PHOTO:
Try time for Neyland fly half George Evans

 

Feature match

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Laugharne recover well to beat All Blacks

 

Neyland 14 - Laugharne 22

Laugharne fought back from a 14-10 interval deficit to end up winners by eight points against Neyland which sees them now three points behind the All Blacks but with three games in hand.

 It was an enjoyable contrast of styles as the home side looked threating through the pace and handling of their back division but too often conceded possession so that Laugharne’s greater experience up front allowed them to turn pressure into points.

The All Blacks made a terrific start with a try that stemmed from ball won by the Evans’ brothers deep in the bottom corner of their own 22 and was quickly spread wide by Henry McBeth, Alex Codd and skipper George Williams before full back Patrick Bellerby, who notched his 100 points for the season by running in from 45 metres for his 19th try, which George Evans converted.

Laugharne fought back down the slope with a burst through by powerful prop Rhys Thomas that went unconverted – and Neyland added another seven points from young fly half George Evans with a corner try and terrific conversion after Henry Durrant, playing rugby since Neyland AFC didn’t have a league match had featured twice in the build-up.

But Laugharne narrowed the interval gap to only four points when centre Tom Jameson crossed the whitewash for an unconverted score and in the second period used the power of skipper Carl Smith, Tomos Rees, Rhys Thomas and Dorian harries to score a third try from  Rhodri Davies before Smith made sure of a bonus point with their last score.

Neyland:  Patrick Bellerby: Henry McBeth; George Williams (Capt); Alex Codd; Henry Durrant: George Evans; Mark Riley: Chas Monk; Ben James; Jack Harries: Mark James; Luke Griffiths-Dawes: Iestyn Evans; Owain Evans; Ben Williams.

Laugharne: Jack Flanagan: Will Evans; Tom Jameson; Mike Williams; Gareth Spiers: Owen Thomas; Gethin Jones:  Rhys Thomas; Tom Waters; Dorian Harries: Lee Thomas; Tomos Rhys: Dai Thomas; Rhodri Davies; Carl Smith (Capt).

PHOTO:
Laugharne seal lineout possession
Pictures by Bill Carne

 

Championship:

 

Otters win top three clash

 

Narberth 19 - Ystrad Rhondda 7

Narberth produced a disciplined display against Ystrad Rhondda to gain their 15th victory in 19 starts to leap-frog over the opposition and back into second place.

It was an excellent success to gain revenge for a 20-13 loss in the previous game and from the outset it was clear there would be total commitment from both teams.

The Otters suffered an early blow when they lost key scorer Nick Gales as he sought to score in the corner and so replacement scrum half Lewys Gibby had to play out wide but did well until Rhys Lane had to leave and Gibby reverted to No 9 and also played well there.

The visitors showed why they are so strong as they opened the scoring with a well-conceived 25th-minute try from winger Curtis Williams that was converted by Corey Sheppard.

Price shows his all-round skills!

The Otters responded just four minutes later when some good handling allowed centre Jack Price to show his skills and elusive qualities before he crossed the whitewash and Jonathan Rogers added the extra points.

Price also showed his ability to play anywhere when Callum Tree, who had made a useful debut as lock, had to leave the field and Price moved up into the second row!

The Otters led 14-7 at the break after they had been awarded a penalty try when the referee decided there had been too many infringements near the line and enough was enough!

The second half was no less hard-fought, with both teams having chances they were unable to take, until The Otters claimed the decisive score from a try by centre Kieron Jones as he broke the shackles and sprinted clear.

It was a quality finish to a tough tussle and the home supporters were rightly pleased by the way they had stuck to a difficult task against a very useful opposition!

Narberth: Ianto Griffiths, Nick Gale, Kieran Jones, Jack Price, Gethin Gibby, Jonathan Rogers, Rhys Lane, Daniel Jacobs, Rhodri Owens, Tom Kaijaks, Alex Jenkins (capt), Callum Tree, Dewi Williams, Kyle Hamer, Roy Osborn. Replacements: Bradley Davies, Dan Smith, Llew Jones, Lewys Gibby, Jake Jenkins.

 

PHOTO:
Jack Price - try for Narberth centre - and a spell in the second row!

 

Division One (West):

 

Gorseinon gain revenge over disappointed Preseli Men

 

Gorseinon 46 - Crymych 23

An interception try turned the tide at Gorseinon as Crymych ended up well beaten.

