Feature Match One – Division Four (West) A:

 

Quins leave it late before seeing off Llangwm

 

Llangwm 19 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 29

 

It was physical, it was attritional, and it was in the balance until the closing moments before Pembroke Dock finally saw off Llangwm in a classic local derby at Pill Parks, writes Fraser Watson.
 
The Quins had looked set to control the contest when they led 10-0 early on, but amid a brave display by the home side, were hanging on at 24-19 up before Ben Hathaway rounded off a superb team move to settle the contest.
 

Hosts hit back in frantic first half

 
The recent inclement weather meant a switch to the back-up pitch, but despite having less room to work with the Quins were intent of moving the ball wide early on. And after dominating the early going, the visitors got the score they deserved when No.10 Craig Barnett shrugged off the tackle of opposite number Brieg Matthews to go under the posts and Ben Hathaway converted.
 
By then, the Wasps had already lost Jason Mock to an early injury and things got worse from kick-off when despite a powerful burst from deep by skipper Morgan Rees - they were penalised at the breakdown and Hathaway duly nailed the three points from 35 metres.
 
But just as a one-sided contest looked on the cards, the tide turned. A period of pressure culminated in the outstanding Ryan Banner burying over from close range and then on the 30-minute mark, Llangwm led when Brieg chipped into the dead-ball area and although he was taken out in the chase for the ball - centre Dan Richards touched down and his fly-half added the extras.
 
The incident also reduced the Quins to 14 men with Tom Donovan the man adjudged to have deliberately impeded Brieg, and yet they still retook the lead moments later when Jack Hagan pounced on a loose ball in the Llangwm 22 and slipped the scoring pass to Adam Cawley. Hathaway again converted to give his side a 17-12 half-time advantage.
 

Hathaway seals it after tempers rise

 
The early stages of the second half were combative as both sides struggled for a foothold, and home centre Richards cleared out Aaron James so far away from a ruck he might as well have been in Haverfordwest. It was in front of experienced referee Richard Thomas, who didn't hesitate to issue another yellow card.
 
Still, Llangwm were on top at the scrum, but after using this platform to pin the Quins back on their own line the ball went loose and Barnett hacked clear - only for a dust-up between numerous players to ensue on the half-way line.
 
Thomas opted for stern warnings as opposed to more cards, and when play restarted Donovan showed his pace down the left as he beat two defenders only for his pass inside to be intercepted. But with 15 minutes left the Quins did strike when Hagan found his target at an attacking line-out and prop Alfie Ball scored from the drive that followed.
 
Again, Hathaway converted and with flanker Dannie Wilkes to the fore the game appeared over, only for Llangwm to again respond. No.9 George James attempted a cross-field kick which could only find touch - but this time the Quins made a hash of their line-out and Sam Rickwood gathered the throw and dived over.
 
Matthews duly made it 24-29 with the boot to set-up a tense finale, but with moments remaining the game was sealed with the move of the match. Barnett and James combined with long passes to set-up Donovan, who again sped clear before popping the scoring pass to Hathaway.
 
That rounded off the sort of Pembrokeshire derby that has people craving a return to a localised week. Intense, spikey, and played out in front of a large crowd given it was Llangwm's 'sponsors day', it is easy to see why the clamour is growing.




 
Man of the match: Dannie Wilkes
 
Ryan Banner was again rock-solid for the hosts, and came close to the nod despite being on the losing side. But it was Quins flanker Wilkes, instrumental in both defence and attack, who was crucial to the outcome. On a day that doggedness and hard work were needed, he provided it.
 
Llangwm: Dylan Philpot: Jack Roberts; Owain Jones; Dan Richards; Rhydian Jones: Brieg Matthews; George James: Joe Newton; Phil Llewellyn; Callum Jenkins: Jason Mock; Ryan Banner: Ryan Cole; Dylan Rowles; Morgan Rees (Capt). Replacements: Ieuan Power; Jake Thomas; Liam Barber; Sam Rickwood, Alfie Elrick.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Rhys Thomas; Aaron James; Josh Brown; Tom Donovan: Craig Barnett; Adam Crawley: Alfie Ball; Jack Hagan; Dan Macleod: Lewys Scourfield; Liam Baker: Callum Jones; Dannie Wilkes; Rhys Spencer. Replacements: Dai Moseley; Dean Wilcox; Shaun John; Charley Dearden; Aran Treweeks.





