Feature Match - Division Four (West) A:

 

Saints too strong up front for battling Quins

 

St Davids 26 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 20

 

On a day where so many matches were postponed because of the weather, St Davids played host to Pembroke Dock Quins with the pitch playing well and even some sunshine overhead as both teams played positive rugby for a good crowd to enjoy before The Saints fended off a late challenge by the visitors. (Writes Bill Carne)
 
Their performance also earned The Saints a bonus point alongside the statutory four points for victory whilst The Quins had to settle for a single bonus point because they finished within seven of their opponents’ tally.
 
And the game again showed why it is imperative that the WRU make a return to local leagues, whilst retaining the aspirations of those who want to climb the very slippery slope to the premiership or championship divisions by means of play-offs, with consideration by those supposedly rugby lovers in their ivory towers of the fact that buses for away games can easily cost £800!
 
It was played at pace, with total commitment and decent skill levels, and with so many former players from both camps renewing old friendships, whereas a number of them told us that they never travel to league matches outside the county.
 

Good start by The Saints before The Quins battle back

 
It was St Davids who used the wind at their backs to good effect in the opening 20 minutes as their pack dominated the scrums through the power of Ethan Griffiths, Dan Murphy, Charlie Lavin, Iestyn Owen and Aled Davies – and it came as no surprise when half backs Mike Gurney and Aaron Foster launched play into the bottom left corner and it was hooker Murphy who piled over for an unconverted try.
 
The Saints added a second try as Will James, Ben Joyce and Luke Bamford looked sharp alongside George Raymond and Daf Williams before skipper Nathan Foster took the final pass from Bob Froy to plunge over the line near enough for Will Lewis added the extras.
 
Full back James then missed the golden chance of three points from in front of the posts and the Quins battled hard against the elements and with Aaron James outstanding along with Harry Owen, Rhys Doyle, Lewys Scourfield and Rhys Doyle, and with scrum half Adam Cawley snapping at their heels, it came as no surprise when Dan McLeod and Jack Hagan charged towards the line and fellow front rower Alfie Ball crashed over to celebrate his 21^st birthday on the day!
 
Ben Hathaway did well to convert and it was a good period for the visitors as they also defended well as wingers Gethin Bradney and Tom Donovan ran the ball out of defence via some constructive play by Josh Brown and especially Craig Barnett.
 

Tries either side of half time see St Davids build well

 
At this stage a 7-12 gap would have been pleasing for The Quins but right on the interval St Davies added a morale-boosting third try Charlie Lavin crossed the whitewash and James converted to put the Saints 19-7 ahead at half time.
 
The Saints then started the second half well with a quality try from Scott Candler, again converted by James and all the Quins could score in reply was a
penalty from skipper Hathaway and the 26-10 scoreline remained the same until the last five minutes.
 
The Quins then reduced the deficit as centre Josh Brown grabbed their third try as skipper Hathaway again converted and landed a second penalty that helped earn a penalty before the final whistle saw The Quins remain in second spot but with The Saints closing the gap on them in third place!











 
St Davids: Will James: Scott Candler; Luke Bamford; Ben Joyce; Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Mike Gurney: Ethan Griffiths; Dan Murphy; Charlie Lavin: Iestyn Owen; Aled Davies: Daf Williams; Nathan Foster (Capt); George Raymond. Replacements: Adam Williams; Ben Lloyd; Will Lewis; Tom Wheeler; Kieron Jones.





 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Gethin Bradney; Craig Barnett; Josh Brown; Tom Donovan: Euan McDonald; Adam Crawley: Dan McLeod; Jack Hagan; Alfie Ball: Lewis Scourfield; Rhys Doyle: Harry Owen; Danny Wilkes; Aaron James. Replacements: Dai Moseley; Callum Jones;  Shaun John; Dan James; Owain Turner.
 
Referee: Richard Thomas (who had a good game in control of play).
 








 

Dragons breath too hot for The Wasps

 

Llangwm 15 - Dreigiau Emlyn 38

 

Llangwm produced a physical display up front against Newcastle Emyln 2nds but the greater finishing power of the visitors proved decisive as they sealed a bonus point win, writes Fraser Watson.
 
With second row Ryan Banner and flanker Dylan Rowles outstanding, the Wasps enjoyed more territory and possession in the opening 40 minutes and notched a good team try when full-back Aidan Rees cut over out wide.
 
However, twice Emlyn broke from deep to cross over and lead 14-5 at the break, and although after the interval Barber and replacement prop Ieuan Power both rounded off a series of drives to score from close range the visitors pulled away.
 
Despite a heavy Pill Parks pitch, Gethin Vobe's side showed a willingness to attack and winger Deiniol Rees finished with a haul of 18 points after two tries and four conversions.
 
