Featured Match – Division Three (West) A:

 

 

All Blacks gain bonus point win in a cracking local derby

 

 

Neyland 25 - Llangwm 5

 

Referee: Anthony Jones (Drefach, near Tumble) who had an excellent match
 
Neyland and Llangwm play annually for The Sutton Cup, donated by the family in memory of a former Neyland player who sadly died early – and this first of two games was a credit to both clubs in what proved to be an absorbing local derby which was played at a terrific pace, with some huge tackles, but always within the spirit of a game as a tribute to Paul Sutton.
 
It was also a special event because the match marked the opening of the splendid new scoreboard at The Athletic Ground in memory of Martin ‘Ceefax’ Rees, another special person in the All Blacks’ history and rightly revered for his huge contribution to the club – and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will have a commemorative article about this special commemoration later in the week.
 

Wasps start well but Neyland’s quality backs soon involved

 
The Llangwm pack looked really ready for the challenge as skipper Ieuan Power, James Lewis, Jason Mock, Phil Llewellyn and Co were strong in the set-pieces and ever-ready to rumble down the slope in search of an early advantage.
 
Neyland were looking to spread the ball wide at every opportunity with Patrick Bellerby, George Williams and Ollie Rothero eager to show their paces – and it was a Bellerby break that set up the opening score when Iestyn and Owain Evans, Craig Power and Luke Griffiths-Dawes established the platform and No 8 Ben Williams ploughed over on the left flank.
 
The All Blacks might have had a second score when Alex Codd, Owen Hamer and George Evans sliced through but the final pass to Ollie Rothero went astray.
 
Luke Dyer, who featured with some powerful runs, missed the first real chance of Llangwm points but he missed the penalty chance and The All Blacks responded with a superb score that stemmed from ball won by Alex Swales, Sean Geoghegan and Dan Hart amongst others, with play swept upfield until a long pass released Rothero on the right wing and he beat his marker to touch down in the corner.
 
Ben Williams’ support play saw him add his second try from a rolling maul where there was no stopping him and Rothero added his second try shortly afterwards and again Bellerby and George Williams before George Evans’ long pass gave him the space – and The All Blacks were 20-0 to the good at half time.


 

Equally competitive second half

 
The second half was equally competitive and it was Llangwm who scored a close-range try set up by their pack and deservedly finished off by skipper Power, ably assisted by James Lewis, Llewellyn, Matthew Rees, Dave Reynolds,  and Alex Swales.
 
Neyland had the final word, scoring-wise as classy centre George Williams was released by Adam Peel and Evans and dobbed the ball down over the line but there was still much more to savour like Dan Ridge, James Brock and especially Jack Roberts’ tackling in defence for The Wasps and the quality running of The All Blacks backs.
 
And finally, a word about referee Anthony Jones, who travelled down from Drefach, near Tumble and maintained a quiet control that saw the two teams focus on quality rugby, which was certainly appreciated by the large crowd in attendance.
 
Neyland: Patrick Bellerby: Adam Peel; George Williams; Alex Codd; Ollie Rothero: George Evans; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales; Craig Power: Iestyn Evans; Sean Geoghegan; Dan Hart; Owain Evans; George Williams. Replacements: Declan Harewood; Jasper Endean; Henry McBeth; Stu Phillips; Ben Milward.
 
Llangwm: Luke Dyer: Dan Ridge; James Brock; Yale Grice; Jack Roberts: Kieron Lewis Owen; Ian Griffiths:  Ieuan Power (Capt); Phil Llewellyn; Matthew Rees: Dave Reynolds; Josh Young: Dan Woodward; James Lewis; Jamie Mock. Replacements:  Callum Jenkins; Owain Jones; Steve Rees; Mikey Phillips; Ollie Gerson; Ollie Kersey.
 

 

Division One (West):

 

Preseli Men pick up vital away victory against old rivals

 

Aberystwyth 15 - Crymych 20

 


Crymych maintained their unbeaten league record with this narrow, hard-fought victory over second-placed Aberystwyth and extended their lead over their opponents at the top of the section table by six points.
 
The Preseli Men just about shaded the first half as they played to a plan and maintained their disciple to lead 10-0 thanks to an opening penalty from full back Adam Phillips and a try from winger Owain Evans, after a canny cross-field kick by Ifan Phillips gave him a chance to show his pace and ability to beat his opposite number, with Adam Phillips adding the extras.
 
Aber might have been without a point in the first half cut Crymych knew they would battle even harder after the interval and that’s how it went as the homesters had tries by winger Ian Ellis (2) and flanker Paul Stubbs, who applied the finishing touch to a typical forward rumble over the line.
 
