Photo: Roy Osborne en route for his first try
Photo: Narberth go forward again
 

Championship Division:

 

Otters bounce back to winning ways

 

Narberth 44 - Ystalyfera 0

Narberth bounced back from some disappointing results to secure a convincing victory, with No 8 Roy Osborn as man of the match for his three tries and all-action play, over Ystalyfera by running in six tries and – perhaps even more importantly, kept a clean sheet.

It was Ystalyfera’s first visit to the Lewis Lloyd Ground and they made a promising start in the opening minutes as they were awarded several penalties for good pressure – but then were rocked back on their heels by a superb try from The Otters as Nick Gale set up a counter-attack from within his own 22.

The visitors’ outside half Gareth James, one an Otter himself, tried a little dink over the top buy Gale was waiting and went quickly to his right to cause consternation. He found winger Joe Hutchings with a well-timed pass and the ubiquitous Osborn brushed through tackles and sped over from half-way for Gale to add the extra points.



It was a body blow for Ystalyfera and they were 27-0 down by the interval, with Hutchings rounding off the half with a cracking score alongside other by Osborn and Tom Powell.

The second half saw Ystalyfera try hard to prevent scores but Osborn completed a deserved hat-trick and Hutchings grabbed his second score – and with Gale finishing up with four conversions and two first-half penalties it was a good day for his father Sean, who as head coach must have been delighted with his team’s defence as well as those six quality tries.

Prior to the match there was a minute's silence for Richard Lewis, who was a try-scoring winger with The Otters.

Narberth: Nick Gale, Elliot Dawe, Josh Davies, Joe Hutchings, Dafydd Pritchard, Ianto Griffiths, Rhys Lane, Bradley Davies, Rhodri Owens, Tom Slater, Jake Baker, Alex Jenkins, Rich Rees (capt), Tom Powell, Roy Osborn. Replacements: Dan Smith, Dan Jacobs, Dewi Williams, Jonathan Rogers, Lewys Gibby.



Photo: A minute silence for Richard Lewis 
 

Division One (West):

 

Borderers squeezed out despite Setaro’s points

 

Gowerton 17 - Whitland 13

Second half indiscipline cost Whitland as they slipped to a narrow defeat in Gowerton.

The Borderers stood at 10-10 half time with all their points coming from No 10 Nico Setaro, who crossed for a try after being set up from a good break by second row Courtney Bowman.

The outside half also converted and added a penalty, but the home side ensured they were level at the break as Anthony Osborne went over for a try, and like Setaro, Paul Spowart added five points with the boot.

But the defining moment came in the second half when the visitors were down to 13 men, after yellow cards to flanker James Lewis and replacement Ryan Morgan.

The hosts took advantage as No 8 Ashley Morgan scored with Spowart again converting, and despite another Setaro penalty, Whitland were unable to get the score they needed late on.

Whitland: Gino Setaro, Jonathan Thomas, Alex Codd, James Stephenson, Jac Howells, Nico Setaro, Josh Thomas, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Michael Ryan, Courtney Bowman, Ben Kirk, James Thomas, Jamie Lewis, Jack Mason. Replacements: Dai Ebsworth, Tom Finucane, Ifan Lewis, Ryan Morgan, Olly Hughes.
 

Photo: Nico Setaro - again scored all Whitland's points

 

Preseli Men continue to struggle

 

Llangennech 24 - Crymych 10

Crymych competed well in Llangennech but ultimately suffered a damaging day with both No 8 Osian and prop Rhys Davies being red carded.

The hosts led 10-3 at the break as winger Tom Davies and full back Tom Neale both went over for unconverted tries, but the Preseli Men kept in touch with a penalty from No 10 Ifan Phillips.

No 9 Gareth George grabbed an early try in the second half that Neale converted, but Crymych hit back as winger Laurence Headlam rounded off some slick handling to touch down for a try, and Phillips converted to make it 17-10.

But then Osian Davies was dubiously red carded for a perceived high tackle, and namesake Rhys followed suit after a scuffle, and Llangennech made them pay as No 8 Jordan Saunders crashed over and Neale converted.


 

PHOTO: Aber on the charge

 

Scarlets sunk at Crickmarren

 

Pembroke 13 - Aberystwyth 39

It was billed as a potentially pivotal game at the bottom of Division One West, and it was controlled by Aberystwyth as they turned in a powerful display to beat Pembroke at Crickmarren.