Full-back Sion Griffiths, centre Osian Taylor and No.8 Osian Dafis also touched down, but afterwards Llangwm head coach James Lewis was upbeat about his side's display.
 
"We more than matched them up front and were on top in the first half but twice, missed tackles in midfield cost us," he said.
 
"But it was a good game and performance. I'm pleased with how we fronted up."
 
Emlyn coach Vobe admitted his side had been in a battle, adding: "It was a really tough game and the score line flattered us a bit. Credit to Llangwm they carried well and we maybe had no more than 30 or 40 per cent possession. But when we had chances, we were clinical."
 
Both sides now break for a fortnight due to the England v Wales’ Six Nations clash before the Wasps, who lie eighth in the table, travel to league leaders Pontyberem on February 14th.
 
Emlyn meanwhile, lie fourth and will host Pembroke on the same day.




 
Llangwm: Aidan Rees: Rhydian Jones, Joe Johns, Owain Jones, Jack Roberts: Dylan Philpot, George James: Joe Newton, Phil Llewellyn, Callum Jenkins: Jason Mock, Ryan Banner: Liam Barber, Dylan Rowles, Morgan Rees.
Replacements: Ieuan Power, Jake Thomas, Ryan Cole, Luke Sandell, Alfie Elrick.




 
 
 

Division One Cup:

 

Seasiders just miss out on a last-four place

 

Abercrave 13 - Tenby United 10

 
Tenby United missed out on a semi-final spot in this divisional competition  – and the chance of a final appearance at the Millennium Stadium, as they lost narrowly in a tough tussle against Abercrave, who currently sit atop the table in Division One (West Central) and now play Dowlais at a neutral venue just one step away from that big day.
 
Defeat was all the more galling after coming so close because early on they stood ten points ahead before the home side, urged on by the vociferous supporters, fought back to take a three-point lead – but then had to resist the Seasiders’ efforts in the final quarter as they dominated events but had two try chances because the referee ruled that Dom Colman was held up over the line when it looked as if he had grounded the ball, and Lloyd Thomas sliced through to the line, only to be recalled for a knock-on that wasn’t evident to others!
 
And then, The Seasiders might have made a tactical error in the final stages when they were awarded a penalty within Thomas’s range but opted to go for broke with a kick to the corner and a lineout drive, which was repelled by excellent defence by Abercrave and the chance was gone – whereas, if he had kicked the penalty it might have led to 20 minutes extra time, when Tenby were in the ascendancy!
 

Ideal Seasiders’ start before Abercrave claw their way back

 
Tenby had made an ideal start as they opened their account early on as skipper Alex Jenkins, Luke Dedman, Dom Colman and Josh Hamer were excellent ball winners, with the front row of Jack Davies; Jack Brown and Ethan Morgan ensuring a solid platform at the scrums and helping to drive over the indomitable Dan Colley for yet another try by the No 8, amazingly his 100^th for the club!
 
Lloyd Thomas added the conversion and a penalty as scrum half Dai Jones looked to release the midfield power of Jackson Gravatt and Tom Edmonds so that Geraint Jones. Jordan Asparassa and Mathew Lewis had half chances to find space – but Abercrave showed why they are table-toppers with some resolute defence and a well-struck penalty by Steffan Castle saw them move to a 3-10 deficit at the break when the Seasiders might have hoped for more.
 
Abercrave battled really hard in the third quarter and their efforts were rewarded with a well-worked try by Callum Davies, converted by Steffan Castle, who also added a second penalty to put ‘The Giants’ ahead for the first time – and then the whole team put its back into some yeoman defence, sometimes being pushed to the limits but holding on to record a famous victory – and although Tenby Unted were understandable disconsolate in defeat they can at least take minor consolation from the fact that they had flown the town, and county’s flag with distinction!
 
Tenby United coach, Jonathan Evans, told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
“This one will hurt for a few days, because everyone involved feels like it’s a special opportunity missed. I can’t fault the effort, but I felt with the bulk of possession throughout we really should have turned that possession into more points. We were in control of the result, regardless of a couple of dubious decisions we should have been in a position where those decisions didn’t matter. We sadly can’t change that and I wish Abercrave well in their semi-final.
This group of players have aspirations of winning silverware this season and hopefully we can still do that via the league and Pembrokeshire Cup. We’ve got a week to put it behind us and finish the season as strongly as possible. A huge thanks to the travelling support; at times it felt like a home match and I know that means a lot to the players.”
 
