WRU Bowl Competition:

 

Blues bounced out by streetwise Fairwater

 

Haverfordwest 5 - Fairwater 15

 
Haverfordwest bowed out of the competition as they lost at home against Cardiff-based Fairwater and although they will be disappointed that they missed chances to snatch victory credit must go to a streetwise opposition who used their greater experience to good effect as they were well coached by former top player Brendan McAloon, writes Bill Carne.
 
The Blues grabbed a very early score of the highest quality but for much of the first half they were on the back foot against big forwards and experienced half backs Luke O’Brien and Liam Free – but still led 5-3 although they missed two other clear-cut chances as they conceded penalties, something they did often throughout the match to lose momentum.
 

‘Snowy’ grabs a magnificent opener

 
That try came as early as the second minute as Owen Hamer ran the ball from a set-piece and skipper Matty Phillips made a terrific midfield break, supported by No 10 Jake Morgan before player/coach Matthew John held off the cover defence to score an unconverted try.
 
It stirred Fairwater, spurred on by their vociferous supporters, to launch a series of raids from their powerful pack and backs that included Tom McAloon and Ryan Young in midfield.
 
But the Blues’ defence was magnificent and the only score against them came when Free landed a penalty after previously putting an easy chance wide of the left upright.
 

Mistakes made in set-piece that cost Blues dear

 
With the wind in their favour in the second half The Blues looked favourites, but their lineout didn’t go well in the breeze after they had gained momentum through runs by Johnny White and Matthew John, plus forwards Will Blackburn and Lewis Tingay.
 
Fairwater fought their way back upfield and grabbed a soft try as they spread play wide and winger Elliot Phillips did well to squeeze in at the corner and Free added a magnificent conversion from the touchline.
 

Key injuries at a bad time

 
The Blues lost centre Josh Thomas with a shoulder injury and influential skipper Matty Phillips at key times, the latter conveyed to hospital in a dazed state after an accidental collision with his own player.
 
Things went from bad to worse as Fairwater added a second try after a clear knock-on was unpunished and Ryan Young crossed for an unconverted try as Free’s conversion attempt hit the post from the touchline. – but the big No 10 had the final word with a late penalty after Haverfordwest had battled in vain to claw their way back.
 

Fairwater move on – The Blues must look forward

 
So, Fairwater now travel to Abertysswg in the quarter finals, and they have a genuine chance of getting to the final on this performance whilst The Blues will look back on missed chances at key times. Their supporters will also criticize the referee for the number of penalties against their side, but he must give what he says and in the final analysis the visitors would have travelled back to the outskirts of Cardiff knowing they had done a good job against a relatively inexperienced Haverfordwest side that will benefit from a disappointing experience.
 
Haverfordwest: Craig Barnett: Scott Candler; Matthew John; Josh Thomas; Johnny White: Jake Morgan; Owen Hamer: Terry Lovell; Jamie Zambas; Tom Carrington: Karl Busch; Jack Clancy: Will Blackburn; Matty Phillips; Lewis Tingay. Replacements: Iestyn Bowen; Dan Berry; Russell Watkins; Ian Hathaway; Archie Thomas.
 
Fairwater:  Troy Theaker: Ryan Griffiths; Tom McAloon; Ryan Young; Elliott Phillips: Liam Free; Luke O’Brien: Tom Leigh (Capt); Oscar O’Hare; Kyle Haley: Matt Davidson; Michael Andrews: Bradley Meis; Lewis Jones; Sean Manfield. Replacements:  Joel Brown; Anton Phillips; Kieron Brahim; Ethan Denty.
 



 

WRU Championship Cup:

 

McDonald stars in six-try Otters extravaganza

 

Ystrad Rhondda 24 - Narberth 46

 
George McDonald was again the man of the match for Narberth as the18 year old scrum half was involved in all The Otters did and brought comparisons with his father Chris at his very best as he rounded off a cracking performance with three tries.
 
Also joining him with a try hat-trick was winger Josh Davies as Narberth established a 24-17 interval lead and were always on top thereafter as their pack established the perfect platform for McDonald to work his moves, with skipper Tom Powell leading by example from his second-row berth, whilst Tom Clarke played well on debut with his tackling and excellent lineout work, plus solid scrummaging along with the relatively inexperienced Lewis Davies and Ifan James.
 
The back row of Josh Hamer, Tom Curry and especially Steff Phillips joined Rhys Williams and skipper Powell in the ball-winning stakes so that McDonald and Jonathan Rogers could control events.
 
