Featured Match:

 

Asparassa inspires points-hungry Quins

 

Llangwm 10 - Pembroke Dock Harlequins 57

Four tries by powerful centre Jordan Asparassa helped Pembroke Dock Harlequins continue their unbeaten start to the season as they made the short journey across the Cleddau Bridge to Pill Parks and comfortably accounted for old rivals Llangwm.

At the end of last season The Quins seemed down and out but have revitalised under coaches Neil Machin and Ian Osbourne, with Asparassa and co-centre Jack Price playing influential roles as their record stands now at played three, won three.

They served notice of intent from the outset as they played up the slope and were quickly ten points to the good after Luke Hayman had missed an early penalty chance for The Wasps, with Asparassa crossing in the top right corner and then winger Rhys Bradney showing his elusive running to score in almost the same spot.

Llangwm enjoyed a period of pressure in which skipper Josh Hicks, Gavin Jones and James Lewis caught the eye before second row Matthew Lewis scored a try which Hayman converted to go with a penalty.

But right on half time The Quins scored a vital try by Price which Ben Hathaway converted to put the visitors 17-10 to the good.

The second half saw The Quins take control as Asparassa again raced through and then winger Josh Brown grabbed his first try for the club, both converted by Hathaway, before Asparassa made it four tries when he crossed the whitewash twice more.

Hathaway added his name to the try sheet but failed to convert – but made no mistake as influential outside half Kieran Machin spotted a gap and scored the Quins ninth try and Hathaway added the extras.

Llangwm: Carwyn Morgan: Joe Lewin; Yale Grice; Lewis Murphy; Dan Morgan: Luke Hayman; Ollie Davies: Gavin Jones, Phil Llewellyn; Steve Rees: Jason Mock, Matthew Lewis: James Lewis; Ian Griffiths; Josh Hicks (Capt). Replacements: Dan Ridge, Dan Hughes, John ‘O’Rourke; Kieran Bradley; James Griffiths.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins: Ben Hathaway: Rhys Bradney; Jack Price; Jordan Asparassa; Josh Brown: Kieran Machin; Gethin Bradney: Liam Smith; Carl Williams; Jack Davies:  Paul Busby; Mark Van Rhun: Alex Pearce; Harry Owen; Ollie Parsons. Replacements: Dai Moseley; Dan McLeod; Sam James; Ben Gibby; Dan Dawson; Jordan Palmer.
 

PHOTO: Jordan Asparassa - 4 tries for Quins' centre

 

Championship Division:

 

Gale force Nick helps Otters to three on the trot

 

Ystrad Rhondda 8 - Narberth 18

Six penalties from ace kicker Nick Gale sealed Narberth’s third league win on the trot as they faced a tough tussle Ystrad Rhondda and came through with another solid team performance which will have pleased coach Sean Gale.

The Otters showed excellent discipline in a challenging first period where Ystrad conceded five penalties and Gale landed four of them to continue the season’s points gathering.

As the pack played well, especially the front row of Bradley Davies, Rhodri Owens and Tom Slater as they excelled in the set pieces, Gale landed two more three-pointers as Ystrad could only respond with a penalty by Corey Sheppard and an unconverted try by Mason Rodriguez from a lineout drive

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

PHOTO: Nick Gale grabbed all Narberth's 18 points

 

Division One (West):

 

Preseli Men push section leaders all the way

 

Crymych 6 - Felinfoel 13

It was tight at Crymych as the Preseli Men welcomed champions Felinfoel, who prevailed in what turned out to be a real dogfight.

The Foel led 10-3 at half time as a try from scrum half Daf Daniel ultimately proved to be the difference. Full back Aled Roberts converted and exchanged penalties with opposite number Adam Phillips as the visitors led 10-3 at the break.

That became 10-6 when Phillips landed another three points in the second half, but Roberts nailed his second penalty late on and Felinfoel hung on to secure the win.

The Preseli Men did come away with a bonus point but will be looking to avoid a third straight league loss at home to Gorseinon next week

 

Scarlets so close to first win of the season

 

Penclawdd 29 - Pembroke 24

Pembroke secured two deserved bonus points at Penclawdd but once again they just missed out on a first win at this level as The Cocklemen edged home by five points.

The Scarlets found themselves 22-5 in arrears at half time as second row Billy Kinnear grabbed a try, with others coming from skipper Scott Powell, centre Dan Colley and Jack Smythe to secure one of their bonus points, the other for finishing within seven points of tough opponents who secured the spoils with tries by Edward Curtis, Johnny Hughes, Richard Jones, Luke Sewell and Zac Chambers alongside a conversion apiece from Sam David and Rhys Eidman.
 

PHOTO: Scott Powell - try for Pembroke skipper

 

Emlyn take Borderers’ unbeaten tag

 

Whitland 10 - Newcastle Emlyn 31

Whitland’s 100% start to the season was ended by Newcastle Emlyn, with full back Shaun Leonard’s dead eye accuracy with the boot proving crucial as he landed 17 points.

Emlyn came down from the Championship last season but have kept a strong squad together, and led 16-3 at half time as home No 10 Nico Setaro kicked the only points for The Borderers.

