Third Division (West) A –

Midweek rugby, weekend forecasts and reflections on the season’s performances in this section

Laugharne 32 - Aberaeron 31

Laugharne effectively secured third place in Division Three (West) A as they edged out promotion aspirants Aberaeron by the odd point in 63 in a pulsating finale at their Wooford Ground.

Led by inspirational skipper Carl Smith, who is stepping down after their final match at home to Pembroke Dock Harlequins, the club’s excellent coach Gary ‘Sheeno’ Price must have joined stalwarts like club sec Alun Jenkins in biting their fingernails down to the quick as the lead changed hands several times as Aberaeron knew they needed a bonus point win and seemed to have reached that target as they led 31-27 deep into a protracted period of time added on by the referee.

Mikey makes it a home win with late score

But there was still time for The Laugharnees to make one more charge and No 8 Mikey Williams grabbed his second try from close range to edge them that vital point ahead – and for some terrific defending from a five-metre scrum as Aberaeron tried desperately to claw their way back. Indeed, they had one final chance when reliable kicker Rhodri Jones lined up a 50-metre penalty but the kick fell just short and Llangwm were home and dry!

As well as the hardy band of home supporters there was also a collective sigh of relief from the sizeable contingent of Milford Haven players and followers who were in attendance!

Bare statistics don’t paint the real dramatic picture

For the record, Laugharne’s tries came from winger Will Evans, No 8 Williams (2), outside half Owain Thomas, and lively hooker Ritchie Waters, two of them converted by Steff Davies alongside a vital first-half penalty.

Tudur Jenkins led the Aberaeron pack well with a hat-trick of tries alongside others by scrum half Gareth Jones and Rhodri Thomas, who also chipped in with three conversions – but it was just too little, too late for Aberaeron, who can now only hope for a miracle if they are to secure the section silverware!.

Forecasts for Saturday:

Division Three (West) A:

Mariners have to beat The Quins to seal the silverware

Milford Haven v Pembroke Dock Harlequins

Milford Haven coach Nathan Williams knows that his talented team have to beat basement battlers Pembroke Dock Harlequins, who are destined to finish bottom but one, with only two wins all season and a back-log of fixtures after failing to make long away trips.

But the former top player known to all as ‘Gully’ knows The Quins are likely to field a decent side for this fixture and will totally banish any suggestion that all The Mariners have to do is turn up to be presented with the trophy.

Quins’ coaches Ian Osbourne and Neil Machin, who have battled hard all campaign, will be eager to see their squad to well to at least end the season a high note!

The Mariners won 39-3 on the opening day of the season and two defeats in 19 outings is proof positive of Milford’s consistency from a very strong all-round squad - and it would be interesting what odds any local bookmakers would offer on a Milford defeat as they are forecast to run in a shed-full of tries!

PS: We checked and they wouldn’t offer any odds!

Aberaeron looking for consolation win at The Athletic Ground

Neyland v Aberaeron

Aberaeron travel to The Athletic Ground aiming to finish their season in style after the disappointment of their midweek defeat, but knowing the high skill levels and commitment of Neyland when they have a full squad available.

Indeed, The All Blacks made a brilliant start as coaches Graham Richards and Steve Evans, assisted by team manager Peter ‘Jack’ Davies, got them off to string of wins that put them at the top of the table before a heap of injuries to young players caused them problems and they will now have to settle for mid-table.

It was never more evident than in their 69-3 defeat in Aberaeron but if The All Blacks can maintain their squad and add a few more from their youth to build a bigger squad then they could be a team to look out for!

For this match, it seems that Aberaeron are hot favourites but no-one would be more delighted than us at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk if The All Blacks cause an upset because their sparkling back play, especially from their back division when at full tilt, has been a joy to watch!

Other teams in the section:

Congratulations to LAUGHARNE on achieving third spot but a side that has flattered to deceive has been HAVERFORDWEST, who ended what seemed likely to be a really good season was also heavily disrupted with a string of injuries to key players, none more so than skipper Matthew Clark very early in the campaign.

But coach Steve Barnett will know exactly what needs to be done and we expect a rejuvenated Blues’ side to be back next season!

LLANYBYDDER joined the section and won half of their games to end up in sixth place and CARDIGAN ended up below them despite the efforts of player/coach Colin Davies, with skipper John Lumb absent for some time and being sorely missed.

LLANGWM finished in eighth place, easily their tally of five wins being their best for a number of seasons as Gethin Thomas led from the front and Luke Hayman claimed his fair share of results.

But outstanding for The Wasps was powerful No 8 Josh Hicks, who ended up with an amazing haul of 20 points as reward for his non-stop efforts with more than half of his side’s tries in the campaign.

TREGARON made long journeys aplenty but could only muster four wins but stayed above the Quins, with ST DAVIDS claiming the wooden spoon but earning credit for their determination to fulfil every fixture.

Special credit must go to skipper Rhys ‘Lossin’ Price, who has completed five years in succession at the helm, and coach ‘Ianto’ Davies, who is finally stepping down after being the cornerstone of the club  and deserves a medal for an outstanding contribution!

NEXT WEEK - PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will look at the other divisions involving Pembrokeshire clubs!