The defeat leaves The Scarlets bottom of the table for Christmas, despite being level on points with both Crymych and Llanelli Wanderers, and undoubtedly facing a fight to survive following an afternoon where their injury worries deepened further.

Scrum half Tom Lewis was stretchered off early in the second half before being taken to hospital, to compound a difficult day for the home side despite them taking an early 3-0 lead when a scrum penalty presented No 10 Toby Smith a simple penalty.

Aber carry with great purpose

But as the rain teemed down, Aber’s runners off half backs Llyr Thomas and Steff Rees carried with a lot more purpose and it was a burst from winger James Coulton that created the first try. He took an inside pass off No 10 Rees and after being hauled down in the 22 a penalty followed – which his outside half duly kicked to the corner.

The inevitable lineout drive came from which second row Dan Binks touched down.

The pressure continued and Aber went close again when prop Ashleigh Paget drove within inches of the line only for the Aber pack to be penalised at the breakdown - but the second try soon came when hooker Geraint Evans rounded off a series of charges by barging over from close range.

Rees converted to make it 12-3 and the Mid-Wales side then extended their lead further as the Scarlets were guilty of some sloppy play in their own 22, with winger Adam Cavell intercepting a loose pass and going under the posts. Rees converted.

Pembroke rally but Aber soon back on top

Pembroke rallied though and on the brink of half time they got the score they desperately needed – flanker Rhodri Walters finding himself in midfield and delivering a long pass from which centre Tom Harding-Jones scored in the corner.

Aber re-assumed control early in the second half though as No 8 Lee Gower, impressive throughout, took a pop pass off Thomas to score and Rees converted – with home no 9 Lewis then carried off after going down awkwardly in the build up to the try.

Another charge from Gower then led to a penalty chance that Rees goaled to make it 29-8, before Pembroke gave themselves a glimmer as Smith took a quick tap penalty 20 metres out and he and Harding-Jones combined to put replacement hooker Shane Gwyther over out wide,

Crucial period for The Scarlets

But as conditions worsened Rees did brilliantly to land a penalty from the touchline for Aber and then with time running out, replacement Oisin Canney crashed over from close range to seal a job well done for the visitors.

It leaves Pembroke now facing a crucial three game period either side of Christmas, with a derby with Whitland followed by a home game with Penclawdd and a trip to Llanelli Wanderers.

“They were more clinical than us and the injury to Tom is a big loss for us,” admitted home captain Scott Powell.

“But we have to get on with things and try and bounce back.”

Man of the match: Lee Gower

After a difficult start, Aber got on top of things in the set piece and played the power game. It worked.

Gower was one of those integral to that. He frequently carried and made hard yards, and his second half try was just reward.

Gower’s display reflected that of his team at Crickmarren – physical but controlled.

Pembroke: Kyren Gray, Shaun Dalling, Tom Harding-Jones, Dan Colley, Geraint Powell, Toby Smith, Tom Lewis, Lloyd Davies, Seamus Wiseman, Johnny Palmer, Dom Colman, Will Edwards, Harry Phillips, Rhodri Walters, Jordan Gwilliam. Replacements: Jamie Kaijaks, Scott Powell, Jack Smythe, Barrie Alderman-John, Shane Gwyther.

Aberystwyth: Steffan Rees, James Coulton, Carwyn Evans, Matthew Hughes, Adam Cavell, Steff Rees, Llyr Thomas, Owain Bonsal, Geraint Evans, Ashleigh Paget, Arwel Lloyd, Dan Binks, Bryn Sheppard, Lewis Elig-Jones, Lee Gower. Replacements: Oisin Canney, Dorian Jones, Rhodri Evans, Ifan Jones, Steffan Rafferty.

Referee: Jason Ludgate.

Photo: Aber in control via Llyr  Thomas

 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls stronger in second half

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 24 - Kidwelly 16

Fishguard and Goodwick completed the double over bottom club Kidwelly after they had started the season with a 24-15 win at Parc Stephens and gained this second success by a very similar scoreline.

But at half time the home supporters were biting their naps a little because The Seagulls had made a few errors and conceded points to trail 13-16 – but whatever coaches Nathan and Steve Jenkins said during the interval the homesters certainly tightened up their defence to concede no further points.

Customarily known as slow starters Fishguard actually made a bright start when centre Sion Rowlands but all they could muster for the rest of the opening half was a try by winger Ed Bendall to go with a Mark Jones’ penalty, despite the efforts of half backs Jake Jenkins and Dan Evans, plus the likes of James Griffiths, Rowlands, Ryan McVeigh, Will Delaney and Luke Freebury..

