Feature Match - Division Four (West) A:

 
 

Quins gain bonus-point win as Wasps battle hard

 
 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 34 - Llangwm 8

 
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins were eventually comfortable and worthy winners of this local-derby clash at Bierspool, but Llangwm deserve every credit for their battling performance in front of a big crowd where the teams had failed to score for almost 30 minutes, writes Bill Carne.
 
Indeed, The Wasps then took the lead with a well-struck penalty by outside half Olly Hughes after a Callum Jenkins’ charge saw him bounce away two defenders and had support from Phill Llewellyn. Joe Newton and a lively back row of Liam Barber, Finley Phillips and Dylan Rowles until they lost a couple of players through injury.
 

Quins match winners play key roles

 
A major difference in the teams was the fact that The Quins had real match-winners behind the scrum in Ben Hathaway with his kicking and Tom Donovan and Gethin Bradney as potent attackers who threated every time, they created space wide out.
 
Donovan opened The Quins’ account with a corker of a try as he was given just a yard of space in a packed Llangwm 22 and he sliced through to the posts with consummate ease for Hathaway to convert before adding a long-range penalty soon afterwards.
 
Donovan and Bradney then combined near the right touchline but the latter was halted near the line, only for the Quins’ pack to gain a strong foothold in the Llangwm 22 where scrum half Morgan Rogers crossed as reward for all his outstanding support play and Hathaway converted to give The Quins a 17-3 interval lead.
 

And were also involved after the interval

 
Bradney and Donovan threated twice more after the oranges, using pace and guile before the final passes went astray – but then Hathaway landed his second penalty before converting a long-range run by replacement Rhys Doyle and another close range try by centre Jack Mallitte.
 
It was appropriate that The Wasps should eventually grab a consolation score because they never gave up trying and had some good play deep in The Quins 22 before replacement James Wade grabbed an unconverted try.
 
*One of the Llangwm injured players early on was talented full back Olly Hughes with an ankle injury that saw play halted for eight minutes – and we wish him a speedy recovery and return to action.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Gethin Bradney: Nathan John; Jack Mallitte; Josh Brown; Tom Donovan: Ben Hathaway; Morgan Rogers: Jason Keight; Rhys Spencer; Alfie Ball:  Lewys Scourfield; Shaun John: Callum Jones; Dannie Wilkes; Ben Gibby. Replacements: Will Nicot; Rhys Doyle; Jordan Palmer; Sam John; Rhys Doyle; Rhys Davies.
 
Llangwm: Ollie Kersey; Josh Owens; Joe Johns; Osian Jones; Oliver Kersey: Ollie Hughes; Dylan Philpott:  Callum Jenkins; Phil Llewellyn;  Joe Newton: Jake Thomas; Chris Treiber-Johnson: Liam Barber; Finley Phillips; Dylan Rowles. Replacements: George Nicholls; Morgan Crowe; James Wade; Jack Roberts, Seth Hughes; Daniel Richards.




 
 
 

Premiership Division:

 

Otters ‘bombed out’ by half time

 
 

Beddau 47 - Narberth 12

 
 
After an impressive start to their new campaign, where they have gained three successive wins to stand at the top of the Premiership table, Narberth produced one of their worst first-half performances for many years at Mount Pleasant Park, as they found themselves 35 points in arrears against Beddau.
 
The home team are physically strong and imposed themselves in this tough section last season and this showed they are still a power to be reckoned with as they moved into second spot, with Narberth dropping down to fourth place.
 
Whatever Otter coach Lloyd Phillips said to his beleaguered team at half time it certainly had some effect because after quickly going 40-0 in arrears they played much better to share 24 points in the second period.
 
In that dreadful first half Narberth conceded five tries, claimed by Evan Roberts (2), Cody Baker and Sam Gibson (2), all converted by Callaghan Smith.
 
Gwilym Powell added a sixth home try soon after the restart but then The Otters enjoyed a bit of a fight-back with Caleb Salmon. Tom Powell,  Iestyn Wood and Jac Delaney leading the way up front – resulting in tries from full back Harry Fuller and back rower Max Rodda-Lodder, one converted by Fuller.
 
But Beddau were able to add another try by Luca Alexander-White, converted by Jason Davies, and The Otters must now regroup because they are without a fixture next Saturday – but with the daunting prospect of then entertaining high-flying Pontypridd, who have a 100% win record after their first four matches.
 