Tenby United: Geraint Jones: Jordan Asparassa; Jackson Gravatt; Tom Edmonds; Mathew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Jack Davies; Jack Brown; Ethan Morgan: Alex Jenkins (Capt); Luke Dedman: Josh Hamer; Dan Colley; Dom Colman. Replacements: Dan Howells; Hywel Baker; Alfie Evans-Fecci; Tom Barrass; Cian Evans; Jesse James; Liam Price; Gwion Jones.
 
 

Weather decimates local rugby this weekend (31.01.26)

 

Premiership Division:

 

Stradey Park unfit for play

Llanelli Wanderers P Narberth P

 
**Match postponed**
 
Narberth: Harry Fuller: Osian Hill; Aled Davies; Harrison Griffiths; Dean James: Nico Setaro; Lewys Gibby: Josh Wrigglesworth; Tom Clarke; Ryan Rees: Sam Martin, Caleb Salmon: Jac Delaney; Sam Davies; Roy Osborn. Replacements: George Rossiter; Kyle Hamer; Tom Slater; Dewi Williams; Jake Bowen; Jonathan Rogers; Brad Cramb; Josh Thomas.
 
Llanelli Wanderers: Nick Gale: Jac Hart; Owin Davies; Josh Batcup (Capt); Lee Watkins: Rhys Harries; Aaron Hemmings: Keelan Jewell; Rhodri Owens; Gareth Havard: Dylan Lewis; Ryan Evans: Ben Chiffi; Sianco Morgan; Callum Williams. Replacements: Dean Howells; Dion Roberts; Alex Williams; Lewis Clayton; Tom Davies; Johnny George; Rhydian Morgan.
 
 

Championship Division (West):

 

Preseli Men off at Gowerton

 

Gowerton P Crymych P

 
**Match off – Pitch unfit for play**
 
Crymych: Tomos Davies: Aled Lewis; Ifan Phillips; Laurence Headlam; Jac Griffiths: Deiniol Mathias; Daf Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffiths; Osian Charles: Luke Freebury; Matthew Freebury: Llyr Davies; Trystan Davies; Osian Davies. Replacements:  Rhys Richards; Morgan James; Osian Thomas; Sion Evans; Rhys Davies. Travelling Reserves: Carwyn Rees; Aled Harries.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls stifled by heavy rain

 

Fishguard & Goodwick v Carmarthen Athletic

 
**Match postponed – The Moors waterlogged**
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Dom Sinnott; Rhys Evans; Dan Clancy; Ed Rathbone: Joss Lerwill; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Will Robinson; Iwan McVeigh: Cai Llewellyn; Osian Rowe: Bryn Thomas; Sion Colella; Rhys Lewis (Capt). Replacements: Liam Wilkes; Simon James; Griff Williams; Jordan James; Jack Richards. Reserves: Alun George; Sion Perkins; Dave Pugh.
 
 
 

Borderers beaten by bad weather

 

Whitland P Aberaeron P

 
Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn
 
Whitland: Lucas Dance: Tomos Hughes; Rhys Davies; Mike Georgiau; Noah Toland: Will James; Gareth Davies: Shane Clrake; Matt Driver; Ceiron Evans (Capt): Trystan Bowen; Alan Proctor: Josh Clarke; Connor Toland; Osian Thomas. Replacements: Dafydd Walters; Wyndham Williams; Jonny Phillips; Aaron Thompson; Rhys Nicholas.
 
 

Division Three (West):

 

All Blacks postpone because of a family loss

 

Tumble P Neyland P

 
**All Blacks have sustained a family bereavement and Tumble rightly agreed to postponement**
 
 
 

Friday-Night Floodlit Tussle called off

 

Haverfordwest v Narberth Athletic

 
**This match was called off because of a waterlogged pitch**
 
 

King George Vth not fit to play

 

Cardigan  P Milford Haven P

 
**Called off despite yeoman work done on the pitch**
 
Cardigan: Llyr Jones: Alun Jenkins; Joe Thomas; Emyr Harries; Iwan John: Jac Davies; Ifan James: Andrew Jones; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Dean Harries; Dan Jones: Kieran Hurley: Guto Davies; Marcus Castle (Capt). Replacements: Owen Fletcher; Connor Owen; Aaron Tomkinson; Flynn Tjoonk; Luke Rogers.
 
Milford Haven: James Williams: James Trueman; Robbie Williams; Dan Jenkins; Owyn Griffiths: Efan Morgan; Dan McClelland: Ben Jenkins; James Davies; Quin Macgrath: Brandon Cooper; Ethan Aldred: Dylan Morgan; Ieuan Davies; Zac Davies. Replacements: Dylan Morgan; Zac France-Miller; Jonathan Thomas; Luke Ryan
 
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Scarlets miss a match again!

 

Pembroke P Llanybydder P

 
**Llanybydder unable to raise a team**