Gino Setaro also settled in well alongside Jake Jenkins and Nick Gale covered well and landed three conversions and two penalties before he went off injured and No 10 Rogers slotted two late tries. Ashley Sutton was also solid at full back and Lewys Gibby making his return as a replacement, put in a cracking cover tackle late on which saved a certain try.
Sean Gale, the club’s director of coaching, must have been pleased with the overall performance, despite conceding tries to Liam Wiggins, Paul Morgan, and Gareth Llewellyn, all three converted alongside a penalty by Rhys Truelove.
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Nick Gale; Gino Setaro; Jake Jenkins; Josh Davies: Jonathan Rogers; George McDonald: Ifan James; Tom Clarke; Lewis Davies: Rhys Williams; Tom Powell (Capt): Tom Curry; Josh Hamer; Steffan Phillips. Replacements: Dan Smith; Bradley Davies; Alex Jenkins; Lewys Gibby; Joe Hutchings.



 

Division One (West):

 

Teifisiders take a bonus point success

 

Crymych 24 - Gorseinon 14

 
Crymych gained a deserved home win over Gorseinon at Parc Lloyd Thomas which moved them up to fourth place in the section with four wins from eight starts whilst the opposition now sit in ninth place having won only two of their seven matches played so far.
 
The win was even more satisfying for The Preseli Men since they conceded an early seven points as centre Mark Jenkins powered through and No 10 Tom O’Kelly converted for Gorseinon.
 
But Crymych kept their cool and were 12-7 up at the oranges as they pack provided a solid platform and quick handling orchestrated by Huw Rees and Gavin Thomas saw wingers Tomos Lewis and Eilir George released for tries by Tomos Phillips and Gethin Gibby, one converted by full back Osian Hill.
 
The second half saw Hill increase the homesters’ lead as he sliced through some ineffective cover to score a cracking try and then Crymych’s replacement pair of half backs caught the eye as No 10 Ifan Davies made an excellent break and partner Dafydd Phillips was perfectly placed to take the scoring pass, with Hill adding the extra points.
 
Gorseinon did manage a late second score when centre Danny Thomas grabbed a try deep into time added on, again converted by O’Kelly – but by then it mattered little because Elgan Vittle’s team were good value for victory, with a bonus point another plus.
 
Crymych: Osian Hill: Eilir George; Tomos Phillips; Gethin Gibby; Tomos Lewis: Gavin Thomas; Huw Rees: Rhys Richards; Tomos Davies; Jonathan Phillips: Andrew Phillips; Matthew Freebury: Llyr Davies; Rhys Davies; Carwyn Phillips (Capt). Replacements: Jason Nicholls; Aled Hughes; Cai Ifans; Ifan Davies; Dafydd Phillips.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls snatch victory to halt 100% Burry Port

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 10 - Burry Port 7

 
Fishguard and Goodwick produced an excellent second half display to take away Burry Port’s 100% record after five matches, a win that was even more pleasing because they were without a couple of key players and were giving a debut to youth flanker Rhys Lewis and another talented forward in Cae Llewellyn.
 
And at the interval even the hardiest home supporters might have thought it was going to be win No 6 for Burry Port as home second row Griff Williams departed injured after the start and the visitors defended well into the elements in the first 40 minutes.
 
By then The Seagulls had failed to take a few scoring chances - and the visitors showed their capabilities with a try midway through the period by centre Duane Evans which outside half Steff Howells converted.
 
Teenage back rower Lewis battled bravely for a while with an arm injury and the rest of the Seagulls’ pack battled it out against a very big Port pack and defended well alongside a determined back division.
 
Centre James Griffiths had reduced the deficit with a well-struck penalty and then skipper Chris Shousha, who had led by example to earn the ‘man of the match’ tag, smashed his way through from the 22 and Griffiths added the extra points.
 
It forced the visitors to redouble their efforts, but The Seagulls’ defence stood firm.as the final whistle saw them gain their second success from six starts.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Mark Jones: Rhys Evans; Sion Rowlands; James Griffiths; Luke Marshall: Creegan Foot; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Adam Bowen: Gwilym Evans; Griff Williams: Rhys Lewis; Cal Llewellyn; Chris Shousha (Capt). Replacements: Andrew Williams; Iwan McVeigh; Ryan McVeigh; Andrew Morrillo; Ed Bendall.
 