Narberth: Harry Fuller: Shaun Pearce; Ilan Phillips; Hedd Nicholas; Harrison Burke: Ashley Sutton; Lewys Gibby: George Rossiter; Tom Clarke; Teifi Thomas: Iestyn Wood; Dewi Williams: Jac Delaney; Tom Powell (Capt); Max Rodda-Lodder. Replacements: Kyle Hamer; Josh Wrigglesworth; Tom Slater; Kieran Allen; Sam Davies; Kieran Harries; Bowyn Clark, Bradley Cramb.




 
 

Division One (West):

 
 

Seasiders suffer a real set-back

 
 

Swansea Uplands 64 - Tenby United 26

 
 
Tenby United found themselves the victims of a tremendous first-half performance by Swansea Uplands at Fairwood Lane that saw them 33-5 but whatever coach Jonathan Evans said in the Seasiders’ changing room it worked because his team finished with a bonus point for scoring four tries.
 
“The best 40 minutes I have ever seen our team play.” was the considered opinion of an uplands official – and they showed a killer instinct as they ran terrific lines from wee-secured possession with tries from Rhodri Wall (2), Rhys Williams, Harri Jones and Peter Anson, who also landed four conversions.
 
Tenby had half chances as Hywel Baker and Cian Evans, playing out of position in the second row, joined Dan Colley Luke Dedman and Jack Davies in trying to stem the tide but all they could muster was an unconverted try by speedster Jordan Asparassa.
 
The Seasiders had something of a purple patch to grab tries from Matthew Lewis, Gwion Jones and a second for Asparassa, three of them converted by Harry Rossiter, but Uplands bounced back with tries by James Davies, Alex Wadling, Alex Margetts and Tom Edmunds, plus two Davies conversions.
 
Tenby United: Jordan Asparassa: Gwion Jones; Archie Treadaway-Williams; Jack Gooding; Matthew Lewis: Harry Rossiter; Fletcher Broadhurst: Jack Davies; Iwan Duffy; Mikey Ryan: Luke Dedman; Cian Evans: Jack Brown; Josh Hamer; Dan Colley (Capt). Replacements: Dom Booth; Hywel Baker; Ethan Morgan; Owen Grieve; Louie Treadaway-Williams.
 
 

All square at Parc Lloyd Thomas

 
 

Crymych 21 - Aberaeron 21

 
 
Crymych and Aberaeron played their first against each other at this level and the expected tough tussle came about at Parc Lloyd Thomas as the Preseli Men took the lead three times and The Mid Wales team replied on each occasion.
 
The scores were level at half time too as flanker Gethin Davies opened the home account and outside half Jack Davies converted, then Steff Rees replied for Aber, converted by Rhodri Jenkins.
 
Bustling back-rower Tom Talor put Crymych back in front and Davies added the extras, as did centre Jenkins after he had scored himself.
 
It was a similar battling story after half time as Crymych scored soon after the restart via hooker Lee Griffiths, No 10 Davies adding the extras and looking as if they might just gain their first win – only for Aber to level matters in the closing stages thanks to a try from No 8 Will Skyrme-James, converted by Jenkins.
 
It set up a tense finale as both teams sought what might have been a bonus-point victory but in the final analysis perhaps a drew was the fairest result.
 
Crymych: Deiniol Mathias: George Griffiths; Jac Griffiths; Laurence Headlam; Dafydd Bryan: Jac Davies; Dafydd Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffith; Morgan Jones: Dion Gibby; Luke Freebury: George Nelson; Gethin Davies; Tom Taylor. Replacements:  Osian Charles; Ian Williams; Osian Thomas; Arwel Davies; Owain Evans.
 
Aberaeron: Dan Davies: Ifan Davies; Rhys Jones; Rhodri Jenkins; Dyfrig Dafis: Steffan Rees; Rhodri Thomas: Owain Wozencroft; Owain Bonsall; Alex Danton: Ellis Trigg; Julian Roberts: Llyr Davies; Gethin Dafis; Will Skyrme-James. Replacements: Ryan Williams, Fin Webb;  Osian Jones; Steff B Jones; Steff DJ Jones. Travelling Reserves: Ioan Evans; Matthew Harries.
 