 
 
 

Feature Match Two – Fishguard & Goodwick v Penclawdd:

 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls made to battle hard by gritty ‘Cocklemen’

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 30 - Penclawdd 19

 

The form book certainly worked at The Moors as Fishguard & Goodwick (6^th) were worthy winners of the match with Penclawdd (9^th), but not before ‘The Cocklemen’ had pushed them hard throughout a match in which ‘The Seagulls’ always held an edge but sometimes were guilty of taking the wrong option or handling errors at key times.
 
But F & G started well as talented young fly half Joss Lerwill  created some early space and full back Dan Evans sliced through to the line before talented Penclawdd centre was off target with a penalty – and then The Seagulls added a second unconverted try as their outstanding back row of Bryn Thomas, skipper Rhys Lewis and especially Sion Colella gained quality possession which was continued by Will Delaney, Will Robinson and Ryan McVeigh, who ploughed over with opponents hanging on his back.
 
Lewis and Lerwill then featured as they almost reached a neat kick ahead but were beaten to the touch-down by Penclawdd full back Alex Arnold – but they maintained the pressure as Osian Rowe and Griff Williams joined Lewis and Colella in going close but they were awarded a penalty near the posts and hooker Will Robinson landed the penalty.
 
At this stage it looked as if it was plain sailing for F & G, especially with the tricky wind in the favour after the break – but they relaxed a little, got a bit sloppy in their ball retention and paid the price as Penclawdd, with Tom McCann and Rhodri Davies to the fore, established a platform and from their first serious threat on the home line, were rewarded with a try by centre Brown which outside half Gavin Williams converted.
 

Positive stat to the second half by F & G although The Cocklemen never gave up the battle

 
F & G started the second half with a penalty which was thumped over by replacement second row Cai Llewellyn but again they lost possession in a key area and Penclawdd flanker Callum Boladz punished them with an unconverted try.
 
It was a  warning to the Seagulls and they returned to the attack after replacement hooker Liam Wilkes had come on and used his experience to good effect, tidying things up and then making a strong surge which allowed Dec Thomas and Dan Cleary to put Dan Evans away – and although he had a bit to do, he sliced through for a quality try which Llewellyn converted.
 
Then F & G made the game safe from another period of pressure and a third replacement featured as prop  Iwan McVeigh, a smaller version of his brother, ploughed over from two yards to emulate his brother, the first time the siblings had scored in the same game!
 
Llewellyn again added the extras but Penclawdd showed their battling spirit as they had the final word when prop Harry Brown crossed the whitewash and  Williams converted to round off an entertaining match which was well refereed by Jamie Morgan (Ystradgynlais).
 
Man of the match: Sion Collella for his total involvement,  close followed by Dan Evans for his finishing ability.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Ed Rathbone;  Dec Thomas; Dan Cleary; Sion Perkins: Joss Lerwill; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Will Robinson; Ryan McVeigh: Osian Rowe; Griff Williams: Bryn Thomas: Sion Colella; Rhys Lewis (Capt). Replacements: Liam Wilkes; Iwan McVeigh; Jack Richards; Cai Llewellyn, Ifan Evans.






 
 
 

Championship Division (West):

 

Fantastic first win for Preseli Men in frantic final moments

 

Crymych 25 - Tata Steel 24

 
Rhodri George was the hero of Crymych’s epic win at Parc Lloyd Thomas and there were lengthy celebrations in the Crymych clubhouse after victory over fifth-placed Tata Steel and who could blame the Preseli Men and their hardy supporters because it came after 13 defeats in succession and was achieved when replacement full back George stepped up in the final moments to take a kick at goal in the knowledge that he could wipe out a two-point deficit and ensure an end to that unwanted record!
 
The Steelmen had won by 47-17 in their home fixture against Crymych, who have shown positive improvement in some recent matches and pushed fifth-placed tata all the way so that Tata were holding on with a minute to go as their precarious lead was only 24-22 with the Preseli Man on the attack and being awarded that last-ditch penalty
 
Up stepped George and he held his nerve to seal the success”
 
The Preseli Men were 10-17 adrift at the interval as Ben Cox scored their opening try after some terrific work up front by the pack, with Tomos Davies adding the conversion and a penalty to keep his team in touch, with other tries after the oranges by  centre Laurence Headlam and flanker Tom Taylor, as skipper Daf Phillips was outstanding at scrum half, plus a conversion by George.
 
