osian Rowe: Ifan Evans; Jack Richards; Sion Colella. Replacements: Will Robertson; Ben Jones; Iori Cottrell; Ed Rathbone; Ryan Burton.
 
 
 

Division Three (West):

 

All Blacks blitzed at the Athletic Ground

 

Neyland 14 - Amman United 44

 

Neyland made a disappointing start to their league campaign as they lost heavily to Amman United, who had already started their fixtures the previous week with a comfortable home win over Tumble.
 
The All Blacks are not at full strength yet and their ring-rustiness was on show as Amman ran in six tries through Garan Williams, Hefin Davies, a penalty try, Deryn Mathias (2) and Iestyn Griffiths, who completed a personal haul of 19 points with three conversions and two penalties.
 
Neyland had skipper George Williams playing at second row instead of centre, but he still managed to go on the try sheet alongside prop Luke Griffiths-Dawes, both converted by outside half George Evans.
 
The All Blacks travel next Saturday to Trimsaran, who have lost their two opening matches, so will be looking to gain victory there.
 
Neyland: Liam Rees: Jay Vakadaudau;  Matt Coles; Alex Codd; Evan Roberts: George Evans; Owen Hamer: Dan McLeod; Alex Swales (Capt); Asher Gledhill: George Williams; Seb McIntosh: Tal Tamilia; Dan Hart; Ben Williams. Replacements: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; M Rozblat;  J Hamilton; E John; Josh Watts.
 




 
 

Mariners pack sets up welcome win at Whitland

 
 

Whitland 14 - Milford Haven 33

 
 
Milford Haven made a promising start to their new season as they travelled to Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and beat a young Whitland side who had also lost  narrowly at Cardigan the previous week, but produced an improved performance, despite the unavailability of influential skipper Liam Price.
 
The Mariners used their pack power to good effect so that half backs Dan McClelland and Aaron Cookson could call the shots after leading by 14-7 at half time maintained their better possession percentage to gain a welcome bonus point whilst denying The Borderers anything to show for their efforts.
 
 Winger Morgan Edwards and their man of the match in scrum half Zak Payne scored Whitland’s tries, both converted by Shane Rossiter, playing on permit from Narberth.
 
For Milford Haven, there were tries from centre Isaac Mills, second row Liam Brown, replacement Alfie Thomas (2) and Ben Groves, chosen as his man of the match by coach Zac France-Miller. James Trueman (3) and Thomas added the conversions as coach France-Miller told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk that he was pleased with the overall performance of his team, although there was inevitably signs of not having played competitively they can be worked on with the good turn-out at training at their Observatory Ground.
 
Whitland: Shane Rossiter: Morgan Edwards; Deian Davies; Connor Court; Tomos Hughes: Leo Bonham; Zac Payne:  Trystan Bowen; Dorian Harris; Ceiron Evans: Joseff Jones; Gavin Smith (Capt): Thomas Iraira, Albie Redpath; Connor Toland. Replacements: Jaxon Green; Arwel Beynon; Jonathan Phillips; Charlie Watson; Lee Rees.
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: Joseph Reynolds; Owyn Griffiths; Isaac Mills; James Trueman: Aaron Cookson; Dan McClelland. Aaron Mayne; Ollie Warlow; Jimmy Buirds: Liam Brown; Ethan Aldred: Ben Groves; Ieuan Davies; Zac Davies (Capt). Replacements: Alfie Thomas; Efan Morgan; Nathan Abbott; Rhys Blayney.
 
 


 

Cardis outplayed at Cae William

Llandeilo 55 - Cardigan 8

 

 
Cardigan produced a lack-lustre performance at Llandeilo which was disappointing after their battling win over Whitland the previous Saturday.
 
They were 17-3 adrift at the interval as Llyr Jones landed their penalty – but all they could add after the interval was a try by winger Jack Taylor from a good handling move which showed their capabilities – but that aside it was Llandeilo who called the shots with a final tally of nine tries as proof of how well they played.
 
Their try scorers were Ryan Davies, Jac Hart (3), Aled Richard, Louie D’Albert, Tom Jones, Lewis Edwards and David Jones, with their conversions shared by Roberts (5) and dale Ford (3).
 
Cardigan: John Lumb: Aaron Evans; Llyr Jones; Emyr Harries; Jack Taylor:  Luke Rogers; Ifan James: Will Brice; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Dean Harries; Kieran Hurley: Connor Owen; Marcus Castle (Capt); Ben Swift. Replacements: Owen Fletcher; Andrew Jones; Iestyn Evans; Alun Jenkins; Joe Thomas.
 