 



 
 

Division Two (West):

 
 

Blues edged out as Tycroes open their account

 
 

Tycroes 20 - Haverfordwest 15

 
 
After losing their first match, Tycroes celebrated success in this home match with Haverfordwest, who were left to look back on another case of wrong options and missed half-chances, when some of their play deserved a more positive result than picking up a single bonus point for getting within seven points of their opponents.
 
But all they had to show for their hard work in the first half was a single penalty from No 10 Ifan Williams so they trailed 13-3 at the break as Geraint Rees landed two penalties in the first ten minutes and then his namesake Gareth had a try and conversion.
 
The Blues raised the tempo and reduced the handling errors at key stages of the third quarter and were rewarded with good tries from pacy winger Scott Candler and talented full back Logun Young., one converted by outside half Williams.
 
They were still ahead with four minutes to go but then made an error which typified their afternoon as they were on the attack in the Tycroes 22 but conceded a penalty which saw them retreating back into their own 22.
 
Tycroes won the ensuing line-out and a controlled drive to near the posts saw Luke Stratford credited with the try – and Gareth Rees converted to give his team the victory and left The Blues reflecting on what might have been!
 
Haverfordwest: Logun Young: Scott Candler; Jack Codd; Matt Phillips; Luke Dyer: Ifan Williams; Liam Eaton (Capt): Iori Curtis; Jame Zambas; Terry Lovell: Teifion Owen; James Hart: Rhys Phelps; Mike Griffiths; Dean Williamson. Replacements: Devin Williams; Harri Evans; Andrew Edwards; Archie Thomas; Charlie Kelly.
 
 



 

Cocklemen can’t field a team

 

Fishguard & Goodwick P-P Penclawdd

 
Penclawdd unable to field a team
 
Fishguard & Goodwick Dan Evans: Dec Thomas; Rhys Evans; Mark Jones; Ed Rathbone: Kial Keane; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Will Robinso; Adam Bowen: Cai Llewellyn; Osian Rowe: Jack Richards; Sion Colella (Capt); Bryn Thomas. Replacements: Liam Wilkes; Ben Jones; Iori Cottrell; Taine Williams; Ryan Burton; Oscar Lawrence; Henry Backen.
 
 




 

Division Three (West)

 
 

Trim takes the verdict as All Blacks claim a bonus point

 
 

Trimsaran 18 - Neyland 14

 
 
Neyland had their chances to win at Trimsaran in a hard-fought match between two sides seeking a first success of the season, but in the final analysis missed out after mishandling at key moments caught them out late on.
 
Trim started strongly with an unconverted try and penalty but Neyland bounced back as they opted for a tap penalty near the Trim line and after good set up by the pack it was George Williams who scored and No 10 Rio Phillips converted.
 
George Williams, who played at flanker alongside brother Ben and Tal Tamilia, after popping up in the second row, was eventually Neyland’s man of the match, although they missed his cutting edge play in the centre.
 
Trim added a second penalty but then Rio Phillips, who has made a welcome return to the club, sliced over in the left corner and added the conversion to announce his arrival and give The All Blacks a 14-11 interval lead.
 
The second half was equally hard-fought but the only try came from the home side which was also converted so that Neyland needed at least a try in their closing attacks – but, try as they might their efforts came to nothing, despite the efforts of new skipper Alex ‘Budgie’ Swales – and so they had to settle for a bonus point for getting close to their opponents.
 
Neyland: Matthew Coles: Josh Watts; Jay Varendaudau; Alex Codd; Korey Arran: Rio Phillips; George Evans: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales (Capt); Seb Mackintosh: Morgan John; Dan Hart:  Tal Tamilia; George Williams; Ben Williams. Replacements: Mason Kerrison; Ethan John; Evan Roberts; Matt Shaw; Asher Gledhill. Travelling reserve: Chris  Sanders.





 
 

Cardis beaten in high-scoring contest

 
 

Cardigan 31 - Llangadog 43

 
 
Cardigan shared ten tries with opponents Llangadog in this high-soring contest at the King George Vth Field, but they conceded too many penalties and paid the price.
 
