Feature Match – Division Three (West)

 

Blues go top with local derby win

 

Haverfordwest 36 - Neyland 17

 
Local derbies between Haverfordwest and Neyland are traditionally hard-fought and this one was no exception as no quarter was asked for or given before The Blues moved to the top of the table with a win that puts them ahead of New Dock Stars, who have a game in hand, and Tumble who are a few points adrift in third place, writes Bill Carne.
 
Haverfordwest enjoyed a possessional advantage on the backs of their powerful scrum but Neyland deserve every credit for the way that they stuck to their task, with ferocious tackling and speed to the breakdown that forced the Blues to concede numerous penalties and have home head coach Simon Lepetit shouting ‘No Pens’ in vain throughout the game!
 

Blues good value for an interval lead

 
Neyland missed a first-minute penalty chance as Rio Phillips was off target but The Blues soon took an early lead with a simple penalty from opposite outside half Adam Phillips, who was in top form with his powerful right boot.
 
The Blues had other chances but a mixture of ‘white line fever’ and All Blacks’ defence saw there was no further scoring until the 31st minute when they moved play right from a close-range scrum and a flat pass by centre Iestyn Arnold put young full back Harry Makepeace over in the far corner before Adam Phillips added the touchline conversion.
 
A superb Arnold midfield tackle brought loud cheers from the home crowd and they were delighted again just before the break as more forward pressure by the front row of Jamie Zambas, Iori Curtis and Terry Lovell saw the young hooker drive through for a try which Adam Phillips again converted.
 
But there was still time for Rio Phillips to land a penalty after outstanding forwards Owain and Iestyn Evans, Adam Peel and Alex Swales earned the straight-forward penalty to reduce The Blues lead to 17-3 at half time.
 

No shortage of effort on either side

 
Unusually, Adam Phillips missed his most straight-forward three-pointer - but he was soon landing a simple two points after good play up front by Mikey Grifffiths, Dylan Williamson,  Jake Evans and especially Karl Busch saw play spread wide and centres Arnold and Dan Birch put skipper Jack Evans over for a converted try.
 
But The All Blacks refused to submit, with scrum half Owen Hamer leading several charges that also featured skipper George Williams and his brother Ben, George Evans, Alex Swales and Lewys Scourfield,  which allowed Owain Evans to storm over the line as reward for being the best Neyland forward on view, Rio Phillips adding the extras.
 

Plenty of points late on

 
There was still time for a spate of late scoring as Haverfordwest added their bonus point try as scrum half Liam Eaton pounced on a loose ball in the clubhouse  corner, Adam Phillips again landing the difficult extra points.
 
Neyland skipper George Phillips then sliced through for an excellent score, converted by Rio Phillips - but with referee Julian Thomas, who had an excellent game, looking at his watch, The Blues had the final word as skipper Jack Evans rounded off a good move and Adam Phillips completed a fine display of place kicking from all angles, except the easiest one!
 
It was a cracking game to watch and although Haverfordwest were deserved victors it was a shame that Neyland didn’t pocket a bonus point in another match that showed that, despite the WRU’s efforts, local derbies are still worth a look for anyone who enjoys their rugby!







 
Haverfordwest: Harry Makepeace: Jack Evans (Capt); Dan Birch; Iestyn Arnold; Scott Candler: Adam Phillips; Liam Eaton: Jamie Zambas; Iori Curtis, Terry Lovell: Karl Busch;  Jake Evans: Dylan Williamson; Mikey Griffiths; Kieran Harries. Replacements: Dan Berry; Rhydian Watkins; Devin Williams; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; Jack Codd.
 
Neyland: George Williams (Capt): Liam Rees; Tom Hughes;   Shane Phillips; J Vanadaudau: Rio Phillips; Owen Hamer: Adam Peel; Alex Swales; Seb Mackintosh: George Evans; Liam  Baker: Lewis Scourfield; Owain Evans;  Iestyn Evans. Replacements: Martin Kerrison; James Hamilton; San Cataki; Andrew Slark.





 
 
 
 

Championship Division (West):

 

Preseli Men pocket deserved points

 

Gorseinon 22 - Crymych 22

 
Crymych’s total commitment paid off with a draw at Gorseinon where they shared the four points allocated, plus a bonus point for scoring four tries – but they fought back superbly from a 5-17 interval deficit to actually lead by 22-17 going into the final stages – only for the home side to grab a late try, fortunately for Crymych unconverted, to deny the Preseli Men a deserved full five points.
 
The Preseli Men found themselves 12-0 after only ten minutes through tries by winger George Davies and outside half Emrys Jones, one of them converted by scrum half Jack Gronow,  the No 10, before full back Eilir George responded with an unconverted try.
 
No 8 Jamie Evans added a third try for Gorseinon to make it look ominous for Crymych but their pack responded brilliantly to add further tries from hooker Ben Cox and outstanding flanker Llyr Davies, who worked in a tireless unit with Iestyn Wood and Tom Taylor.
 
