Midweek Rugby Round Up

Crymych win keeps them on track to stay in the division

Crymych 24 - Gowerton 10

Another superb home win earned Crymych all five points against second-placed Gowerton and as well as denying the opposition any lingering hopes of the title means that The Preseli Men now need only four points from four matches to avoid the ‘dreaded drop’, all of them at home.

Crymych had lost by a massive 64-17 in Gowerton but provided early signs that there would be no repeat result as they led 14-5 at half time thanks to good tries by the ubiquitous Tom Powell in the back row and pacy winger Tomos Lewis, both converted by centre Jake Jenkins.

Gowerton’s only response came from an unconverted try by Nathan Evans and they managed another score after the break by Josh Hamer – but Crymych were always in control as they added further scores from centre Carwyn Phillips and replacement flanker Gethin Davies, both converted by Jake Jenkins as The Preseli Men powered to a bonus point win.

They now have home games against Llangennech, Felinfoel, Tycroes and Kidwelly in the knowledge that a single win is all they need, whilst Tenby United have been sucked into the bottom two but can escape going down if they play to their potential against Llanelli Wanderers, Dunvant and table-topping Felinfoel in their final fixtures.

PHOTO:
Flanker Tom Powell crossed for a try for Crymych

Borderers lose – but are still favourites for the silverware

Yr Hendy 22 - Whitland 17

Whitland’s hopes on winning Division Two (West) suffered a set-back as they lost their table-topping clash with Yr Hendy but with a vital game in hand and just a three-point gap between the teams The Borderers know that if they win their match at Fishguard this Saturday and then their home tussle a week later against Mumbles they can still achieve that aim.

Gareth Bennett’s boys looked as if they might win this game where both teams were already assured of promotion as they lead 14-3 at the interval, after Rhydian Morris had kicked the home team in front with an early penalty but then the visitors came back with a try by Jack Mason from a forward drive initiated by the ageless Dai Ebsworth.

Sion Coles added a second score, both converted by Nico Setaro but after the oranges Yr Hendy fought back with tries from Chris Bowen, Dan Williams and Jake Newman, two of them converted by Morris – but importantly they were unable to secure a bonus point for four tries and The Borderers made sure of a vital point for being within seven points of the opposition when Setaro landed a late penalty.

PHOTO:
Whitland skipper Jack Mason scored a try at Yr Hendy

Scarlets’ comeback secures favourites tag

Pembroke 41 - Aberaeron 24

Pembroke remain very much as favourites to claim the section title after winning this tough tussle against fourth-placed Aberaeron which sees them trail current leaders Milford Haven but with three games in hand.

But an upset certainly seemed on the cards at Crickmarren as Aberaeron were 24-17 in front at half time scored three tries through full back Morgan Llewellyn, scrum half Dafydd Llewellyn and centre Tom Slinger, plus three conversions and a penalty from Rhodri Jenkins.

But Pembroke had second use of the strong wind and brought on skipper Scott Powell and some of the ‘big guns’ who had been rested after their epic Welsh Cup Final at the Principality Stadium and they scored 31 points without any response from Aberaeron.

Deceptively powerful winger Elliott Evans scored the first and third tries for the Scarlets, with a try by centre Dan Colley sandwiched neatly in between, converted by his co-centre Shaun Dalling.

The Scarlets had been trailing by 24-5 at on stage but raised the tempo considerably after the oranges as Sam Smith scored a try converted by brother Toby to tie things up before Dan Colley sped through for two tries to complete his hat-trick and Shaun Dalling rounded things off with the try of the match which was converted by Toby Smith to set the seal on The Scarlets come-back success.

PHOTO:
Dan Colley scored a try for Pembroke

All Blacks so close in late charge for victory

Laugharne 26 - Neyland 24

Neyland showed the promise that exists in their camp as they fought back from a 12-26 deficit in the final quarter against third-placed Laugharne to trail by two points – but a late long-range penalty from skipper Steve Martin fell short and the home faithful heaved a huge sigh of relief.

Top scorer Mikey Williams opened the Laugharne account, followed by skipper Carl Smith, a penalty try and Rhys Thomas, two of them converted by Tom Jameson.

But The All Blacks refused to submit and Martin claimed a quality try and another followed from No 8 Scott Buirds, before late scores by winger Craig Grice and centre George Williams, two converted by Martin.

But it was a case of just a little too much for The All Blacks as Laugharne held on at the finish to stay in third place, but knowing they had been in a real battle as they held on by the skin of their teeth.