In the meanwhile, Kidwelly had a penalty from James Owens and a try from winger Alan Squires which Owens converted alongside two more kicks on target.

But Mark Jones slotted a penalty to level matters after the oranges and in the final quarter, with Simon James, Gavin Walsh, Gwilym Evans and Ben Jones having put in useful shifts, winger Rhys Evans sped over the line.

Mark Jones missed the conversion but made amends with a penalty that took the lead beyond a single score and that is the way things stayed until the final whistle.

Fishguard: Mark Jones, Ed Bendall, James Griffiths, Sion Rowlands, Rhys Evans, Jake Jenkins, Dan Evans, Ryan McVeigh, Gavin Walsh, Will Delaney, Gwilym Evans, Ben John, Luke Freebury, Simon James, Chris Shousha (capt). Replacements: Andrew Morillo, Ryan Foot, Richard Hunter, Alun George.

 

 

Seasiders so close to another win

 

Tenby United 17 -  Nantgaredig 17

Tenby fought back from a 17-7 half time deficit to draw their game with Nantgaredig, but head coach Jonathan Evans was still disappointed after his side failed to turn pressure into points in the final quarter.

The Seasiders went 7-0 up early on a No 8 Harry Bolton scored a try that outside half Harry Rossiter converted, but Nant stormed back as Daf Lewis and George Gleeson both touching down, and Lloyd Williams twice added conversions and also landed a penalty.

But in the second half Tenby dominated the set piece and this paid dividends when from a close range scrum, Bolton picked up and went under the posts for another score that Rossiter goaled.

The latter then levelled matter with a penalty on the 60 minute mark, but then wasted a series of good positions before having to settle for a draw.

“We kicked aimlessly in the first half and it cost us,” admitted Evans.

“And we had a lot of opportunities in the last 20 minutes but couldn’t convert.”

Tenby United: Joe Owen, Oakley Milton, Yannic Parker, Luke Hansford, Jack Gooding, Harry Rossiter, Ben Pugh, Ethan Morgan, Dan Allen, Rob Luly, Luke Dedman (capt), Huw Evans, Jack Brown, Harry Bolton, Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Jim Brace, Will Swales, Ben James, Zac Rowell, Ollie Brown
 

Photo: Harry Bolton - two tries for Tenby's veteran flanker. Picture by Susan McKehon

 

Weather halts Mariners trip to ‘The Bont’

Pontarddulais P Milford Haven P

*Match postponed – ground unfit for play because of inclement weather

 

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Cardis gain revenge despite Llangwm’s hard work

 

Cardigan 17 - Llangwm 0

Cardigan gained revenge for a first-day defeat against Llangwm as they prevented The Wasps from scoring any points whilst scoring three of their own in conditions that were never easy.

Leading the way for the Teifisiders was influential No 8 and team captain Tom Taylor, who not only led by example in the forward exchanges but scored the first-half’s only try, which was converted by Iwan John

In a game that was stop-start because of the referee’s whistle neither side was really ably to get up a concerted head of steam but although Llangwm were unable to register on the points’ sheet Cardigan added further tries by Cerith Griffiths and Taylor, both unconverted but making sure that The Teifisiders continued their move up the section table.

Cardigan: Llyr Jones, Mike Richards, Kieran Greenland, Rhun Phillips, Oliver Leeming, Iwan John, Danny Bradshaw, William Brice, Ben Cox, Andrew Fletcher, Kester Adams, Dyfed Symmons, Sion Phillips, Gruffydd Lewis, Tom Taylor. Replacements: Ben Hughes, Callum Plowright, Siôn Hughes, Cerith Griffiths, Aaron Tomkinson.

 

Photo: Tom Taylor - two tries for Cardigan captain

 

Blues win local derby tussle

 

Haverfordwest 31 - Neyland 5

Haverfordwest gained their expected win at home to Neyland but not before The All Blacks had pushed them all the way and had an outstanding cameo from 44 year old Chris Busby, who was magnificent in leading their inexperienced pack by example.

Also prominent was young flanker Owain Evans, who claimed Neyland’s only try as he picked up five metres out and ploughed over the line – “Both played superbly in defence, said team manager Peter Davies”.

Blues’ coach Steve Barnett also praised the Neyland battling spirit was pleased with The Blues’ performance after looking a little off-colour in their previous match.