 

Mariners win as Seasiders fail to turn pressure into points

 

Tenby United 17 - Milford Haven 21

 
Milford Haven played really well to win their Pembrokeshire Derby against Tenby United  at Heywood Lane but although The Seasiders will be disappointed at their inability to turn periods of pressure into points they are a young, developing team – whilst The Mariners will rightly be delighted at the way their big pack performed and their three tries as proof of their backs’ ability to run the ball.
 
The Seasiders had an awful start as second row Tom Barrass was injured in the first minute and centre Yannic Parker followed four minutes later – but they were on top for the first half hour and had a cracking individual try by full back Jordan Asparassa as he fielded an attempted clearance near his own 22 and weaved his way through the entire Mariners’ side on a 70-metre run to the line. No 10 Lloyd Thomas converted to go with a penalty as his side led 10-0.
 
But then The Mariners struck with a vengeance as Dan McClelland, Steve Martin and Lee Riley combined to send centres Dan Jenkins and Dan Birch in for good tries which Martin converted to suddenly put his side 14-10 ahead at the break.
 
Milford had power aplenty via Zac France-Miller, Jimmy Buirds, Brandon Cooper, and Ben Jenkins providing a strong platform and they added a third try from skipper Dewi Williams which Martin again converted – but The Seasiders hit back late on with a try from replacement forward Mike Davis which earned them the consolation of a bonus point.
 
 
Tenby United: Jordan Asparassa: Matthew Morgan; Yannic Parker; Dan Colley; Jack Gooding: Lloyd Thomas; Cam Broadhurst: Ethan Morgan; Dan Allen; Rob Luly: Luke Dedman (Capt); Tom Barrass: Jake Roberts; Will Swales; Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Geoff Martin; Mike Davis; Jack Brown; Adam Quill; Gwion Jones.
 
Milford Haven: Jamie Lewis: Lee Riley; Dan Jenkins; Dan Birch; Ieuan Davies: Steve Martin; Dan McClelland: Ben Jenkins; Luke Ryan; Jimmy Buirds: Dewi Williams; Brandon Cooper: Kyle Hamer; Ben Groves; Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Scott Buirds; Zac Davies; James Trueman; Jay Goodall; Adam Rees.
 
 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Quins win an entertaining Bierspool tussle

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 18 - Neyland 17

 
The match between old rivals Pembroke Dock Harlequins and Neyland came alive after The All Blacks led 5-3 at the interval but The Quins edged home in a match that was full of commitment and entertaining rugby - that both teams agreed was superbly refereed by Mr Ian Jones (Pontycymmer).
 
Neyland No 8 Ben Williams had put his side ahead with a try from a controlled lineout drive and The Quins reduced the deficit with a well-struck penalty by No 10 Euan McDonald – and captured the lead just two minutes into the second period when classy centre Jack Price, who is also on coaching duties at Bierspool, scored a try after influential replacement Aaron James had split the opposition apart with a scything run.
 
But Neyland were soon on level terms when Josh Hicks, back after a game with Pembroke; blasted his way over from a terrific diagonal run before he cut back inside for an opportunist score.
 
At 10-all it was anybody’s game, and The Quins regained the initiative with a Euan McDonald penalty- and extended their advantage when replacement Sam ‘Rasher’ James came on and grabbed an unconverted try.
 
It says a great deal for Neyland’s resilience that they refused to lie down, and Harrison Grice scored a try for his outstanding performance which Patrick Bellerby converted to take his side within a point of the opposition.
 
But in the short time left The Quins’ defence remained focussed and so they claimed victory – but Neyland were good value for their bonus point!
 
 Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Thomas Wheeler: Jamie Topp; Jack Price; Aaron Cookson; Kobie Thomas: Euan McDonald; Josh Brown: Jack Davies; Rhys Roberts; Kieran Cookson: Liam Scourfield; Sam James: Dan Wilkes; Hywel Baker; Harry Owen (Capt). Replacements: Dan McCloud; Martin Culley; Sam ‘Rasher’ James; Aaron James.
 
Neyland: Patrick Bellerby: Henry McBeth; Jordan Allen-Wright; Ben Millward; Matthew Coles: George Evans; Owen Chris Morgan: Ben James; Alex Swales; Luke Griffiths-Dawes: Harrison Grice; Iestyn Evans: Josh Hicks; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Adam Collins; Steve Roberts; Craig Power; Mark James.
Referee: Mr Ian Jones (Pontycymmer), who both teams agreed was the best match official they had encountered this season.
 