Strong-running centre Laurence Headlam scored a quality try sandwiched in between and one conversion from George made that five-point difference – but then hooker Cameron Griffiths ploughed over from close range to earn his team a draw  and leave the Preseli Men falling just short of a second success on the trot!
 
Crymych:  Eilir George: Jac Griffiths; Laurence Headlam; Brad Cramb; Aled Davies: Rhys Davies; Daf Phillips (Capt): Harri Vaughan, Ben Cox; Osian Charles: Luke Freebury; Matthew Freebury: Iestyn Wood; Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor. Replacements:  Bradley Daviies; Tomos Tagg; Osian Thomas; Sion Wilson;  Deian James.
 





 

Division One (West):

 

Amazing Seasiders’ turn-around in a week

 

Lampeter Town 7 - Tenby United 45

 
What a difference a week makes!
 
Only seven days before, Tenby United were disappointed with a narrow defeat at home to Lampeter Town but they made the journey for a swift return fixture determined to make amends and boy did they do it in style as they led 21-0 at half time and limited a strong home team to one converted try whilst running in six tries of their own.
 
Dan Colley unusually didn’t manage to get his name on the scoresheet but the No 8 featured strongly alongside try-scorer Josh Hamer and Cian Evans, with the front row of Hywel Baker, Jack Brown and Ethan Morgan providing good ball on the ground and skipper Alex Jenkins and Luke Dedman also catching the eye in the ball winning stakes.
 
Bowyn Clark joined Lloyd Thomas at half back and both featured as Clark grabbed two tries and Thomas providing all six conversions and a penalty, whilst Liam Price looked back to his best in the centre alongside Tom Edmonds, scoring a try after good work by Jordan Asparassa and Gwion Jones, celebrating his 100^th game for The Seasiders and receiving the new cap designed by the club.
 
Dom Colman also came on as replacement and added a try to set the seal on a resounding success that keeps Tenby in third place and still in with a genuine chance of promotion if they can maintain this form until the end of the season!
 
Tenby United: Gwion Jones: Jordan Asparassa; Liam Price; Tom Edmonds; Matthew Lewis: Lloyd Thomas; Bowyn Clark: Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Ethan Morgan: Luke Dedman; Alex Jenkins (Capt): Cian Evans; Josh Hamer; Dan Colley. Replacements: Jack Davies; Tom Barrass; Jesse James; Dom Colman; Geraint Jones.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Borderers battered as Athletic run up three figures

 

Carmarthen Athletic 101 - Whitland 12

 
Whitland’s difficult season continued as they made the relatively short trip to play Carmarthen Athletic and had local pundits scratching their heads about whether The Borderers had ever conceded a three-figure score before in their distinguished history.
 
The Athletic had previously won by 57-0 at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and this was their 11^th win to maintain their 100% record and stay three points ahead of the next two teams, but having played four games fewer!
 
For the record, The Athletic try scorers were full back Zac Williams (3), winger Harri Jones, centre Tom Gravell, winger Morgan Morse, No 10 Deian Morgan, No 9 Tom Jones (3), second row Josh Witney (2), flanker James Thomas (2) and replacement prop Sean Jones.
 
Zac Williams added eight conversions for a personal tally of 31 points, and other conversions came from Morgan (3) and Gravell (2) to complete the points glut.
 
For Whitland, there were tries for  centre Lucas Dance and scrum half Rhys Nicholas, with full back Shane Rossiter also adding a conversion.
 
Whitland:  Shane Rossiter: Tom Day; Lucas Dance; Gavin Smith; Tomos Hughes: Gareth Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Morgan McLuckie; Matt Driver; Ceiron Evans (Capt): Alun Proctor; Charlie Wilson: Rhys Evans; Jack Jenkins; Cian Harries. Replacement: Shane Clarke.







 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Wasps win at Crickmarren but Scarlets retain the Palmer Cup

 

Pembroke 21 - Llangwm 24

 
Llangwm completed a surprise, but deserved victory at Crickmarren against a Pembroke side which lost key scrum half Iolo Williams in the opening exchanges, and they failed to find their customary rhythm – but it was The Scarlets who retained the Palmer Cup, competed for annually between these old rivals, because they had already won 43-14 at Pill Parks.
 
It was perhaps ironic that scoring two of the Llangwm tries was outstanding centre Aaron James, who was playing on permit alongside outside half Euan McDonald, with both catching the eye; the other scores coming from second row James Wade, after a good pick-up on the 22 and then fending off two defenders on a run to the line, and winger Jack Roberts as he rounded off a backs’ move where he still had a bit to do. Two of these tries were converted by full back Breig Matthews.
 
For The Scarlets it was perhaps a bad day at the office, alongside The Wasps playing well as a result, and Jared Sherratt, Rhys Johns and Rhodri Walters  all playing in the No 9 role- but Pembroke lost their attacking shape as a result as they resorted to one-up carriers which were easy to defend.
 