But The Preseli Men always kept their noses in front as hooker Carwyn Rees ploughed over for a try as reward for his efforts alongside Matthew Freebury, Rhys Davies and skipper Llyr Davies – and Owain Rees grabbed his second try with a spectacular effort where he intercepted and ran the length of the field when he team were under a lot of pressure on their own line!
 
Crymych: Adam Phillips: Owain Evans; Tomos Phillips; Gethin Gibby; Laurence Headlam: Ifan Phillips; Dafydd Phillips: Dylan Phillips; Carwyn Rees; Ifan James: Matthew Freebury; Rhys Davies: Llyr Davies (Capt); Rhydian Howells; Dafydd Gibby. Replacements: Cai Ifans; Jonathan Clout; Carwyn Phillips; Trystan Griffiths; Huw Rees.



 
 

Scarlets show big improvement in defeat

 

Pembroke 7 Yr Hendy 36

 
Pembroke battled really hard against Yr Hendy and for the first quarter held sway but then the more experienced visitors stymied The Scarlets’ attempts at running rugby and after leading 21-7 at half time stayed on top in the second half to add two further tries and stop Seamus Wiseman’s team adding any more points.
 
Sam Smith made a welcome return for The Scarlets in the No 8 jersey and it was he who grabbed the opening score after good work by Lloyd Davies, Johnny Palmer, Rhodri Walters and Tom Cabot, which was converted by scrum half Jared Sharrat.
 
The Scarlets might have added a second score with another period of pressure but when they lost possession they were hit on the counter as flanker Iestyn Evans claimed the score and Tyler Payne converted, as he did when Yr Hendy scored further tries by winger Liam Evans and centre Miles Harries.
 
Winger Steff Howells earned Yr Hendy a bonus point with a try alongside another by centre Josh Baccup – and with Payne converting one and adding a penalty The Scarlets had few complaints about defeat but coaches Geraint Lewis and Ieuan Matthews could at least see a real effort from their squad as a consolation.
 
Pembroke: Matthew Lewis: Travis Matthias; Steve Brown; Jordan Cornick; Barry Alderman-John:  Tom Lewis; Jared Sharrat: Lloyd Davies; Seamus Wiseman (Capt); Johnny Palmer: Josh Axon; Tom Cabot; Andrew Evans: Rhodri Walters; Sam Smith. Replacements: Jamie Brayford; Tommy John; Rhys Mainwaring; Darcy Langstone.
 
 

Borderers suffer late postponement

 

Gowerton P - Whitland P

*Match called off – Ground unfit for play*
 
 
Whitland:  Johnny Thomas: Owyn Griffiths; Liam Price; Cian Williams; Trystan Rees: Rhys Nicholas; Ianto Davies: Dylan Jones; Jack Goldsworthy; Ceiron Evans: Benjie Kirk (Capt); Dan Bennett: Calum Evans; James Thomas; Jack Mason. Replacements: Martin Nicholas; Marc Jones; Sam Clarke; Macaiah Jones; Dai Bennett.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

 

Williams leads The Mariners to hard-fought win over The Seasiders

 

Milford Haven 20 - Tenby United 18

 
Five second-half penalties from outside half James Williams saw Milford Haven upset the form book with victory over Tenby United in front of a big crowd at The Obs.
 
It was fitting reward for their never say die spirit against a team seven places higher in the league but left The Seasiders’ frustrated at the number of basic errors – none more so than in the 78^th minute.
 
Winger Luke Hartland had just given The Seasiders an 18-17 lead with a corner try after a clever chip and chase by Shane Rossiter but from the kick off the Tenby clearance attempt was put straight into touch and from the ensuing attacking lineout there was a clear high tackle on a Milford player and No 10 Williams held his nerve to slot the vital penalty attempt from 32 metres.
 
The Seasiders led 7-5 at the break after Dan Colley and Jack Gooding had conspired to put outside half Max Brindley over for a try which he also converted but then The Mariners came into contention with big carries from the likes of Zac Davies, Zac France-Miller, Ben Groves and the rest of their pack.
 
Just before half time Milford finally grabbed the try they deserved when their pack used quality possession to establish the platform and prop Jimmy Buirds went over for a deserved unconverted try.
 
Playing up the slope towards the football pitch The Mariners maintained their composure despite Tenby having chances but denied by the likes of Lee Riley, Dan Birch, Dan Jenkins and Dan McClelland in defence.
 
The Seasiders only managed two penalties from Harry Rossiter, and every time they had the chance to keep the pressure on the home side did so – and Williams’ pin-point accuracy with the boot saw him do the rest.
 
