Otters strong in second half (From Western Telegraph)

Otters strong in second half

Narberth 38 Tredegar 6

28 second-half points without reply gave Narberth a splendid start to the new campaign in the Second Division, the Otters showing already that they could be a force to be reckoned with against former first-class opposition which was never able to hold the home back division in sway once they had gelled, with last seasons top try scorer John Whitticombe again leading the way with a brace of tries to cheer the vociferous home crowd.

Also influential was scrum half Chris MacDonald, who came on at the break, scored a good try with almost his first touch of the ball and was involved in all that the Otters did, and Jason Jennings, the young lock who was given the captaincy for the day and led by example as his work-rate was second to none.

But the first half was far closer than the final result suggests because Tredegar had a big pack and were not afraid to use their back row to set up drives.

But they met stout resistance from their opposite numbers Gareth Bennett, Alan Reynolds and Jamie Bohata, who hunted as a trio and were involved in all that the Otters did.

It was Tredegar who took an early lead when fly half Gareth Evans, who had linked well with partner Gary Pearson and full back Darren Worgan in early sorties, landed one out of two attempts at goal but Narberth responded well with their first try as No 8 Bennett crashed over from close range, Simon Daniel adding the extra points and slotting a penalty before Evans kicked his second three points to restrict the Otters to a 10-6 interval advantage.

But the Otters had done the spade work and MacDonald replaced former Tenby No 9 Oliver Brace, who made a solid start, and was immediately involved, sniping away up the blind-side as he has done so many times in a long career with Narberth, crossing near enough to the posts for Daniel to convert.

Narberth had announced their intention to strengthen last seasons squad and showed they meant business as they brought on props Dai Balkwill (ex-Tenby and Carmarthen) and Tongan international Fifitapulu Faletau, who is already dubbed Puku by the Narberth faithful who delight in the big hits the prop makes.

Add Tevita Manaseitava in the centre and the Otters certainly have more in-depth quality!

As the team settled so further tries came, with Whitticombe twice rounding off some good handling from Andrew Bowen and Aled Davies to cross the Tredegar line, with a try by centre Will Morgan sandwiched neatly in between.

All three were adroitly converted by Daniel to send the Narberth team on their way, with Fijian lock Emori Katalau adjudged man of the match for his all-action display alongside Jason Jennings which must have pleased new coach Keith Eaton - as the Otters with five tries to none as reward for their superior play!

The match was sponsored by RM Jones, Book-keeping and Estimating Services, Clunderwen, with the match balls sponsored by Ann Stephens, Dragon Inn; Four Templeton Lads (Colin Davies, Derek James, Martin Phillips and Phil Williams); Graham Searle (Llawhaden).

Narberth: Aled Davies: John Whitticombe; Will Morgan; Andrew Bowen; Andrew Jones: Simon Daniel; Oliver Brace: Chris Flattery; Kevin Davies; Rob Jones: Emori Kaletau; Jason Jennings: Alan Reynolds; Gareth Bennett. Replacements: Chris MacDonald; Dai Balkwill; Puku Faletau; Tevita Manaseitava.