The teams were level at 19-all at half-time and also missed out on a bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition – but did receive one bonus point for scoring at least four tries as full back John Lumb (2),  hooker Luke Palmer-Davies,  centre Emyr Harries and skipper Marcus Castle scored their tries, with conversions from outside half Llyr Jones (2) and Emyr Harries (rounding off their points tally.
 
Llangadog had skipper Tom Davies, vice-captain Kasper Andreason and Guto Price to the fore as they sealed their first win in this section with a bonus point – and all looked suitably ridiculous as they all wore wigs as their theme for this away day!
 
Cardigan: John Lumb: Alun Jenkins; Joe Thomas; Emyr Harries; Jack Taylor: Llyr Jones; Luke Rogers Will Brice; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Sion Phillips; Jack Stone: Aaron Topkinson; Marcus Castle (Capt); Ben Swift. Replacements: Connor Owen; Iestyn Evans; Thys Hughes; Rhodri Davies; Ifan James.:
 
 
 

Borderers well beaten by powerful  Amman

 
 

Amman United 64 - Whitland 5

 
 
The early season woes continue for Whitland as they fell to a third straight defeat in their new league following relegation from Division 2 West.
 
For all the pre-season optimism and new personnel, the signs look concerning for the Borderers as they struggled for numbers during the week, but at least travelled with a full squad and showed fight in the first-half before being overrun in Amman.
 
The hosts put the pressure on from kick-off but were reliant on the boot of Iestyn Griffiths for early points, the fly-half landing two penalties and a drop goal before hooker Garan Williams got the opening try.
 
Centre Harvey Duncan and flanker Rhydian Jones added further scores and Griffiths nailed two conversions to make it 28-0 at the interval.
 
Griffiths himself, wing Dylan Matthews, second row Tom James, and No.8 David Lewis got further tries and Jones and Duncan both added their second score, with Griffiths bagging three more conversions for a personal haul of 24 points.
 
Whitland's sole try came from their standout player, veteran centre Mike Georgiou, who powerfully broke through in midfield before crossing over but while Kieran Evans and Trystan Bowen also stood out, team manager James Lewis conceded it had been a difficult afternoon.
 
"In the first half we did well but after that we ran out of subs to come on and our fitness wasn't there. The second half was a slog and they started to really open up our defence."
 
Whitland: Willem Fryer: Joshua Clarke; Rhys Nicholas; Michael Georgiou; Tomos Hughes: Morgan Edwards; Zak Payne: Shane Clarke; Dorian Harris; Ceiron Evans: Joseff Jones; Gavin Smith: Trystan Bowen; Jonathan Phillips; Connor Toland. Replacements: Jack Jenkins; Arwel Beynon; Charlie Watson; James Lewis; Lee Rees.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 
 

Scarlets snatch victory by a point

 
 

Dreigiau Emlyn 25 -Pembroke 26

 
 
 
Pembroke survived a missed late conversion from home full-back Deiniol Rees to earn a win in a see-saw game in Newcastle Emyln.
 
The Scarlets led 26-20 with five minutes left when Rees himself crossed over, but then pushed his pivotal kick left of the uprights and the visitors held on.
 
The action went back-and-for in the first 40 minutes as Pembroke led 19-17 at the break, having struck first when impressive flanker Theo Davies rounded off some sustained pressure by taking a pop pass and diving over. Back came Emlyn through tries from No.10 Llyr Tobias and Rees, and early replacement Osian Jones also scored with Rees adding two points with the boot.
 
Rhydian Jones scored Pembroke's second try, picking up to score after winger Morgan Owens was stopped just short of the line, and Davies was again rewarded for good support play with a try as Jarred Sherratt added two conversions to nudge his side in front.
 
The second-half wasn't as frenetic as the first but after Iestyn Compton was sin-binned for Emlyn, the lead was extended through outstanding No.8 Zak Shaw, who picked up from a close-range scrum after a huge shove from the away pack.
 
Despite not adding further points Pembroke then controlled possession for much of the second period, with centre Lewis Davies standing out as he frequently crossed the gain-line.
 
However, Rees nailed a penalty to set up a tense finale, and then came the drama after the same player cut over, but a concerted charge-down attempt from the Pembroke players proved enough to put him off as he tried to convert. The visitors then did an efficient job of playing out the closing minutes to take a nail-biting win.
 
"It was an end to end game and really competitive," said away team manager Robin Badham.
 