No 8 Scott Buirds did power his way over after the break for a try that Setaro converted, but Emlyn notched a penalty try, plus scores from No 10 Sion Edwards and winger Llyr Freeman to stay in control throughout.

Leonard also punished any indiscipline with four penalties to go with a conversion, as the visitors made it three league wins from three.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Aron Ebsworth, Jonathan Thomas, Josh Thomas, Jac Howells, Nico Setaro, Josh Thomas (2), Aaron Mayne, Gethin Lewis, Tom Finucane, Courtney Bowman, Raff Williams, Jack Mason, Ryan Morgan, Scott Buirds. Replacements: Olly Hughes, Jamie Thomas, Michael Ryan, Ben Kirk, Tomos Evans.



 

Division Two (West):

 

Seagulls share the spoils in terrific late come-back

 

Tycroes 36 - Fishguard & Goodwick 36

Young outside half Mark Jones was Fishguard & Goodwick’s undoubted man of the match as his two late converted tries earned them a deserved draw against Tycroes saw them battle back from a 28-12 interval deficit.

Flanker Aled Jones opened the Tycroes account converted by centre Elgan Griffiths before Seagulls’ skipper Chris Shousha levelled matters with a typical try that Jones converted but home outside half Dean Bromham contributed a try and conversion.

As fortunes ebbed and flowed Fishguard centre Kyle Keane crossed for an unconverted try before Tycroes finished the half on a high note with a second Bromham score and another by prop Tristan Morgan, both converted by Griffiths.

Tycroes were further boosted after the oranges with a try from Matthew Lemon and at 33-12 The Seagulls looked as if they had been shot down but they showed real resilience with tries by replacement hooker Liam Wilkes and Mark Jones, both of which the No 10 goaled.

Another Griffiths’ penalty seemed to have quelled the Fishguard fire but Jones slotted a penalty and then converted his own second try to level matters with the final kick of a hugely entertaining tussle.

Fishguard: Mark Jones, Robbie Jones, Thomas George, Kial Keane, Rhys Evans, James Griffiths, Andrew Williams, Jason Davies, Gavin Walsh, Andrew Morrillo, Richie Hunter, Luke Freebury, Scott Riches, Chris Shousha (capt), Mark George. Replacements: Liam Wilkes, James Reynolds, Jordan James, Dan Evans, Osian Lewis.

PHOTO: Milford dominate this line out against Kidwelly 

 

Mariners move into fourth place

 

Milford Haven 41 - Kidwelly 26

There were 10 tries and a red card to boot, but all Milford Haven will care about is the bonus point win as they moved fourth in the table in an action-packed game with Kidwelly.

The Mariners started on fire as right winger Lee Riley rounded off some heavy pressure with a try and then centre Dan Jenkins also struck in his now-expected fashion, powering over after breaking a tackle on half way.

No 10 James Trueman converted both scores and landed a penalty, and the lead was extended to 24-0 when he again added the extras after scrum half Dan McClelland had sniped over.

Kidwelly finally got a foothold when full back James Owens crossed right on half time - but early in the second period Jenkins got his second try and then Riley followed suit, Trueman converting the latter to make it 36-5.

At that point the game looked all over but suddenly the visitors rallied, and No 10 Rhydian Davies sparked the comeback by scoring an interception try from 60 metres out then also converting.

Kidwelly had No 8 Jonathan Williams red carded for a dangerous hit on Milford full back George Evans but they still struck again when left winger Alan Squire finished well in the corner, Davies converting.

And just moments later they sealed a bonus point when centre Sam Davies scored from close range and Davies again added the extras to make it 36-26 and set up a frantic finale.

But it was Milford No 8 Ryan Mansell who restored order when he rounded off some slick handling to dive over and cement a good start to the season for Nathan Williams’ side.

Milford Haven: George Evans, Lee Riley, Dan Jenkins, Dan Birch (capt), Steve Martin, James Trueman, Danny McClelland, Mike Cockburn, Luke Ryan, Adam Rees, Brandon Cooper, Nathan Banner, Gareth Cheshire, Zac Davies, Ryan Mansell. Replacements: Nathan Williams, Zac France-Miller, Darren Lewis, Jimmy Thomas, Efan Morgan.

PHOTO: Lee Riley - two tries for Milford Haven

 

Seasiders celebrate long-awaited home victory

 

Tenby United 37 - Carmarthen Athletic 30

For the first time since the 2017/18 season home supporters at Heywood Lane were able to enjoy a win as Tenby United successfully came through a thrilling game with Carmarthen Athletic.

The sides were locked at 17-17 half time, and at no point was the margin any more than seven points as the momentum swung back and fore throughout the 80 minutes.

For the Seasiders, young forward Max Brindley found himself out in the backline and it proved an inspired choice as he went over for two tries, and Tenby’s experienced back row also came good with flankers Luke Hansford and Alex Cooke touching down.

But the man of the match award went to young No 10 Harry Rossiter, who showed maturity beyond his years to control the game, convert all four tries, and kick three crucial penalties.

