Feature Match - Division Three (West):

 

All Blacks miss out in final moments

 

Neyland 21 - Tumble 27

 
“We threw it way!” was the terse comment from the Neyland camp after they had come within seconds of beating high-flying Tumble at The Athletic Ground – - and it was a win they would have deserved, having fought back from an early ten-point deficit with three superb tries that demonstrated the fact that they can compete with anyone at this level, writes Bill Carne.
 
In a tetchy game where the referee issued two yellow cards for both teams it was a moment of madness that cost them a deserved win as they led 21-20 with two minutes to go and a clever chip ahead by winger Josh Watts and a splendid forward drive earned them a penalty two metres from the Tumble line where they had plenty of different options to use up the time.
 

Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory

 
But an act of indiscipline saw the official reverse his decision, Tumble’s 40 year old full back Steve Hewit put his kick near half way and from the ensuing line out his side attacked – and despite same desperate tackling by the All Blacks it was Tumble forward Nathan Willard who was awarded his second try. Hewitt added the extras but it mattered little because as one Tumble official said afterwards,
“We came hoping for a bonus point and we go away with all five points – phew!”
 
Neyland’s problems started early on as they were awarded two fairly straightforward penalties but they sailed either side of the uprights at the bottom end of the pitch – and The All Blacks then conceded penalties from the drop-outs and  Hewitt and Owen Bunford showed good kicking skills to take their pack inro the corner, from which they grabbed unconverted tries by Ryan Williams and Nathan Willard, so that they led 10-0 instead of being 6-0 down.
 
But Neyland showed their true grith with some terrific tackling of the big Tumble forwards and speed to the breakdown -so that Owen Hamer and Oli Rothero fed George Williams, and the classy All Blacks’ skipper broke two tackles and somehow managed to feed co-centre Alex Codd on the burst before a 25-metre run took him over for Rothero to add the extras.
 
There were further half chances for both teams but the only other points came right on the break as Hewitt took over the kicking duties and slotted an easy penalty from 10 metres to give his team a 13-7 interval lead.
 
And that lead was extended in the second period as Tumble soaked up the pressure and then grabbed an excellent try as deft handling between forwards and backs saw Nathan Willard scored near enough to the posts for Hewitt to convert and at 20-7 it seemed all over bar the pushing and shoving.
 

Neyland rally with some rousing play

 
But Neyland focussed on their strengths in solid defence and lightning-quick attacks which suddenly saw a clever Rothero  cross kick receive a good bounce for  Josh Watts to supply the scoring pass and George Williams showed his pace on a run to the posts, with Rothero converting – and within minutes the Neyland skipper added his second, this time demonstrating his power as he rounded off some good forward ball retention by shrugging off two would-be tacklers to reach the line.
 
Rothero held his nerve to add the extra points and gave The All Blacks the lead for the first time to really rattle Tumble – but then they were struck a really body blow with that late, late error – and they have to learn to use their high skill levels not to be drawn into wars of attrition but to focus on using their talents!
 
Neyland: Liam Rees;  Josh Watts; George Williams (Capt);  Alex Codd;  Matthew Coles; Oli Rothero; Owen Hamer: Seb Mackintosh; Alex Swales; Sam Cataki;  Andrew Slark; Iestyn Evans: Owain Evans; Dan Hart; Ben Williams. Replacements:  James Hamilton; George Evans;  Finn Gale, Harrison Grice.




 
 
 

Feature Match – Division Three (West):

 

Blues bounce back to beat The Athletic

 

Narberth Athletic 22 - Haverfordwest 26

 
A second half blitz from Haverfordwest saw them overturn a 15-point deficit and leave Narberth with a bonus point win that looked a distant prospect early in the second half, writes Fraser Watson.
 
The Athletic were in control after No 8 Stephen Pilot crossed to add to winger Mathew Harries' first half score, only for the game to turn moments later when the Blues were awarded a penalty try that proved the catalyst for a strong fightback. Flanker Mikey Griffiths, wing Scott Candler and skipper Jack Evans all then went over before home hooker Rhys Jenkins salvaged a deserved bonus point for his side late on.
 

Otters play the elements after heavens open

 
Both sides arrived to bright sunshine at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, only for torrential rain to then plague the warm-ups and render the pitch soaking before kick-off. And when matters did get going, it was Narberth who played the more effective game in the conditions, with No.10 Shay Norcross utilising his carriers as prop Declan Cole and Pilot stood out.
 