For Tata, there were tries by second row Trav Huntley, full back Isaac Morgan hooker Cam Parker and scrum half Jacob Daniel, with  two conversions from Morgan.
 
So, victory for Crymych, and one can only feel delight for coaches Aled Harries, Huw Rhys and Ifan Phillips for their commitment, the entire squad who have stuck to their task, with players like unsung prop Harri Vaughan, today’s man of the match, enjoying their moment of glory!
 
Crymych: Jac Griffiths: Tomos Davies; Laurence Headlam; Aled Lewis; Ifan Wyn Jones: Rhys Davies; Daf Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffiths; Osian Charles: Dion Gibby; Luke Freebury; Ben Cox: Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor; Daf Phillips. Replacements: Rhys Richards; Tomos Tagg; Rhys ‘Beakie’ Davies, Brad Cramb; Steffan Crossman.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Seasiders suffer as they lose their long run of home wins

 

Tenby United 24 - Lampeter Town 26

 

Tenby United’s long-standing run of home league wins over almost three seasons was brought to an abrupt halt at Heywood Lane against a gritty Lampeter Town, leaving home supporters to wonder how Lampeter had very few scoring chances but claimed maximum bonus points for their ability to round chances off – and with Tenby having the bulk of possession and far more opportunities but having to settle for two bonus points for scoring four tries and coming within seven points of the opposition.
 
The warning signs were there as Lampeter led 19-12 at the break and this loss certainly damaged The Seasiders hopes of promotion - but those two points might prove vital on their seven-match run-in, where they will now have less breathing space to achieve their targeted second spot in what is going to be a tight four-team run-in.
 
The Seasiders were without influential but unwell No 8 Dom Colman but replacement Dan Colley played his usual part on the try sheet, with two alongside others from scrum half Dai Jones and replacement front-rower Iwan Duffy, two of them converted by No 10 Lloyd Thomas.
 
Ponty’s tries were claimed by John Heath, Ryan Doughty, Iwan Wyn Rees and Dan Goodman, three converted by full back Osian Davies and move up to sixth place as reward for this sixth win in 14 matches.
 
Tenby United: Jackson Gravatt: Jordan Asparassa; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Mattew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass (Capt); Luke Dedman: Cian Evans; Josh Hamer; Dom Colman. Replacements: Iwan Duffy; Jack Davies; Alex Jenkins; Iorri Richards; Dan Colley; Fletcher Broadhurst.
 
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Borderers battle hard after being hit by withdrawals

 

Whitland 7 - Tycroes 26

 

A gutsy performance from Whitland wasn't enough to prevent Tycroes picking up a bonus point win at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn as the Borderers continue to hover dangerously above the bottom two, writes Fraser Watson.
 
The hosts were only able to name a squad of 17 players after being hit by three withdrawals on Saturday morning, and then finished the game with just 13 on the field after suffering further injuries and a yellow card to Shane Rossiter.
 
And yet it was the hosts who took the lead after Rossiter's penalty attempt bounced back off the post, but flanker Gavin Smith didn't give up the chase and picked up the loose ball before diving over for a try that his centre then converted.
 
The visitors fought back to take control though, and despite a heavy pitch did their damage out wide as full-back Dan Thomas crossed twice before the break.
 
No.9 Gareth Rees and half-back partner Tom Davies also touched down to seal the bonus point, with the latter also adding three conversions.
 
"We were in the fight for 80 minutes today and we really frustrated Tycroes in making them work hard for the win," said home player-coach Gareth Davies.
 
"Our lack of numbers told in the end and they were able to bring impact players off the bench and score four tries. But our performance was something to be proud of."
 
Whitland: Tom Day: Charlie Gordon Lennox; Lucas Dance; Shane Rossiter; Tomos Hughes: Gareth Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Trystan Bowen; Matt Driver; Ceiron Evans (Capt): Shane Clark; Charlie Watson: Aaron Cross; Gavin Smith; Osian Thomas. Replacements: Alan Proctor; Wyndham Williams.
 
 
 

Division Three (West):

 

Blues show promotion potential

 

Trimsaran 0 - Haverfordwest 57

 

Haverfordwest enhanced their claims as promotion contenders as they emphasised their all-round strength which saw them keep a clean sheet whilst scoring nine tries amongst forwards and backs, completing a double over Trimsaran since they had already beaten them 46-22 at home.
 
