Feature Match – Division Three (West):

 

Blues take a tumble in error-strewn start to the New Year

 

Haverfordwest 5 - Tumble 18

 
Haverfordwest’s hopes of leap-frogging over Tumble into second place were denied in front of a good home crowd as The Blues entire game, despite some clear effort, was error-strewn so that they regularly lost good platforms thorough basic errors and carless conceding of penalties.
 
In sharp contrast, Tumble’s pack was disciplined and held the ball for periods of time with their ability to keep close possession, which was clearly frustrating for The Blues and their vociferous supporters.
 
Tumble also had calming influences in outside half James Owens, skipper Steffan Price in the centre and full back Steve Hewitt, now past his 40^th birthday but still serving his only club so well and an easy choice as man of the match as he coolly dealt with aimless high balls, returning them with interest, and always popping up in the right place at the right time.
 
For The Blues, No 8 Mikey Griffiths, prop Jamie Zambas and Jack Clancy, called in late but used as a key ball-winner and user in the absence of the missed Karl Busch, caught the eye up front and teenagers Login Young and Liam Hughes looked sharp with ball in hand – but the coaches’ reactions on the touchline showed the frustration in the camp.
 
Yet Haverfordwest made a cracking start with a superb early try after Adam Phillips had been held up sort and play was spread wide where Mikey Griffiths rounded of some excellent handling at pace to score in the corner.
 
But Tumble served notice of intent as Steffan Owen, Dafydd Thomas and Ryan Williams set the platform and from the resultant penalty, Hewitt notched his first kick on target and right on the interval they took the lead as persistent pressure in the clubhouse corner saw winger Alan King squeeze over and Hewitt landed the extra points to put his side 10-5 in front.
 
Then Rhys King was the second member of the family to get on the scoresheet soon after the restart as he also claimed a good winger’s try but although Hewitt missed the difficult conversion, he made amends with another three-pointer.
 
This meant The Blues would need two scores to win and they certainly raised the tempo but also conceded a third try as a mistimed pass saw skipper Steffan Price race clear but he was hauled down by The Blues’ defence.


And perhaps the final moments summed a disappointing day for Haverfordwest as they hammered away just a few yards from the Tumble try lane but the visitors defended well before a knock-on denied them even a losing bonus point as Tumble remain in the top two promotion places – but The Blues could still overtake them but need to get back to the basics from now on!





 
Haverfordwest: Jake Morgan: Logun Young; Liam Hughes; Iestyn Arnold; Scott Candler: Adam Phillips; Liam Eaton: Jamie Zambas; Iori Curtis; Dan Berry: Jake Evans; Jack Clancy: Dev Williams; Ioan Hawkridge-Joes; Mikey Griffiths. Replacements: Terry Lovell; Andrew Edwards; Matty Phillips; Isaac Kelso-Jones; Ifan Williams.
 







 

Premiership Division:

 

Bargoed 33 - Narberth 29

 
 
NO DETAILS SUPPLIED BY NARBERTH RFC
 
 
Narberth: Ashley Sutton: Harry Fuller; Aled Davies; Harrison Griffiths; Osian Hill: Jonathan Rogers; Josh Thomas: Tomos Richardson; Tom Clarke; Ryan Rees: Sam Martin; Dewi Williams: Sam Davies; Tom Powell (Capt); Roy Powell. Replacements: Jake Bowen; Tom Slater; Kieran Allen; Nico Setaro; Dean James; Brad Cramb.
 
 
 

Championship Division (West):

 

Crymych’s quest for first league win halted by snow!

 

Crymych 17 - Kenfig Hill 21
 
(match abandoned after 60 minutes)

 
Crymych’s realistic hope a first win in this season were halted by the snow that fell at Parc Lloyd Thomas and brought about an end to play after 60 minutes as Kenfig Hill were concerned about travelling him in poor conditions.
 
In the past the time played would have been enough to let the score stand but under current laws that is not so – and although The Preseli Men were denied their chance it means that the game has to be replayed at a later date so at least, they now have a second bite of the cherry, rather than having to settle for a losing bonus point.
 
For the record, Crymych led 12-7 at the break through tries from Tomos Phillips and Jac Griffiths, one converted by Eilir George, who also scored their third try after the break.
 
For Kenfig Hill, there were also three tries, two by Chris Leyshon and the other by Jayden Williams, who landed all three conversions to give his side the lead, but with The Preseli Men still in with a real shout of victory!
 
Crymych: Eilir George: Lawrence Headlam; Tomos Phillips; Ilan Phillips; Jac Griffiths: Deiniol Mathias; Daf Williams (Capt): Harri Vaughan; Lee Griffiths; Gad Bowen: Dion Gibby; Llyr Davies: Osian Thomas; Sion Wilson; Carwyn Phillips. Replacements: Lloyd Davies; Matthew Freebury; Tom Tagg; Trystan Griffiths; Steffan Crossman.
 