Milford coaches Nathan ‘Gully’ Williams and Steve Martin had asked for an extra effort in midweek training and that is exactly what they got with this cracking second success of the season which will hopefully give The Mariners some impetus for the rest of the campaign.
 
Milford Haven: Lee Riley (Capt): James Sheen; Dan Jenkins; Dan Birch; Dean McSparron: James Williams; Dan McClelland: Ben Jenkins; Dylan Evans; Jimmy Buirds: Jay Goodall; Trystan Lewis: Ben Groves; Zac Davies; Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Luke Ryan; Ethan Aldred; James Trueman; Jamie Lewis; Ieuan Davies.
 
Tenby United:  Luke Hartland: Jack Gooding; Dan Colley; Yannic Parker; Adam Quill: Max Brindley; Cam Broadhurst: George Rossiter; Dan Allen; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass; Luke Dedman: Jake Roberts; Will Swales; Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Frankie Boyd; Liam Pugh; Jordan Evans; Harry Rossiter; Shane Rossiter.


 

 

Seagulls surrender in second half

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 21 - Carmarthen Athletic 30

Fishguard & Goodwick looked set at half time for a comfortable win against Carmarthen Athletic as they led 21-8 but they fell apart after the interval, shipped 22 points without scoring again themselves and didn’t even have a bonus point for their efforts.
 
The Athletic have proved to be somewhat of a bogey side for The Seagulls over recent years but that looked likely to be laid to rest despite conceding an early penalty to classy outside half Sean Leonard.
 
But The Seagulls took the lead after 14 minutes when a tactical kick to the corner by Jake Jenkins saw their rumble the ball forward and skipper Chris Shousha did the rest with a try converted by centre James Griffiths.
 
Then another controlled maul allowed young flanker Cai Llewellyn to score a try and Griffiths again converted before they conceded a careless penalty which was quickly taken and allowed their flanker Robbie Thomas to grab five points.
 
But Fishguard recovered quickly and were rewarded with a third try after denying The Athletic a score with excellent defence near their own line – and No 10 Jenkins intercepted and sped 95 metres for a welcome score which Griffiths converted with a superb attempt.
 
Carmarthen Athletic certainly raised the tempo in the second half and forced The Seagulls out of their stride – and were rewarded with tries by full back Deian Morgan (2) and centre Tomos Morgan to earn a bonus point, alongside a conversion and second penalty by Leonard, leaving Fishguard and Goodwick to reflect on what could have been a good win.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Creegan Foot: Robbie Jones; James Griffiths; Sion Rowlands; Ned Bennett: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilks; Iwan McVeigh: Osian Rowe; Gwilym Evans: Cai Llewellyn; Sion Colella; Chris Shousha (Capt). Replacements: Andrew Morrillo; Will Lewis; Ryan McVeigh; Dan Cleary; Dylan Scott.
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Quins battle in vain to get a game played

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins P - Llanybydder P

 
*Llanybydder unable to field a team.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins – team selected: Ben Hathaway: Ieuan Jenkins; Geraint Powell; Adam Jones; Tom Donovan: Evan McDonald; Morgan Rogers: Dan McLeod; George Belmaine; Jack Davies: Connor Kolmel; Darren Potter: Harry Owen; Danny Wilkes; Jack Brown (Capt). Replacements: Kieran Cookson; Jack Mallit; Jayden Webber; Tom Wheeler; Kieran Machin.
 


 

Saints stymied by last-ditch Aberaeron try

 

St Davids 8 - Aberaeron 10

 
A late try from centre Gethin Jenkins proved pivotal as Aberaeron broke the hearts of St Davids in a full blooded Division Three West A clash.
 
With time running out, and Aberaeron trailing 8-5, Jenkins cut over wide for his second try and even then the drama wasn't done as The Saints failed to convert last ditch pressure into the score they needed.
 
Amid howling wind, it was the hosts who started the stronger but full back Adam Phillips was off target with two long-range penalties. But 20 minutes in Aberaeron got into their stride, as No 10 Rhodri Jenkins kicked a penalty to the corner and from the pressure that followed, his namesake in the centre broke a tackle out wide and crossed for an unconverted score.
 

Saints level matters – and move in front

 
But St Davids responded, and outstanding scrum half Dylan Walsh linked with centre George Raymond in one attack which came to nothing, before the No 9 did strike. From a penalty 10 metres out, he tapped quickly and bust over the line, with Phillips unable to convert in the wind.
 
Another big chance then came the way of St Davids when winger James Reynolds, playing on permit from Fishguard, kicked ahead and centre Ben Joyce looked to be winning the race to the loose ball but lost balance as he tried to gather and was hauled short of the line before the ball was knocked on.
 