After 30 minutes the sides were locked at 6-6 as home No 10 Jack Gronow and opposite number Ifan Phillips both landed two penalties each – but then the away side were stunned by three tries in quick succession.

Nicky Jenkins scored the first in controversial fashion as he cut out a pass in midfield and the referee ignored the Crymych protests that he was offside, and raced to the posts. Aled and Jamie Evans then both touched down and Gronow added the conversions.

The latter added a penalty and a try himself early in the second half and Geraint Morgan and Kieran Craig also crossed for the home team, with Gronow adding the extras each time.

The Preseli Men did get three tries to show for their efforts as winger Laurence Headlam went over and there were two scores from hard working flanker Gethin Davies, one converted by Phillips, but all in all it was an off day for the visitors.

“At 6-6 we were in the game then things went against us,” said Adrian Howells.

“But we stuck at it and everyone put a shift in.”

 

Borderers gain deserved double

 

Kidwelly 22 - Whitland 38 

Whitland stormed back from being 17-5 down at half time to notch a bonus point win at Kidwelly.

The Borderers started well as returning full back James Stephenson went over for a try, but the home side responded through Rhys Michen, Alan Squire and Curtis Ford, one converted by Gareth Rees.

The second half was one-way traffic though as prop Aaron Mayne and second row Courtney Bowman went over for the visitors, both converted by Nico Setaro to make it 19-17 to Whitland.

And they didn’t let up there as Stephenson crossed again after a neat side step, and veteran second row Raff Williams cut a great angle to score from close range and Setaro converted.

Winger Jonathan Thomas then completed the win, going over after a neat break from replacement scrum half Josh Thomas and Setaro again landed the extras.

“Things didn’t go well for us in the first half but we showed a lot of character to come back,” said Whitland backs’ coach Dan Mason.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Scott Lloyd, Gino Setaro, Josh Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Nico Setaro, Adam Davies, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Jimmy Buirds, Raff Williams, Courtney Bowman, Ben Kirk, Jamie Thomas, Scott Buirds. Replacements: Josh Thomas, Tom Finucane, Ryan Morgan, Simon Meakins, Jack Mason.
 

PHOTO:
James Stephenson - try brace for Whitland

 

Dunvant too strong for struggling Seasiders   

      

Dunvant 48 - Tenby United 10

It was a difficult day for Tenby in Dunvant as the Seasiders were with without a number of young players tied up with their successful youth team.

And it arguably paid dividends with the youth beating Pentyrch 47-14 to reach the final of the WRU Bowl competition at the Principality Stadium in May.

But it meant Gareth Thomas and co took a depleted side for Swansea although No 10 Lloyd Thomas impressed, side stepping his way over for a first half try from 20 metres out and also adding a conversion and a penalty.

The home side were always in control though, and turned a 24-10 half time lead into an eventual 48-10 win with a try hat trick for Sam Hawkes, and further scores from Ben Davies, Sam Crowley, Adam Williams-Parry, Matthew Richards and Glenn Williams. Williams-Parry also kicked four conversions.

Tenby United: Jordan Asparassa, Greg Griffiths, Billy Truman, Moritz Neumann, Mark Hamilton, Lloyd Thomas, Dan Thomas, Ethan Morgan, Dan Allen, Rob Luly Huw Evans, Tom Barrass, Gwilym Owens, Jason Ronowitz (capt), Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Nicky Guymer, Ryan Jones, Jack Davies, Nathan Owen, Lloyd Davies.

 

PHOTO:
Lloyd Thomas - scored all Tenby's points

 

Division Two (West):

 

Match abandoned in closing stages but Seagulls hope the result will stand

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 27 - Tycroes 14  (Abandoned after 75 minutes)

Fishguard and Goodwick played really well against fourth-placed Tycroes to lead by 20-7 at half time and by 27-14 with only five minutes left – but than a visiting player sustained a nasty ankle injury and the match was abandoned.

It understandably left The Seagulls disappointed but they hope that after discussions with the visitors’ officials that the result will stand because the homesters had given value for money in a game where both teams deserve credit.

The Seagulls have gained the unenviable record of being regarded as slow starters but they seemed intent on not repeating their 29-14 in Tycroes as they opened with a good support try by scrum half Andrew Williams and a penalty from No 10 Geraint Jones.