"There was lots of good rugby played and we controlled periods of the game and scored some good tries. We have to happy with the performance and the result."
 
Pembroke: Rhydian Jones: Morgan Owens; Lewis Jones; Lewis Davies; Damo Stratford: Tobi Pratt: Jared Sherratt; Olly Lewis: Evan Phillips; Dan Davies; Lloyd Davies (capt): Dan James; Harry Dawe: Rio Stratford; Theo Davies; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Rhys Beynon; Dan Gosnold; Deryn Williams; Evan Davies; Zak Davies.
 
 
 

Saints too strong for The Rams

 
 

Llanybydder 7 - St Davids 45

 
 
A hat-trick of tries from Nathan Foster capped a third straight bonus point win of the season for St Davids as they again underlined why they should be title contenders this season.
 
Foster, playing out of position in the centre, crossed twice before the break and then again in the dying moments as the Saints comfortably saw off Llanybydder. It was by no means a vintage display from the visitors, but missing a host of backline players, it was a case of job done after coming through a tricky opening period.
 
After missing early chances, the Saints found themselves under pressure for a prolonged period, with No.9 Owen Swain yellow-carded for a trip tackle before they broke the shackles on the half hour mark. The in-form George Raymond burst out of his own 22 and linked with Foster, and that set up the platform to attack from which the latter sniped over from close range.
 
The Saints then finished the half strongly, with Foster going over again, following a forward drive and Bob Froy, who converted both the opening tries, then crossed in the corner himself to make it 19-0 at the break.
 
Turning around with the wind and slope in their favour, the away side soon had the bonus point as Raymond finished off some good interplay and then Cameron Sapsford emerged with the ball following another concerted shunt from the pack, Froy again adding the extras.
 
Bydder did grab a consolation score as centre Cai Lewis intercepted a pass in midfield to score and Steffan Bonsall converted, but it didn't stem the tide as another lineout drive took the Saints close to the line and the ball went out to Raymond to crash over and take his try tally to seven in three games.
 
There was still time for Foster's treble after he finished off some incisive back play and Froy again did the honours, leaving head coach Bruce Evans satisfied at the result ahead of a cup game with Bynea next week.
 
"We did miss chances and second-half was probably more about the tries we didn't score than the ones we did," he said.
 
"But with the players we had out we coped well. Boys like Luke Brooks and Scott Riches came back to help out and Ethan Sapsford made his debut off the bench, and we'll take confidence out of the first three games into Bynea next week. It will be tough but it's at home and one we will take seriously."
 
St Davids: Luke Brooks: Scott Riches; Nathan Foster; George Raymond (Capt); Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Owen Swain: Iwan McVeigh; Adam Williams; Ryan McVeigh: James Goldsmith; Iestyn Owen: Daf Williams; Rhys Price; Cameron Sapsford. Replacements: Iwan Roberts; Ben Joyce; Ethan Sapsford; Ryan John; Daf Davies.
 
 
 

Athletic overwhelm their Aber counterparts

 
 

Narberth Athlic 57 - Aberystwyth Athletic 10

 
 
Narberth Athletic were far too strong for their counterparts from Aberystwyth and eventually ran in nine tries, six of them converted by centre Ashton O’Riorden as the Mid Wales team ran in tries by Deri Gwynne and William Edwards.
 
The Otter Seconds tries came from Theo Tilley, Ioan Thomas, James Owen, Shay Norcross (2), Ashton O’Rierden, Iori Lewis; Eliot Evans and skipper Henry Foster as Narberth not only gained their first win after one earlier defeat but also halted Aber’s run of two successive victories.
 
Narberth Athletic: Iori Lewis: Finn Bruce; Ashton O’Riorden; Harry davies; Theo Tilley: Shay Norcross; Ioan Thomas: Jamie Algeo; Charlie Reynolds; Jack Norcross: Henry Foster (Capt); Wil Nicholas: Harry Harries; James Owen; Callum Goeman. Replacements: Rhodri Gerrard, Elliot Evans; Jake Levitt; Rhys Jenkins; Wyndham Williams;
 
 
 

Seasiders Athletic versus The Bulls – match postponed

 

Tenby United Athletic P-P Teirw Crymych

 
Teirw Crymych (unable to raise a team)