After an even first 10 minutes The Blues found their stride and started putting pressure on Trimsaran - and after three penalties close to their line Terry Lovell crashed over from a tap penalty five metres out.
 
The visitors were relentless for the next quarter of an hour and added two more scores, following some great attacking play, and James Hart used his power well to cross from close range - shortly after, speedster Logun Young broke clear for a long range score following a great run by fellow winger Scott Candler, one of which was converted by Adam Phillips to give them a 17-0 lead.
 
Shortly after, Iestyn Arnold was given a yellow card for a high tackle in midfield but Haverfordwest dealt with being a man down well and were very happy with their defensive organisation in this period before just on the stroke of half time they secured the try-bonus point when the wingers combined again as Candler broke through midfield and gave the scoring pass to Young, who rounded two players on his way to the posts from 40 metres out. Again, it was converted by Phillips to establish a deserved 24-0 interval lead.
 
After the break saw more of same as Haverfordwest continued to execute in attack and apply pressure in defence as Mikey Griffiths scored the first try of the second half following some great handling by the forwards before Jake Evans slipping the final offload to Griffiths.
 
Their  next try came after an 80-metre break from man of the match James Hart, where he beat several defenders before being dragged down ten metres short – but the ball was moved quickly into midfield and young hooker Rhys Phelps crossed for his first senior Haverfordwest try, converted by Phillips.
 
Shortly after coming on as replacement, captain Jack Evans scored from a cracking set-piece move that saw the winger score under the posts.  For another converted try.
 
Then young number 8 Kieran Harries used his speed and power on his way to the line after shrugging off several tacklers and dotting down next to the post before he final Haverfordwest try came in the last movement of the game and after some fantastic attacking play from backs and forwards, Scott Candler punched his way through a hole in midfield for a thoroughly deserved score under the posts, both converted by Phillips.
 
Haverfordwest: Jake Morgan: Logun Young; Matt Phillips; Iestn Arnold; Scott Candler: Adam Phillips; Liam Eaton: Iori Curtis; Rhys Phelps; Terry Lovell: Karl Busch; Jake Evans: James Hart; Mikey Griffiths; Kieran Harries. Replacements: Jamie Zambas;  Dan Berry, Defin Williams; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; Jack Evans.
 
 

Mariners made to pay for second-half errors

 

Tumble 57 - Milford Haven 8

 
Milford Haven found it hard-going against a Tumble team that is very much in the promotion battle alongside New Dock Stars and Haverfordwest, but there was no shortage of effort which included coaches Zac France-Miller and Johnny Thomas  alongside Zac Davies, Ben Jenkins and skipper Dan Jenkins as they trailed by 17-3 at the interval before the flood-gates opened afterwards.
 
Scrum half James Trueman, switched from the wing to scrum half because regular No 9 Dan McClelland was celebrating the birth of his first child, slotted The Mariners’ penalty – and grabbed their only try after full back Robbie Jones, who had a good game, switched defence into attack as he broke out of his own 22, sped 60 metres before finding   support at his shoulder and Trueman was able to take the scoring pass.
 
For Tumble, there were first-half tries by Nathan Willard and Ryan Williams, alongside both conversions and a penalty Steve Hewit – and others followed by Steffan Price, Rhys King, Steffan Owen (2), Scott Jones and Ellis Payne.
 
Talented veteran Steve Hewitt controlled play well and added three more conversions before Owen Bunford took over the kicker’s role and added two more – leaving Milford Haven still in the bottom two, but still with games in hand over the teams above in the relegation battle.
 
Milford Haven: Robbie Jones: Aaron Cookson; Dan Jenkins (Capt); Efan Morgan; Owyn Griffiths: Johnny Thomas; James Trueman: Ben Jenkins; Ian Davies; Jordan Davies: Zac Davies; Ethan Aldred: Jordan Evans; Ieuan Davies;  Zac France-Miller. Replacements: J McLuckie; Ben Groves; Brandon Cooper; Quin McGrath; J Suito.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Scarlets battle hard against runaway leaders Ponty

 

Pembroke 20 - Pontyberem 32

 

Pembroke pushed runway section leaders all the way at Crickmarren and the final margin was a little unjust in the sense that Ponty came away with the full five points, with a club official pointing out it was one of their hardest tussles and praising the efforts of the Pembroke team, which in the end had not even a single bonus point to show for all that hard work, which would have pleased head coach Gary Price.
 