The Blues also struggled to deal with Norcross putting high kicks in the air for their back three, and it was the outside half who gave his side the lead 25 minutes in when he slotted a 35-metre penalty.
 
And in an otherwise error-strewn 40 minutes, Norcross was also involved in the half's best moment as he instigated a runaround move in midfield before supplying the scoring pass for Harries out wide.
 
Haverfordwest tried to respond as centre Iestyn Arnold broke clear before Candler linked with fellow winger Tom Wheeler, but he was bundled into touch near the corner flag as the Athletic led 8-0 at the break. However, only after they had lost Iori Lewis, Andrew Williams, and Henry Foster to injury during a physical first period.
 

Blues bounce back in style

 
Despite the disruption, they continued to control the tempo early in the second half as Norcross kicked a penalty to the corner and from a concerted lineout drive, skipper Pilot crashed over and the fly half converted.
 
But moments later Evans broke through in midfield for Haverfordwest and fed Wheeler - who was then deemed by referee John Hardy to be stopped from scoring by a high tackle. Narberth winger Iestyn Doble was the offender and as well as conceding a penalty try, was shown a yellow card.
 
By the time he returned to the field 10 minutes later his side trailed 19-15. Blues No.10 Adam Phillips, formerly of the Athletic, opted for the corner from a penalty and this time it was the visiting pack who drove for the line, coming up inches short before Griffiths picked up and dived over.
 
That made it 15-12 before full back Logun Young and replacement Ioan Hawkridge-Jones combined to put Candler under the posts for a seven-pointer. Little under 10 minutes from time and the Blues then seemed to make the game safe when a clever chip from Phillips sat up for Evans to gather and finish clinically.
The No.10 added the extras but from the final play, Narberth got the point they merited after having strong shouts for a penalty try of their own turned down, it was Jenkins who received the scoring pass from Pilot and buried over in the corner, with Norcross converting from the touchline for good measure.






 
Haverfordwest head coach Simon Lepetit:
"Fair play to Narberth they were a strong side and at 15 points down we knew we were in a game and we needed to show self belief. In the first half we didn't adapt to the conditions and they were worthy of their lead. But it was nice to come back and we scored four wonderful tries."
 
Narberth coach Richard 'Stag' Jones:
"We are disappointed but fair play to Haverfordwest they had an exceptionally good 20 minutes in the second half. We are delighted as a coaching staff that we came back in the last few minutes and salvaged a bonus point. The first half was probably our best 40 minutes of the season."
 
Narberth Athletic: Iori Lewis, Iestyn Doble, Rhys Kemble, Will Davies, Mathew Harries, Shay Norcross, Andrew Williams, Declan Cole, Rhys Jenkins, Jac Norcross, Henry Foster, Richard Watkins, Kyle Williams, Will Nicholas, Stephen Pilot (capt). Replacements: Ieuan Barnes, Cory Nielson, Jack Tucker, Elliott Evans, Ashton Oriordan.
 
Haverfordwest: Logun Young, Scott Candler, Jack Evans (capt), Iestyn Arnold, Tom Wheeler, Adam Phillips, Liam Eaton, Jamie Zambass, Iori Curtis, Dan Berry, James Hart, Andrew Edwards, Devin Williams, Mikey Griffiths, Kieran Harries. Replacements: Terry Lovell, Teifion Owen, Ioan Hawkridge-Jones, Jake Evans, Isaac Kelso-Jones.




 
 
 

WRU Premiership:

 

Forward power sees Ironmen strong in the second half

 

Merthyr 36 - Narberth 21

 
Narberth led 21-19 just before the break but then The Ironmen applied heavy pressure up front and added 17 points after the break to make it six league wins from as many starts.
 
For both teams’ scorers see our results page.
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Dylan Richards; Ifan Phillips; Harrison Griffiths; Harry Fuller: Jonathan Rogers (Capt); Josh Thomas: Luke Tucker; Jake Bowen; George Rossiter: Sam Martin; Kieran Allen: Sam Davies; Josh Hamer; Jack Bennett. Replacements: Tomos Richardson; Kyle Hamer;  Jac Pritchard; Tom Powell; Will Boyd; Lewys Gibby; Nico Setaro; Ryan Davies.
 