 

Wasps’ victory earns them the Johnny James Cup 

 

St Davids 5 - Llangwm 19

 
Tries from Ieuan Power and Yale Grice helped Llangwm retain the Johnny James Cup as they notched a solid away win at St Davids, writes Fraser Watson.
 
As well as being the more clinical side in attack, The Wasps defended resiliently for long periods, and were able to overturn the four-point deficit from the first meeting this season and again pay tribute to the memory of one of their true club stalwarts.
 

Wasps start well – and Saints miss chances

 
It couldn't have started better for The Wasps as from a close-range lineout, a series of pick and go's culminated in prop Power touching down in the corner for an unconverted try.
 
St Davids then wasted a series of attacking set-piece positions themselves as Power and No Lewis Wood were outstanding in defence for the visitors - but eventually the scores were levelled when home centre George Raymond forced his way over out wide.
 
Full-back Jamie Lewis was then yellow carded for Llangwm for infringing at the breakdown, but still they went close again as No 10 Matthew Davies went wide and back row-forward Ian Griffiths linked well to send Finlay Elrick clear on the right - but the young winger was hauled down short.
 
A close-range penalty soon followed though, and Luke Hayman made no mistake to make it 8-5 at half-time.
 

All to play for at half time – but Llangwm take their chances

 
The Wasps then started the second half on the front foot and pressure told when centre Grice cut through a gap for another five-pointer.
 
St Davids then had two lengthy attacking spells, but neither yielded any points despite away hooker Gethin Thomas being sin-binned - as Saints' player-coach Gethin Bateman had a try disallowed.
 
With Hayman off the field, Jacob Lay landed another penalty for Llangwm and in the final minute, replacement prop Dan Murphy was sent off for the hosts after a careless high tackle on Davies.
 
It gave Lay the chance to add another penalty, and despite swirling wind, he duly judged his 30-metre effort perfectly to seal a big win for The Wasps.
 

Post-match Quotes

 
Llangwm captain Gethin Thomas: "I asked the boys for 80 minutes of hard graft and to be fair I got it," he said.
 
"We had two yellow cards, but we stuck at it and got the win. To be fair St Davids came at us hard and never gave up, but we defended well and kept them out.
 
"They want from losing at home, and the desire to take the Johnny James’ Cup home, made the difference for us."
 
St Davids player-coach Gethin Bateman: "We didn't take our chances.
"We were camped in their 22 a lot but a combination of passes going astray, turnovers, and silly penalties cost us."
 
St Davids: Harvey Godkin, Gareth Mathias, Gavin Jenkins, George Raymond, Morgan Davies, Aaron Foster, Owen Swain, Carwyn Lewis, Adam Williams, Ben Evans, Gethin Bateman, Andrew Groves, Kieran Jones, Rhys Price, Aled Davies. Replacements: Dan Murphy, Rhys Meredith-Barrett, Sol Almond, Aaron Foster, Ollie Owen.
 
Llangwm: Jamie Lewis: Finley Elrick; Yale Grice; Jacob Lay; Rhys Baker; Matthew Davies; Luke Hayman: Ieuan Power; Gethin Lewis (Capt); Andrew Millward: David Reynolds; Gavin Jones: James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Lewis Woods. Replacements: Callum Jenkins; Mikey Phillips; Cameron Sapsford; Dai Lewis; Dan Morgan.
 
 

Cardis well beaten in second half

 

Cardigan 13 - Lampeter 34

 
Cardigan led 13-12 at half time thanks to a 40^th-minute try by open-side flanker Rhodri Davies which No 10 Llyr Jones converted to go with two earlier penalties.
 
But Lampeter had already shown their attacking capabilities with tries by hooker Ryan Mackie and right winger Idris Elango, one converted by outside half Osian Jones.
 
The Teifisiders fears of a tough second half were soon realised as left winger Carwyn Lewis sped through and Jones again notched the conversion as well as claiming their fourth try which gave them a bonus point, alongside the conversion and two penalties, as The Teifisiders were left to reflect on not taking chances when they had the elements in the favour.
 
Cardigan: Ben Rogers: Tomos Jones; Aaron Tomkinson; Emyr Harries; Alun Jenkins: Jac Davies; Llyr Jones: Ben Cox; Luke Palmer-Davies; Ben Hughes: Dyfed Symmons; Sion Phillips: Kester Adams; Rhodri Davies; Tom Taylor (Capt). Replacements: Andrew Fletcher; Will Brice; Dean Harries; Sion Hughes; Callum James.