 
 

Division One (West):

 

Colley’s try double helps Seasiders

 

Felinfoel 5 - Tenby United 21

 
Two tries by ace back-row poacher Dan Colley, helped Tenby win well at Felinfoel, and in the process leap-frogged over their opponents and into second place.
 
The Seasiders used their pack power to take the sting out of Felinfoel’s plans as Tom Barrass led by example and had great support from the front row of Hywel Baker, Jack Brown and Ethan Morgan, plus the ball-winning in the loose by Luke Dedman, Mx Brindley and especially Colley and No 8 Dom Colman.
 
Scrum half Dai Jones had to leave the action early with a head injury but talented youngster Bowyn Clark replaced him and put in strong claims for the man of the match award. Geraint Jones, Tom Edmonds and New Zealander Jackson Gravatt defended well so that all the home side could muster was a try from a controlled rolling maul finished off by hooker Harvey Jones.
 
Wingers Jordan Asparassa and Matthew Lewis also posed a threat in attack but on this occasion it was the back row that supplied the tries as Colman put in a typical down-the-middle rampage to the posts - and Colley popped up with his try brace as his first came just before half time from all of a foot out, and then added his second soon after the restart with some sleight of hand involving his knees as well that totally summed up his contribution.
 
Outside half Lloyd Thomas, who controlled play throughout, added the conversions and although coach Jonathan Evans might have liked a fourth score for a bonus point, he readily admitted that this was a committed all-round performance that keeps the pressure on Burry Port since The Seasiders have two games in hand over the runaway leaders.
 
Tenby United: Geraint Jones: Jordan Asparassa; Jackson Gravatt; Tom Edmonds; Matthew Lewis:
Lloyd Thomas; Dai Jones: Hywel Baker; Jack Brown; Ethan Morgan: Tom Barrass (Capt); Luke Dedman: Max Brindley; Dan Colley; Dom Colman. Replacements: Jack Davies; Alfie Evans-Fecci; Max Boswell; Josh Hamer; Bowyn Clark.
 
 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls claim full points against basement battlers Betws

 

Betws 7 - Fishguard & Goodwick 29

 
Fishguard and Goodwick were able to celebrate a welcome third league win with of the campaign this victory over bottom-placed Betws, still seeking their first win after nine defeats now, especially since The Seagulls also claimed a bonus point after scoring the fourth of their five tries.
 
Betws have now lost nine games on the trop but played with some fire as hooker Gareth Comely scored their try, converted by full back Tom Best – but it was The Seagulls who ruled the roost as their pack, well led by young skipper Rhys Lewis, played well and as a result scrum half was able to keep his backs moving whilst also snipping over for their second and fifth tries.
 
Winger Dom Sinnott opened their account with his first try as reward for recent good performances, with No 8 Jac Delaney crossing the whitewash and prop Ryan McVeigh adding the fourth score to ensure a bonus point before Jones rounded off the scoring.
 
Outside half Mike Jenkins added two conversions and The Seagulls were well pleased with their third win of the season, which moved them up to sixth spot in the table.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Dan Evans: Dom Sinnott; Dec Thomas; Dan Cleary; Rhys Evans: Mike Jenkins; Max Jones: William Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Ryan McVeigh: Rhys Lewis (Capt); Griff Williams: Bryn Thomas; Jack Richards; Jac Delaney. Replacements: Will Robinson; Iwan McVeigh; Joss Lerwill; Ely Hannigan.
 
 
 

Division Three (West):

 

Cardis miss out in low-scoring tussle

 

Cardigan 8 - Llandeilo 14

 
Points were very much at a premium as Cardigan missed out against a Llandeilo team which moved closer to Haverfordwest in third spot after Haverfordwest’s loss at home to Tumble – but The Teifisiders commitment in freezing cold conditions at least earned them a losing bonus point for coming within seven points of their opponents.
 
They actually opened their scoring after two minutes with a Llyr Jones penalty, only for Llandeilo to his back three minutes later when pacy centre Tom Davies sped through to the posts and Steff Roberts converted.
 
And although both teams had half chances, neither was able to add to their tally – but Llandeilo took a giant step towards victory when centre Davies showed his class with a second try, again converted by Roberts.
 
It says much for Cardigan’s commitment that they maintained their efforts and finally managed to break down the stubborn Llandeilo defence when second row Dean Harries rounded off a period of pressure to plough through for an unconverted try in the 74^th minute.
 
It set up some further pressure by the Teifisiders but, try as they might, they were unable to add to their tally so Llandeilo claimed their fifth win from eight games – and the homesters had to settle for that single bonus point!
 