 

Championship Division:

 

Preseli Men are still searching for their first success

 

Crymych 21 - Gorseinon 32

 
Crymych fought back well after trailing 18-0 at the interval, outscoring their opponents in the second half at Parc Lloyd Thomas- but in the final analysis Gorseinon went away with a bonus-point victory that was their third success from seven starts, whilst the Preseli Men have now lost seven games on the bounce and after so much effort couldn’t even pouch a bonus point themselves.
 
Gorseinon had by far the better of the first half as they took that 18-point buffer into the break, thanks to tries from Tom O’Kelly and Jamie Evans, one converted by Emrys Evans alongside two penalties.
 
In the second half, O’Kelly added a second and was joined on the try sheet by Alun Evans, both converted by Jones but The Preseli Men battled back, with Llyr Davies, Dion Gibby and skipper Dafydd Phillips to the fore – and they deservedly ran in tries from winger Laurence Headlam, replacement Osian Davies and hooker Lee Griffiths, all three converted by outside half Eilir George.
 
But, as so often as happened this season, they have just missed out on vital bonus points in games they have lost and as a consequence are still already rooted in the relegation battle when perhaps they deserve just a little bit more for their efforts in this very uncompromising section..
 
Crymych: Jac Griffiths: Laurence Headlam; Fraser James; Iwan Thomas; Ned Bennett:  Eilir George;  Dafydd Phillips (Capt): Osian Charles; Lee Griffiths;  Ben Cox: Dion Gibby: Luke Freebury: Owen Fletcher; Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor. Replacements:  Rhys Richards;  Tomos Tagg; Rhys Davies; Carwyn Phillips; Aled Lewis. Travelling Reserves. Dylan Harries; Aled Harries.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Seasiders too strong up front for struggling Saints

 

St Clears 8 - Tenby United 35

 
Tenby produced an excellent performance in their local derby against old rivals St Clears, using their greater overall strength in depth as they introduced skipper Alex Jenkins for the lineout battle after the interval and Dom Colman at No 8, where his rampaging charges gave Tenby that vital impact necessary to keep a firm grip on play.
 
The end-result was a bonus-point win and their fourth success from five starts to maintain their top-three status, whilst the home side sit in ninth place, having won just once in their five fixtures.
 
The Seasiders made a bright start as evergreen back rower powered his way to an early try and a second came from talented centre Liam Price after some good handling by forwards and backs, both converted by No 10 Lloyd Thomas.
 
The Saints showed their battling qualities, however, with an unconverted try by flanker Calum Evans from a well-orchestrated rolling maul – plus a penalty by outside half Che Thomas after useful ball winning by Brandon Davies, Jack Tucker and skipper Mike Williams.
 
But they found holding the very strong Seasiders’ pack a problem and conceded a series of penalties which allowed Lloyd Thomas to add three penalties to their half-time tally, and a 23-8 lead.
 
It was a similar story after the interval as The Saints has half chances but were blocked by strong Tenby defence – and the visitors grabbed a bonus point as Dom Colman stormed his way over the line and experienced scrum half Dai Jones nipped through for a deserved try, one converted by Thomas as The Seasiders stay in a strong third place, with a game in hand over the teams above them!
 
St Clears: Dafydd Rees: Ianto Davies; Dafydd Waters; Sam Miles; Jake Willliams: Che Thomas; Kieran Edwards: Jack Wrigglesworth; Matt Done;  Gary Barnes: Brandon Davies; Osian Rees: Jack Tucker; Calum Evans; Tom Williams (Capt). Replacements: Trei James; Dafydd Milward; Mike Jones; Gino Setaro; Sion Evans. Reserve: Dom Pullen.
 
Tenby United: Geraint Jones:  Jackson Gravatt; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Gwion Jones: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Hywel Baker; Kyle Rossiter; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass (Capt); Luke Dedman: Cian Evans; Max Brindley; Dan Colley. Replacements: Jack Brown; Alex Jenkins; Dom Colman; Bowyn Clark; Kodi Bratcher.





 
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Athletic maintain a clean sheet against out of sorts Seagulls

 

Carmarthen Athletic 23 - Fishguard & Goodwick 0

 
Fishguard and Goodwick found it hard-going against an experienced Carmarthen Athletic side and trailed 17-0 at the break and although they rallied a little in the second half were unable to break their points’ duck as The Athletic added two penalties.tp comfortably take the verdict.
 