Zak Shaw was excellent punching holes but the home side didn't have the dominance in the scrum that they had against Pontyberem last week or against Llangwm in the away match so they couldn’t really complain as Llangwm also tackled very well.
 
 Lewis Dennison from The Scarlets’ youth made his 1st team debut and showed up really well, making several powerful carries - there was a lot of endeavour without enough creativity and their tries came from - Rhys Johns (2) and Rhodri Walters, all three converted by Jared Sherratt.
 
The Palmer Cup was presented post-match to Pembroke skipper Dan Davies, but with Llangwm going back across the Cleddau Bridge, delighted with their first match victory in this popular series in well over a decade!
 
Pembroke: Lewis Davies: Damo Stratford; James Allen; Rhys Johns; Tobi Pratt: Jared Sherratt; Iolo Williams: Seamus Wiseman; Dan Davies (Capt); Jonny Palmer: Toby Hounsell; George Jones: Rhodri Walters; Rhydian Eynon; Zak Shaw. Replacements: Theo Davies; Lloyd Davies; Tom Cabot; Lewis Dennison; Evan Davies.
 
Llangwm: Breig Matthews: Joe Johns; Owain Jones; Aaron Jones; Jack Roberts: Euan McDonald; Dylan Philpott:  Joe Newton; Phil Llewellyn; Callum Jenkins: Ryan Banner; James Wade: Liam Barber; Morgan Rees; Ryan Cole. Replacements: Callum Joslin; Jake Thomas; Morgan Crowe; Alfie Elrick; Rhydian Jones.
 






 

Seasiders win well but Llan claim a deserved bonus point

 

Llanybydder 26 - Tenby United Athletic 52

 
Tenby United completed a high-scoring double but Llanybydder grabbed a deserved bonus point for scoring four tries in an entertaining tussle where both teams were eager to play running rugby.
 
The Seasiders Athletic included a number of talented youngsters and five of them scored tries, led by Iwan Duffy and Dylan Johns, who both claimed two of them. Others came from Tom Faletau, Cemlyn Boulton, Connor Keir and Rhys Kemble, with No 10 harry Rossiter converting six of them.
 
For a gritty Llanybydder side there were tries from Jamie Jones, Aron Davies, John Evans and Wyn Davies, with Aron Davies converting them.
 
Tenby United Athletic Squad: Cemlyn Bolton; Fletcher Broadhurst; Rob Clark; Iwan Duffy; Cal Earland; Tyler Evans; Jack Gooding (Capt); Jack Guerreiro; Nick Guymer; Ryan Hill; Dylan Johns; Connor Keir; Rhya Kemble; Cian Knights; Rob Luly; James Morgan; Joe Poole; Iorri Richards; Harry Rossiter.
 
 





 

Raymond hat-trick as Saints back row shines

 

Teirw Crymych 7 - St Davids 45

 
Saints’ back rowers George Raymond and skipper Nathan Foster who were very much to the fore as they shared five tries against Teirw Crymych, with Daf Williams as the third member of a terrific trio who played a fundamental part as their team completed the double over The Bulls, having  already won 27-14 at home.
 
The Saints opened their account after only four minutes from winger  Bob Froy, after a quick tap penalty and the ball being spun wide to the left winger - and ten minutes they added a second try as  George Raymond line broke away from a lineout 15 yards  to score a try converted by Froy.
 
Powerful No 8 Raymond added an almost identical second and Froy converted to earn his side a deserved 19-0 lead at the break, before The Bulls scored their only points after 55 minutes.
 
But The Saints added to their tally from a pick-up pick up from Raymond, who linked with linked Nathan Foster to put powerful full back Ben Joyce in at the corner, with Froy doing well to convert.
 
A George Raymond break earned him a deserved hat-trick before good interplay from within their own half saw centre Luke Bamford through to the line  before skipper Nathan Foster added the final try, again from a good attack initiated near half way
 
Teirw Crymych (From):  Tomos Davies; Steff Rees; Ollie Griffiths; Will Boulton; Taran Morgan; Steffan Crossman; Dafydd Bryan; Ifan Laugharne; Robet Davies; Owain Rees; Delme Alleyne; Jac Williams; Ieuan Barnes; Gwion Evans; Tomos Davies; Iwan James; Lloyd Hughes.
 
St Davids: Ben Joyce: Danny Voyce; Luke Bamford; Harvey Lavin; Bob Froy: Aaron Foster; Owain Swaine; Ryan John; Adam Williams; Jac Norcross: Iestyn Owen; Aled Davies: Daf Williams; Nathan Foster; George Raymond. Replacements: Ben Lloyd; James Goldsmith; Mike Gurney; Tom Goodson; Ryan McVeigh.
 
 

Premiership Division:
 
Otters just miss out against powerful Merthyr

 

Narberth 19 - Merthyr 22

 
**Sadly, No details supplied by the home club!**
 
 

Match OFF:
 
Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls left without a game

 

Fishguard & Goodwick P Betws P

 
**Betws unable to raise a team**