Cardigan: Shaun Leonard: Llyr Jones; Iwan John; Emyr Harries; Alun Jenkins: Jac Davies; Ifan James: Luke Palmer Davies; Owen Fletcher; Andrew Jones: Flynn Tjoonk; Dean Harries: Kieran Hurley; Rhodri Davies; Marcus Castle (Capt). Replacements: Ben Hughes; Dan Jones; Jack Stone; Joe Thomas; Sam Lloyd.
 
 
 

Division Four (West) A:

 

Emlyn ease home as Rees punishes Quins’ indiscipline

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 14 - Dreigiau Emlyn 19

 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins’ home defeat by Dreigiau Emlyn lost them top spot in the section table as undefeated Pontyberem’s easy victory over Teirw Crymych put them back in front with two games in hand.
 
The Quins did pouch a bonus point but after taking an early seven-point lead were surprised by the power and commitment of The Dragons – and although the home side outscored their opponents in terms of tries, they conceded penalties which winger Deiniol Rees landed with aplomb and it took a last ditch second try to earn them that solitary point.
 
It was a cracking early break from his own 22 by Tom Sonovan that set up the early try as second row Liam Baker did well to react quickly when Donovan was brought down close to the try line – and he dived over before skipper Ben Hathaway added the extra points.
 
Perhaps it lulled The Quins into not focussing as they normally do because Emlyn hit back with a good try by full back Celt Davies, converted by Deiniol Rees, who added his first penalty to nudge his team into a 10-7 interval lead.
 
The Quins had their chances after the oranges as Craig Barnett, Jack Price, Ben Gibby and Aaron James tried hard to raise the tempo but a mixture of over-eagerness and taking the wrong options caused chances to be frittered away and Deiniol Rees added insult to injury as he landed three more penalties.
 
The Quins did have the final word as Barnett’s clever chip through allowed replacement Damo Miller to out-speed the Dragon’s cover defence and Hathaway converted – but there was no time for any further play and Emlyn’s second string moved into the top half of the table with their fourth win from eight starts.
 
Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway (Capt): Tom Donovan; Jake Griffiths; Jack Price; Gethin Bradney: Craig Barnett; Morgan Rogers: Jason Keats; Jack Hagan; Dan McLeod: Liam Baker; Lewys Scourfield: Aaron James; Dan Wilkes; Ben Gibby. Replacements:  Harry Owen; Sam Cawley; Damien Miller.
 
Dreigiau Emlyn: Celt Davies: Deiniol Rees; Bobi Jones; Osian Taylor: Mackenzie Thornton; Llyr Tobias: Tomos Price: Niki Williams; Dylan Davies; Ieuan James: Aled Davies; Tomos James: Edryd James (Capt); Celt Jones; Aled Jones. Replacements:  Meirion Thomas; Tomos Davies; Owain Thomas, Osian Maelor; Owain Kremers
 
 

Eight-try Ponty show their power

 

Teirw Crymych 10 - Pontyberem 55

 
Pontyberem showed why they are clear leaders in the table as they recorded their eighth victory in as many matches, running in eight tries, whilst The Bulls battled hard to grab tries from a penalty try and another by outside half Tomos Davies; joining Rhys ‘Beaky’ Davies in having claims for the team’s man of the match choice with the latter’s all-round play after coming back into action catching the eye.
 
Ponty’s tries came from Elis Nicholas (2), McCody Jones (2), Corey Harvey, Josh Farnell (2) and Tom Lloyd, with Rhodri Lewis slotting six conversions alongside a first-half penalty.
 




 

Seasiders Seconds run in ten tries

 

Tenby United Athletic 64 - Llanybydder 10

 

Tenby United Athletic took the chance to increase their ‘Points For’ column for the season with this match at Heywood Lane where they ran in ten tries against a Llanybydder side which was almost always on the back foot but kept grafting away in defence and were finally rewarded with two tries.
 
Those Llan scores came from second row John Evans and outside half Osian Roberts as others who caught the eye in terms of commitment were forwards Kai Hamer, Rhys Jones, Lucas Adams and skipper Wyn Davies, with full back Llion Williams and centre Jake Russell putting in a busy shed.
 
The Athletic’s tries came from skipper Jack Gooding, Darcy Langston, Will Swales, Dan Howell, Dylan Johns, Keanu Williams (2), Joe Adams, Rob Ayers and Ben Pugh, with Harry Rossiter completing another good performance at No 10 whilst also converting seven tries as his side moved into third place as their reward.
 
Tenby United: Joe Andrews: Keanu Williams; Dylan Johns; Jack Gooding (Capt); Darcy Langston: Harry Rossiter; Ben Pugh: George Osborn; Dan Howells; Joe Poole: Rhys Grigg; Lewis Catt: Cian Knights: Will Swales; Liam Pugh; Ben Pugh. Replacements: Rob Clark; Iorri Richards; James Morgan; Taz Richards; Luke Hartland; Jack Guerreiro.