“Outside half Elgan Roberts scored two tries and was everywhere in winning our joint man of the match award alongside forward Ashley James, who is growing in confidence as each week passes.”

Joining Roberts on the try sheet were Mikey Jones (2) and skipper Matty Phillips, with No 10 Jones also landing three conversions with his accurate right boot.

Haverfordwest: Craig Barnett, Unaia Balekinasiga, Jack Evans, Jake Evans, Tony Steiner, Mike Jones, Elgan Roberts, Terry Lovell, Matthew Clayton, Tom Carrington, Ashley James, Jack Clancy, Gareth John, Matty Phillips (capt), Ashley George. Replacements: E Parsons, Lee Summons, Ross Watkins, G Sargent.
 

Photo: Mikey Jones  16 points for Haverfordwest No 10

 

All square in thriller between two strong teams

 

Aberaeron 29 - Laugharne 29

Aberaeron and Laugharne showed why they are promotion candidates and contenders for the Welsh National Bowl competition as they shared 58 points at Y Park in a pulsating contest where fortunes ebbed and flowed as the lead changed hands several times.

It looked as if Laugharne might just snatch ‘The Double’ glory, having won 30-23 at home, as they were once 11 points ahead – and with moments to go they were 29-20 in front but then the homesters struck with venom.

Outside half Rhodri Jenkins collected the ball nearer his own 22 than half way and sliced through to the Laugharne 40-metre line before putting a telling kick ahead as the cover closed him down  - but centre Daf Llewellyn gained three metres on his markers to claim the touch down at the posts for Jenkins to add the simple extras.

Laugharne led 17-15 at half time and putting in an impressive performance throughout was they back rower Mikey Williams, who grabbed a try hat-trick alongside a good try by Will Evans.

Tom Jameson landed three conversions and a penalty but Aberaeron remained in tough with tries from winger Ifan Slinger, hooker Ceri Davies, prop Alex Danton and Daf Bayley, one converted by Jenkins

But then came that fateful moment where Llewelyn struck and Jenkins claimed that last two points to tie things up – and leave both sides glad to share the spoils but a little disappointed they didn’t win!
 

Photo: Mikey Williams - try hat-trick for Laugharne at Aberaeron

 

Lampeter show why they top the table

 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 3 - Lampeter Town 22

Lampeter showed why they are currently top of the table as they made the long journey to Bierspool and beat fellow promotion hopefuls Pembroke Dock Harlequins and in doing so also pouched a bonus point for scoring four tries.

It was deserved revenge for the Mid Wales side because they had lost at home to The Quins on the first day of the season but on this occasion restricted them to a solitary first half penalty by outside half Tyler Castle as their forwards were that little too experienced and quicker to the ball.

The Quins did have a ‘try’ by winger Gethin Bradney ruled out as Lampeter had tries of their own from flanker Tyler Heath alongside  second rows Gareth Griffiths and Daryl Davies, whilst influential outside half Osian Jones also crossed the whitewash and added the conversion.

Making his centre debut for The Quins was former Whitland player Josh Thomas, who joined his old pal Jack Price in midfield but this powerful pairing simply didn’t have enough possession to exert their considerable influence.

The Quins did manage to raise the tempo a little after the interval but failed to turn periods of pressure in to points as the Lampeter defence held firm – and the visitors made sure of success when No 10 Jones sliced through for a try which he also converted.


 

St Clears win the ‘Battle of the Saints’

 

St Clears 26 - St Davids 5

Player coach Gethin Bateman praised a resilient display from his St Davids side in St Clears but the visitors were undone by a classy display from home centre Rhodri Jones.

Twice in the first half Jones pounced on errors from the away side to score tries, and he completed a hat trick after the break with No 8 Tom Rees also crossing. Dan Griffiths added three conversions.

But the Pembrokeshire Saints kept battling as flanker Andrew Groves and centre George Raymond both impressed, and they got the try their play deserved when full back Rhys Morgan barged his way over in the corner late on.

“We dominated possession for large parts,” said Bateman afterwards.

“There was nothing wrong with our commitment. But we made two errors which led to tries in the first half and in those conditions it’s always going to be hard to play catch up”

Regardless, St Davids enjoyed their night afterwards with the players dressing up as elves, and chief supporter Carwyn Price donning a Santa outfit!

Photo: Rhodri Jones - three tries for St Clears' classy centre