But on the stroke of half time Phillips made no mistake with a penalty 20 metres out, and at 8-5 up The Saints threatened to extend their lead early in the second half.
 
Again Walsh was the danger man with a close range break before a forward drive saw the ball held up over the line, and then in the final quarter it was Aberaeron mounting the offence.
 

Aberaeron snatch the verdict

 
With seven minutes left, Rhodri Jenkins was short with a penalty attempt that would have tied matters but moments later, replacement Jack Compton threw out a superb miss-pass which Gethin Jenkins gathered and finished well in the corner.
 
The conversion went wide but the drama wasn't done, as away skipper Morgan Llewelyn cleared from his own 22 only for his backline to be pinged for offside, but from wide out Phillips hooked the penalty attempt agonisingly wide. The Saints had two more chances via close range line-outs and both times Tom Clarke found second row Aled Davies, but Aberaeron repelled the pressure to the evident relief of the players and supporters.
 
Afterwards, away team manager Aled Davies said: "Relieved is the right word. St Davids have obviously improved from previous seasons and it was a get out of jail moment with that try at the end. But one thing our boys have is a lot of character. They're all home-grown, they want to play for the club and they want to win for the club as well - and today was all about that."
 
Opposite number Jack Dudley admitted that despite disappointment, his players could take pride in the display: "It was another game which shows how far we've come," he said. "But we feel it was one we could - and should - have had."
 
St Davids: James Reynolds: Adam Phillips; George Raymond; Ben Joyce; Morgan Davies: Aaron Foster; Dylan Walsh: Ben Evans, Adam Williams; Ryan John:  Aled Davies; James Goldsmith: Brad John; Nathan Foster (Capt); Rhys Price. Replacements: Jac Norcross; Rhys ‘Loshin’ Price; Norman Price; Bleddyn Thomas.
 
 

Cardis’ game called off in Mid Wales

 

Tregaron P - Cardigan P

 
*Ground unfit for play*
Cardigan – Team selected: John Lumb: Kieran Greenland; Geraint Williams; Emyr Harries; Tom Griffiths: Llyr Jones; Aaron Evans. Ben Cox; Jack Perkins; Andrew Jones: Dean Harries; Sion Phillips: Kester Adams; Jackson Tucker Lynch; Tom Taylor (Capt). Replacements:  Rhodri Parry Jones; Shane Lee; Rhodri Davies; Iwan John; Jack Taylor.
 
 

Welsh Division Three Cup:

 

Blues shaded out in tough tussle

 

Vardre 16 - Haverfordwest 13

 
Haverfordwest travelled to Vardre, a village near Clydach, knowing their opposition in this cup competition organised by The WRU were top of Division Three West Central, and both sides showed the quality of their play before it was the home side who prevailed, thanks to a penalty eight minutes from team when the teams were locked together at 13-all.
 
Vardre led 8-6 at half time as The Blues’ points came from two Ollie Roberts’ penalties but they did have other chances as the homesters responded with a try by Callum Roach and a penalty from full back Richard Brandon.
 
A second try from Roach nudged Vardre 13-6 ahead but Haverfordwest responded with a good try from hooker Jonathan Mason after a sustained period of pressure up front, with Roberts adding the extras to tie things up.
 
Both sides had chances but a mixture of handling errors and taking wrong options saw no further tries – but it was No 15 Brandon who held his nerve to slot the all-important penalty that ended Haverfordwest’s interest in the competition.
 
Haverfordwest: Ollie Roberts: Lee Davies; Jac Evans; Craig Barnett; Scott Candler: Matthew John; Lee Summons: Jamie Zambas; Jonathan Mason; Terry Lovell: Will Blackburn; Jack Clancy: Mikey Griffiths; Matty Phillips (Capt); Lewis Tingay. Replacements: Dan Berry; Karl Busch; Steve Thomas; Gethin Bateman; Archie Thomas.
 
 

Championship Division:

 

Otters miss out with frozen pitch

 

Narberth P - Glamorgan Wanderers P

 
*The Lewis Lloyd pitch was deemed unfit for play*
Narberth (Team selected): Nick Gale: Ashley Sutton; Josh Davies; Ianto Griffiths;  Josh Evans: Jonathan Rogers; Lewys Gibby: Bradley Davies;  Dan Smith; Tom Slater:  Rhys Williams; Alex Jenkins: Tom Powell (Capt); Caine Rees-Jones; Richard Rees. Replacements: Tom Clarke; Sean Janes; Josh Hamer; Roy Osborne; Will Hughes.