 






 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Saints storm to second five-point success

 
 

Teirw Crymych 7 - St Davids 38

 
 
St Davids have made as bright a start to the new campaign as most of the stalwarts at the club can remember, with this comfortable win over Teirw Crymych at Parc Lloyd Thomas, after a similar result at Dreigiau Emlyn in  their previous match, both with a bonus point for scoring at least four tries.
 
The Saints started really well and were good value for their 24-7 lead as Kian Ladd, Dom Sinnott, Zak Morgan and Ben Joyce scored tries,  two converted by Bob Froy, with The Bulls responding with a try by Sion Phillips, converted by Tomos Davies.
 
Skipper George Raymond was in outstanding form for St Davids and he scored both their second half tries as basic errors and taking wrong options prevented other scores – but a club official told us it wasn’t the end of the world because at least it gives coaches Bruce Evans and Jeff Pick something to work on with the large numbers they have in midweek training!
 
Teirw Crymych: Taran Morgan-Davies: Steffan S Rees; Steffan Rees; Owain Rees; Will Bolton: Arwel Davies; Tomas Davies: Harri Worthing; Steffan Davies; Tomas Davies (Capt): Aled Morrris; Ian Williams: Gwion Evans; Sion Phillips; Iolo Evans. Replacements: Geraint Thomas; Dylan Harries; Carwyn James; Dylan Thomas; Owain Richards.
 
St Davids: Ben Joyce:  Dom Sinnott; George Raymon; Kian Ladd; Bob Froy. Aaron Foster; Zac Morgan: Ethan Griffiths; Rhys Price; Ryan McVeigh: James Goldsmith; Iestyn Owen: Daf Williams; Nathan Foster; Cameron Sapsford. Replacements: Adam Williams; Iwan Roberts; Dan Murphy; Owen Swaine; Adam Phillips; Daf Davies.
 
 
 

Seasiders Seconds win a high-scoring tussle at Heywood Lane

 
 

Tenby United 34 - Dreigiau Emlyn 28

 
 
Tenby United’s potent mix of talented youngsters and experienced campaigners like skipper Jack Golding, Nick Guymer and Rob Luly paid dividends as they fended off a strong challenge by Dreigiau Emlyn to gain their second success as fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout.
 
The Seasiders outscored The Dragons by six tries to three but conceded kickable penalties  for Llyr Tobias and Deiniol Rees (2) alongside tries by Harri Lewis, Tomos Davies and Gethin Davies to keep the visitors in touch.
 
The Seasiders had tries by the afore mentioned hooker Mr Juymer, Iorri Richards, Owen Grieve, Jayden Allen and Cemlyn Boulton, plus the try of the match from prop Lewis Rossiter as he showed his link and handling skills before a dash to the line where he showed pace aplenty!
 
Alfie Pryor converted two tries but the Seasiders suffered a few injuries, although they have a large squad (over 50 players have represented both their teams already this season).
 
Tenby United Athletic: Alfie Prior: Darcy Langston;  Josh Griffiths; Jack Golding (Capt); Callum Cogger: Archie Treadaway-Williams; Jake Henson: Lewis Rossiter; Nick Guymer; Rob Luly: Cemlyn Bolton; Rhys Grigg: Owen Grieve: Jayden Allen; Iorri Richards. Replacements: Rob Clark; Frankie Boyd; Taz Richards; Carl Earland; Luke Hartland; Tyler Evans.
 
 
 

Depleted Quins battle hard at Aber

 
 

Aberystwyth Athletic 30 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 10

 
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins made the long journey to play Aberystwyth Athletic with just 16 players and paid the inevitable price of defeat after last weekend’s rousing victory over Pembroke – but those who made the trek deserve every credit for turning out.
 
With uncontested scrums inevitably being called into play, The Quins were still in the game at half time when they trailed 18-10 as their tries came from a corner try by Gethin Bateman and a good support score from Liam Brown, both uncontested.
 
Sion Evans opened Aber’s account with a try, followed by an Adrian Beale penalty and then a brace of tries by Shane Evans and Stephen Mullaly.
 
Home supporters expected a Quins’ collapse after the break but with Quins’ skipper Leading by example, ably assisted by other experienced players like Ben Hathaway, Danny Wilkes and Lewys Scourfield leading by example for the visitors, Aber only managed two tries by Jack Stockwell-Jones, converted by Carwyn Jones, and a second for Shane Evans.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Rhys Doyle; Gethin Bradney; Harry Owen (Capt); Josh Brown; Jayden Webber: Ben Hathaway; Owain Turner: Will Nicot; Sam John; Alfie Ball: Shaun John; Sam John: Rhys Spencer; Danny Wilkes; Lewys Scourfield. Replacement: Jason Keats.
 
 
 

Llanybydder unable to raise a team so early in the season

 

Llangwm P - Llanybydder P