Team skills pay off for Seagulls

But scrum half Aled James reduced the deficit with a quality try converted by Lee Evans before The Seagulls played some quality rugby inspired by the likes of Ryan McVeigh, Simon James, Ben John and skipper Chris Shousha that saw them claim further tries by full back Robbie Jones and prop Lewis Davies, one converted by Jones after Gavin Walsh had supplied the scoring pass.

Tycroes showed why they have been a force to be reckoned with as they added another try by second row John Jones alongside a conversion by Evans but it was Fishguard who remained on top..

Home skipper Shousha ploughed over for a try converted by Jones to make sure they kept their noses well in front until that final few minutes – but know they have to wait to see what their fate is likely to be!

Fishguard: Robbie Jones, Osian Lewis, Thomas George, Kial Keane, Ed Bendall, Geraint Jones, Andrew Williams, Ryan McVeigh, Gavin Walsh, Tomos Evans, Ben John, Luke Freebury, Lewis Davies, Chris Shousha (capt), Simon James. Replacements: Liam Wilkes, Jordan James, Richard Hunter, Mark George, Osian Lewis.
 

PHOTO:
Andrew Williams - good try for Fishguard

 

 

Toby tears Mumbles apart with 29 points

 

Mumbles 24 - Pembroke 44

29 points from outside half Toby Smith helped Pembroke gain revenge over Mumbles for a contentious home defeat and kept alive their hopes of the section silverware as he claimed a hat-trick of tries, four out of six conversions and two penalties.

Mumbles also played their part in an entertaining match and were still in with a shout until the final quarter, when The Scarlets eventually utilised their fitness levels and played well after three weeks of league inaction.

But there was no sign of ring-rustiness at the start as flanker Rhodri Waters scored a try which Toby Smith converted, as he did when brother Sam was driven over at a line-out.

Mumbles showed they were not prepared to surrender; playing better than their tenth place would suggest as Tom Richards landed a penalty and converted a try from James Doyle to reduce the deficit to four points at half time.


Pembroke again started the second half well as Toby Smith landed a penalty and then was put through for his first try by young half back partner Tom Lewis – only for Mumbles to score an unconverted try in reply.

Toby Smith was on hand to round off a break by teenage full back Tom Harding-Jones and added the conversion for good measure but again the home side claimed another try.

It was to be their final score, however, and the Scarlets Sam Smith combined with Lewis for their fifth try before Toby Smith completed the scoring with another seven points.

Pembroke: Tom Harding-Jones: Barry Alderman-John; Jack Parkinson (James Davies); Dan Colley; Simon Stanford: Toby Smith; Tom Lewis: Johnny Palmer (Dom Colman); Seamus Wiseman (Rhys Mainwaring); Mark Thomas (Jack Smythe);: Scott Powell (Capt); Will Edwards (Jordan Gwilliam): Rhodri Waters, Alex Thomas; Sam Smith.

PHOTOS:
Scott Powell soars in this lineout
Tom Lewis urges his pack on
Tom Harding-Jones on a typical burst
Pictures by James Lewis 

 

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Blues win well to deny Teifisiders

 

Cardigan 17 - Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest find themselves in second place after this hard-fought win against a gritty Cardigan side that had coach Colin Davies leading up front and skipper John Lumb making a welcome return at the back.

The Blues made a good start as quick hands released winger Josh Atherton for a try which Mikey Jones converted but Cardigan showed they were not going to surrender as centre Lumb cut through for a try which No 10 Iwan John converted.

But with Carl Busch, Paul Thomas, Ashley George, Jack Clancy and the rest of their pack working well as a unit The Blues added two unconverted tries before the break from Jones and centre Matty Phillips to lead 17-7.

The Teifisiders made the better start to the second half and busy flanker Tom Taylor scored a try converted by John before Jones steadied the visitors’ battle plan with two well-struck penalties.

In the closing stages Cardigan had chances but The Blues defended well before John slotted a late penalty for The Cardis which ensured they collected a bonus point for their considerable part in a good contest.

Cardigan: Llyr Jones, Cerith Griffiths, John Lumb, Marcus Castle, Rhydian Jenkins, Iwan John, Gwern Phillips, William Brice, Luke Palmer-Davies, Andrew Fletcher, Sion Phillips, Dyfed Simmons, Tom Taylor (capt), Sion Hughes, Colin Davies. Replacements: Bedwyr Davies, Elliot Dry, Gruffydd Lewis, Ifan Morgan, Toby Neilson-Dry.