For the Athletic there were tries by Josh Whitney, Morgan Morse and Jarri Jones, plus a conversion and two penalties from Zac Williams.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dom Sinnott: Rhys Evans; Mike Jenkins;  Dan Cleary; Ed Rathbone: Dylan James; Will Thomas: Will Delaney; Will Lewis; Ryan McVeigh: Osian Rowe; Griff Williams:  Bryn Thomas; Rhys Lewis (Capt); Jac Delaney. Replacements: Will Robinson; Iwan McVeigh; Ifan Evans; Cai Llewellyn; Jack Richards.
 
 

Borderers unable to field a team

 

Aberaeron P Whitland P

 
**Match postponed – Whitland unable to field a team







 

Division Three (West):

 

Trueman’s try trio seals Mariners’ success

 

Milford Haven 37 - Cardigan 20

 

A second-half hat-trick of tries from winger James Trueman helped Milford Haven to a third win from five games played so far and condemned old rivals Cardigan to a sixth successive loss and bottom place in the section, with The Mariners comfortably ensconced in the top five.
 
The Mariners were 15-6 ahead at the interval as Cian Harries and Dan McClelland scored tries, one converted by James Trueman alongside a penalty – and although Cardigan had their half-chances the Milford defence, well-organised by skipper Dan Jenkins and Robbie Jones restricted the visitors to a brace of penalties by Llyr Jones.
 
Milford took control after the break as immense play up front by Gareth and John Fawcett, Ethan Aldred and  Luke Rynan allowed No 10 Jon Thomas to call the shots and some good handling allowed winger Trueman to score a hat-trick of tries and a conversion as centre Efan Morgan also crossed the whitewash.
 
To be fair to Cardigan they never threw in the towel but could only muster tries by second row Dan Jones and hooker Luke Palmer-Davies, both converted by Llyr Jones, but in the final analysis this was a deserved victory by a committed Milford Haven team.
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: Aaron Cookson; Dan Jenkins (Capt); Efan Morgan; James Trueman: Jonathan Thomas; Dan McClelland:  Ben Jenkins; Luke Ryan; Aaron Mayne:  Jon Fawcett; Brandon Cooper: Ethan Aldred; Ryan Mansell; Gareth Fawcett. Replacements: Arron Davies; Josh Palmer; Jordan Davies; Zac France-Miller; Cian Harries.
 
Cardigan: Llyr Jones: Tomos Jones;  Joe Thomas; Iwan John; Sam Lloyd: Jac Davies; Ifan James: Andrew Jones; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Dan Jones; Flynn Tjoonk: Dean Harries; Rhodri Davies; Kieran Hurley. Replacements: Sior Phillips; Will Brice; Iwan Toft; Ben Rogers; Aaron Evans.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Donovan double seals Quins win over Saints

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 24 - St Davids 12

 
Two tries from pacy winger Tom Donovan helped Pembroke Dock Quins beat St Davids at Bierspool as St Davids were left to reflect  on giving The Quins a 17-point start, battling back within a score but then taking their foot off the gas and allowing the quins to score a cracking try to claim the verdict – and a bonus point for scoring four tries, whilst The Saints missed out on a any reward for their efforts in a good contest.
 
Donovan opened the home account as he strolled in from close range and then talented fly half Craig Barnett spotted a gap and sliced through, for skipper Ben Hathaway to convert - and right on the interval No 8 Harry Owen scored as reward for his considerable efforts in conjunction with Jack Davies, Mark Van Rhyn and Liam Baker.
 
The Saints had full back Fred Dorn looking to counter-attack and they battled back into contention through tries by Nathan Foster, converted by Bob Froy, who linked well with Ben Joyce and Aaron Foster, plus prop Charlie Lavin after The Saints’ pack had gained a foothold in the Quins 22.
 
Trailing 12-17 The saints were back in contention and a fascinating sub-plot to the team contest was the powerhouse struggle between visiting skipper George Raymond and the Quins’ outstanding player Jack Price, which the latter featured well in key moments and helped his side pick up a terrific win with just minutes to go as play we switched to mercurial winger Donovan, who sped up the touchline and settled matters before Hathaway’s conversion found the target and set the seal on his team’s fourth win in six matches to maintain their second spot in the section table.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Gethin Bradney; Josh Brown; Jack Price; Sam James: Craig Barnett; Adam Cawley: Jack Davies; Jack Hagan; Dan McLeod: Mark Van Rhyn;  Liam Baker:  Callum Jones; Danny Wilkes; Harry Owen. Replacements: Sean Willington; Jordan Davies; Rhys Bradney; Alfie Ball; Euan McDonald.
 