That good home performance was particularly evident in the first half  as Zak Shaw, George Jones, Rhodri Walters  and Jared Sherratt  caught the eye with their work-rate as they only trailed by 10-13 - and started the second half well but got turned over in Ponty 22, so that they broke away and scored.
 
The Scarlets lost Will Edwards to injury, which along with Rhydian Eynon coming off, messed up Pembroke’s lineout  and they struggled to win their own ball which cost good field positions which Ponty capitalised on to register tries by Ben Morris, Aled Rees, Corey Hardy, Josh Morgan and Rhodri Lewis, who also landed two conversions and a penalty.
 
But The Scarlets finished well and certainly deserved a bonus point out of the game. Zak Shaw was man of the match with other excellent performances for young captain Dan Davies, Huw Silcox, Jonny Palmer (80 mins) plus good impact from the bench as well as they scored tries by veteran prop Palmer, winger Damo Stratford and Shaw, with Sherratt adding a conversion and penalty.
 
Pembroke: Lewis Davies: Damo Stratford; Huw Silcox; Rhys Johns; Tobi Pratt: Jared Sherratt; Iolo Williams. Seamus Wiseman; Dan Davies; Johnny Palmer: William Edwards; George Jones: Rhodri Walters; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Theo Davies; Scott Powell; Toby Hounsell; Dan Gosnold; Jack Oliver.
 
 
 

Saints come through a stop-start affair

 

St Davids 27 - Crymych 2nds 14

 
Two tries from hooker Adam Williams helped St Davids claim a bonus point in what proved a scrappy affair with Crymych 2nds, writes Fraser Watson.
 
In the first of two meetings in successive weeks between the sides, the Saints always had control of the contest but the visitors at least produced a dogged display amid a campaign where they've regularly struggled for numbers.
 
It was Williams who got the ball rolling five minutes in when he touched down from a line-out drive, before prop Charlie Lavin powered over from a close range ruck after the home side had cut through in midfield.
 
It was another Lavin brother, centre Harvey, who got the third score after a runaround move involving No.10 Aaron Foster, and Bob Froy added the conversion to make it 17-0 at the break.
 
But the visitors got on the board early in the second half as Ivor Lewis scored a try that Dafydd Bryan converted, only for home second row and man-of-the-match Iestyn Owen to score moments after following excellent work from Ben Joyce.
 
Crymych refused to buckle though and scrum-half Bryan sniped over and again added the extras - before Williams had the final word with another score from a forward drive as the Saints consolidated fourth place in the table.
 
"It was great to get the bonus point win against a spirited Crymych team who made us fight all the way," said St Davids team manager Jack Dudley. "
 
"Our recent lay off showed though - there were a lot of errors which cost us more tries. We look forward to the return fixture next week but we will have to raise our game to come away with the same result up there."
 
St Davids: Ben Joyce: Danny Voyce; Harvey Lavin; George Raymond; Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Owain Swain: Ben Evans; Adam Williams; Charlie Lavin: Iestyn Owen; James Goldsmith: Cameron Sapsford; Nathan Foster (Capt); Aled Davies. Replacements: Ryan John; Kieron Jones; Monty Lavin; Will Lewis; Daf Davies.

 
 

Premiership Division:

 

Otters complete the double over the students

 

Cardiff Met 19 - Narberth 30

 
*SADLY, STILL NO DETAILS PROVIDED BY NARBERTH RFC*
 
 
 

Matches Postponed:

 

Division Three (West):

 

All Blacks’s pitch waterlogged

 

Neyland P New Dock Stars P

 
*It’s a real mud patch despite hard work by the ground staff!*
 
 

Match off – Amman United unable to field a team

Cardigan P Amman United P
 
Cardigan: Llyr Jones: Alun Jenkins; Iwan John; Emyr Harries; Sam Lloyd: Jac Davies; Luke Rogers: Will Brice; Owen Fletcher; Andrew Jones: Dan Jones; Dean Harries: Connor Owen; Guto Davies; Marcus Castle (Capt). Replacements: Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes; Flyn Tjoonk; Ifan James; Rhodri Thomas.
 
 

Match postponed!

 

Llandeilo v Narberth Athletic

 
*Match called off – The Athletic unable to raise a team!*