Haverfordwest: Rhys Baker: Jamie Barnett; Matty Phillips; Gareth Owens; Josh Atherton: Mikey Jones (Capt); Lee Summons Rhodri Harries; Jamie Zambas; Matthew Clayton: Paul Thomas; Carl Busch: Ashley George; Jack Clancy; Steve Thomas. Replacements: Terry Lovell; Ben Lloyd.

 

PHOTO:
Mikey Jones - led Haverfordwest by example

 

PHOTO:
Scrum half Luke Hayman breaks the gainline for Llangwm

 

Hayman and Hicks guide Wasps to double win

 

Llangwm 20 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 8

Llangwm completed a rare double when they beat Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Pill Parks in a match that was played with vigour, and no shortage of skill, despite both teams being in the lower regions of the section table.

Key figures for The Wasps were Luke Hayman, who directed operations behind the scrum and landed ten points, and No 8 Josh Hicks, who was again on the scoresheet with a close-range try, whilst Quins’ No 15 Rhys Bradney played well alongside his younger brother Gethin at scrum half.

Llangwm had previously won 22-5 at Bierspool and they made a good start here as Hayman punished some Quins’ errors with two penalties – but then Bradney claimed three points for the visitors and before half time added a good corner try from some hard work by Joe Smith.

Hayman missed the chance of a third penalty success before half time but The Wasps’ pack dominated after the oranges and after 56 minutes Hicks changed the match in his inimitable style by ploughing his way through for Hayman to add the extra points as skipper Gethin Thomas. Ieuan Power and Ian Griffiths also caught the eye.

With ten minutes left Ben Goodridge added their second try, again converted by Hayman, to set the seal on a Wasps’ win – and then the celebrations started in the their’ clubhouse with all their sponsors in attendance!

Llangwm: George Morgan: Iwan Griffiths; Robbie Neil; Joe Lewis; Ben Goodridge: Lewis Murphy, Luke Hayman: Will Scriven; Gethin Thomas (Capt); Ieuan Power: Ashley James; Dave Reynolds: James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Josh Hicks. Replacements: Phil Llewellyn; Gavin Jones; Lewis Wood.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Rhys Bradney; Dan Donovan; Richard Jones; Harry Lawrence, Jake Griffiths: Kieran Machin; Gethin Bradney: Tom Clarkson; Nick Drewett; Joe Grey: Martin Cully; Ben Gibby: Harry Owen; Jordan Palmer; Hywel Baker (Capt). Replacements: Steffan Sheehan; Bradley James; Will Nicot; Jordan Brown.

PHOTO:
Llangwm try-scorer Josh Hicks on the charge

 

Saints suffer in Llanybydder

 

Llanybydder - St Davids 5

There was a battling display for St Davids in Llanybydder but overall the home side proved too strong for the Saints.

The Bydder failed to raise a team in two of their last three games but were at full strength on Saturday as full back Arwel Thomas and No 8 Ricky Davies scored a brace of tries each. No 10 Steffan Richards, flanker Aled Evans, winger Matt Jenkins, centre Luke Evans and replacement full back Jordan Jones also touched down with conversions shared between Richards (5), Thomas and Jones (one each).

The Saints did have a try as reward for keeping going from replacement prop Dan Murphy, who burrowed over from close range.

St Davids: Luke Brooks, Adam Williams, Gabe York, Rhys Morgan, Dan Ridge, Mathew Bennett, Harvey Godkin, Ben Evans, Rhys Price, Adam Williams, Rhys ‘Loshin’ Price, Gethin Bateman, Josh Strangward, Anthony Davies, Andrew Groves. Replacements: Will Davies, Dan Murphy.

 
 

Aberaeron good value for Mid Wales’ success

 

Tregaron 17 - Aberaeron 53

Aberaeron showed why they are favourites for at least a top-two place as they easily won this Cardigan Bay tussle, running in  nine tries to Tregaron’s three; and in doing so completed a high-scoring double since they had won 31-0 when the teams last met.

Rhodri Thomas certainly led the way with an excellent hat-trick of tries as centre Tom Slinger, winger Bleddyn Thomas, full back Morgan Llewellyn, centre Dyfrig Dafis, prop Owen Wozencraft and outside half Rhodri Jenkins also got their names on the try sheet.

Jenkins also landed four conversions as the home side kept plugging away and had tries by Gethin Williams, Chris Wilks and Dorian Pugh, one converted by Huw Bonner.