St Davids: Fred Dorn: Luke Bamford; Harvey Lavin; Ben Joyce; Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Mike Gurney: Ethan Griffiths; Kieron Jones; Adam Williams: Iestyn Owen; James Goldsmith: Cameron Sapsford; Nathan Foster; George Raymond (Capt). Replacements: Ben Evans; Charlie Lavin; Danny Voyce; Osian Sutton; Montie Lavin.
 
 

Scarlets too strong in second half

Llanybydder 19 - Pembroke 48

 
The first half of this match was played in horrendous conditions and Llanybydder deserve every credit for sharing the 38 points scored as they adapted really well to the elements in their favour – but from 19-all at the interval it was The Scarlets who took control and added another 29 points without replay to claim their fourth win in five fixtures – and continued third place in the table, but with a game in hand.
 
It was a result that will have pleased coach Gary Price not only for the final margin but for the fact that it gets one of the longest treks in the season – and his team eventually ran in eight tries, four of them converted by No 10 Rhys Johns.
 
Leading the way was talented young centre Zac Shaw, scoring two tries whilst playing outside his normal place in the back row,  alongside others from No 8 Dai Rogers, centre Huw Silcox, second row Will Edwards, skipper Lloyd Davies, irrepressible replacement Scott Powell, and Darcy Langston
 
Pembroke: TJ Jones: Jack Oliver; Huw Silcox; Zac Shaw; Zach Evans: Rhys Johns; Josh Greenwood: Lloyd Davies (Capt); Seamus Wiseman; Jamie Brayford: William Edwards; George Jones: Andrew Evans; Rhydian Eynon; Dai Rogers. Replacements: Dan Gosnald; Evan Phillips; Scott Powell; Dan James, Darcy Langston.
 
 

Dragons do well at Ddol Wiber

 

Dreigiau  Emlyn 39  - Llangwm 0

 
Llangwm were brought back down to earth after their big win over Llanybydder last week but did show some fight at Newcastle Emlyn despite conceding six tries.
 
And after their early season struggles to field sides in both the league and cup competitions, the Wasps at least travelled with a full squad and were still in the game at half time following 40 minutes played in nigh-on biblical rain.
 
Emlyn led 13-0 at the break as hooker and captain Edryd James opened the scoring, before a clever kick from No.9 Cian Jones set up a try for winger Dafydd James. Former Cardigan No.10 Llyr Tobias also added a penalty.
 
The visitors did have periods of pressure with hooker Dan Woodward and centre Josh Griffiths carrying impressively, but were unable to convert chances close to the line and as the rain subsided in the second half, the hosts took control.
 
Debutant wing Osian Taylor came off the bench to score twice, his first after another chip ahead from Jones, before Aron Davies also cut over in midfield. Flanker Osian Davies completed the try scoring as Tobias added three conversions to round off a comfortable win.
 
"For 30 minutes the boys did really well in tough conditions," said Llangwm team manager James Lewis. "But Newcastle Emyln adapted better and made it hard for us."
 
Home team manager Gethin Vobe praised the effort of the visitors, adding: "They got close to our line with their forward drives but we managed to hold out. Cian kicked well to set up a couple of our tries and it was a tough game so we're pleased with the result."
 
Dreigiau Emlyn: Llyr Davies, Twm Jones, Cel Davies, Aron Davies, Dafydd James, Llyr Tobias, Cian Jones, Tomos Davies, Edryd Davies (capt), Ieuan James, Rhys Thomas, Tomos James, Osian Maelor, Meirion Thomas, Aled Jones. Replacements: Niki Williams, Dafydd Rees, Celt Edwards, Bobi Jones, Osian Taylor.
 
Llangwm: Alfie Elrick, Olly Kersey, Owain Jones, Josh Griffiths, Aidan Rees, Brieg Matthews, Dylan Philpott, Joe Newton, Dan Woodward, Callum Joslin, Jake Thomas, Luke Sandell, Liam Barber, Lewis Tucker, Morgan Rees. Replacements: Callum Jenkins, Steve Rees, Ian Griffiths, Rhydian Jones, Matty Lewis
 
 

Bulls short of players to travel

 

Tenby United Athletic P Teirw Crymych P

 
**Teirw Crymych unable to field a team because of injury and illness – match rearranged for a Friday late in November.