Athletic played their part though under new coach Michael King and scored three tries themselves through Liam Price, Dan Evans, and Tom Gravell, with the experienced Scott Maynard adding the extras to all three to go with three penalties of his own.

“There was very little between the sides,” admitted Tenby coach Jonathan Evans, “but the boys are delighted and they deserve to be.”

Tenby United: Lloyd Thomas, Joe Owen, Ben Pugh, Max Brindley, Jack Tucker, Harry Rossiter, Matthew Morgan, Ethan Morgan, Jim Brace, Rob Luly, Tom Barrass, Luke Dedman (capt), Andrew Cooke, Luke Hansford, Jack Brown. Replacements: Jack Broadhurst, Wyndham Williams, Huw Evans, Dan Allen, Rob Clarke.
 

PHOTO: Max Brindley - try brace for Tenby centre

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Saints battle hard but The Blues prevail

 

St Davids 15 - Haverfordwest 38

Haverfordwest warmed up for their huge game with Laugharne next weekend with a bonus point win at St Davids, but were made to work hard by a home side who turned in a committed display.

The Blues led 14-5 at half time with tries from hooker Jamie Zambas and skipper Matty Phillips, both converted by outside half Jamie Barnett, but the home side kept in it via their own captain as prop Dan Murphy crashed over.

Gethin Bateman’s side mustered further hope after half time when No 10 Matty McLeod landed a penalty but then the away side upped the ante as flanker Gareth John went over and Barnett converted, and then promising young winger Jack Evans notched the bonus point try after a strong run from full back Rhys Baker.

Evans scored again soon after and Barnett did the honours, but The Saints kept going and returning centre Jack Jones bagged an interception try which McLeod converted.

Haverfordwest had the final word though when centre Scott Candler touched down, but home player-coach Bateman was positive at the final whistle.

“I was proud of the boys today and while the game got away from us in the end there were a number of positives to build on. We are a small squad with a new coaching set up but today showed we are going in the right direction.”

St Davids: Rhys Morgan, Gavin Smith, Jack Jones, George Raymond, Alex Richmond, Matty McLeod, Harvey Godkin, Will Davies, Dan Murphy (capt), Ben Evans, Chris Jenkins, Gethin Bateman, Rhys Price, Andrew Groves,  Josh Strangward. Replacement: Rhys ‘Loshin’ Price.

Haverfordwest: Rhys Baker, Ryan Neilson, Scott Candler, Jake Evans, Jack Evans, Jamie Barnett, Elgan Roberts, Terry Lovell, Jamie Zambass, Tom Carrington, Jack Clancy, Matthew Lewis, Gareth John, Matty Phillips, Jon Mason. Replacements: Richard Brazell, Ross Harries, Jonathan Clout, Matthew Clayton.

PHOTO: Jamie Zambas - prop grabbed opening try for Haverfordwest

 

 

All Blacks delighted with first win of the season

 

Neyland 29 - Tregaron 20

Two tries apiece from talented centre pairing Alex Codd and George Williams earned Neyland a terrific first win of the campaign against a gritty Tregaron side which played its part in an entertaining tussle and only just missed out on a bonus point.

Both sides had lost their only matches prior to their Athletic Ground collision and it was Codd, back playing on permit after, who gave The All Blacks a great start when he scored two early tries, both converted by fly half Toby Hayman.

Tregaron fought back with two penalties from experienced fly half Huw Bonner but were denied other half chances through the work rate of Mark James, Luke Griffiths Dawes, Owain and Iestyn Evans alongside the rest of the home pack.

George Williams increased the homesters’ lead with a good try as reward for the attacking rugby espoused by coaches Graham Richards and Steve Evans but Tregaron bounced back with tries from Chris Williams and Dorian Pugh to reduce the deficit to a single point – but with ten minutes left Neyland sealed success with George Williams’ second try, which was superbly converted by Hayman to seal victory and that eagerly-sought bonus point for scoring four tries.

Neyland: George Williams: Aaron Harries; Ben Williams; Alex Codd; Henry McBeth: Toby Hayman; Jack Harries: Chad Monk; Jack Harries; Eugene Grice: Mark James; Luke Griffiths-Dawes: Kyle Hamer, Owain Evans; Iestyn Evans. Replacements: Josh Hames; Craig Power; Ieuan Hadley; Sam Hadley, Jay Johnston.

 

Aber stay strong in top clash

 

Aberaeron 12 - St Clears 7

This eagerly-awaited clash between two of the clubs in the section fancied to be in the eventual promotion race was as tight as expected, with neither willing to give way and with defences more or less coming out on top.

But in the final analysis it was Aber who prevailed after centre Dafydd Llewelyn scored the only try of the first half and Rhodri Jenkins added the extra points.

In a tense second half The Saints drew level with centre Shane Morgan, powering through for No 10 Dan Griffiths to convert –but Bleddyn Jones’ tremendous work-rate in the second row saw him plough over for an unconverted try which eventually proved to be the match winner.

 

Match called off as Cardigan suffer bereavement

Laugharne P Cardigan P