Borderers beaten in second half (From Western Telegraph)

Borderers beaten in second half

Whitland 16 Llanharan 23

Two tries by speedy left winger Nicky Morgan helped Llanharan gain victory over a Whitland side still seeking their first points in the First Division but gradually gaining acclimatisation at this higher level.

The Borderers were ahead at the end of a tight first half by 8-6 but after Llanharan had pulled level at 11-all the Borderers conceded two tries in quick succession and although they tried hard to claw their way back they were always chasing the game against a well-organised defence and had to settle for a fifth defeat in a row.

The visitors to Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn took a third-minute lead as failure to find touch set Whitland back on their heels and full back Chris John gave Llanharan their first three points which was cancelled out soon afterwards as good work up front by Rob Norton, skipper Phil Morgan; Ricky Davies and Steve Gerrard earned Whitland a platform where fly half Simon Rogers, preferred to regular incumbent Daniel Griffiths, was able to drop a goal.

John put Llanharan ahead again in the tenth-minute with his second penalty but the Borderers took the lead with the games first try when No 8 Ricky Davies picked up at a scrum, broke the tackle and did well to reach the line for an unconverted score.

Chris John missed two chances at restoring the Llanharan advantage the latter from the last kick of the half, but they started the second period with a bang as Nicky Morgan was released in the second minute, crossing for an unconverted try.

Rogers pulled Whitland level with a penalty but they were rocked back again as Morgan sped away for his second try midway through the period before fellow winger Scott Bowen also crossed for a try to which John added the extras to leave the Borderers in trouble at 11-23.

It says much for Whitlands resolve that they stuck to the task and managed to reduce the arrears when Ricky Davies pounded over for his second try but Daniel Griffiths, on for Rogers, missed the hastily-taken the conversion as Whitland hoped for enough time to snatch anything out of the game. But they were denied by the final whistle and so now go to Bonymaen this Saturday hoping to break their points duck.

There is still plenty of optimism in the club and a supporters bus will travel this Saturday, leaving the clubhouse at 12.30pm - anyone interested in travelling should contact Iona at Gog Sports as soon as possible.

The Whitland sponsors for this match were Bass Brewers, with Classic Kitchens and JM Phillips (Electrical Contractors) as team sponsors. The match balls were supplied by Debbie Rutter, mayor of Whitland, Woodfield Nursing Home (Narberth), Castell Howell Foods, DP Building Supplies (Llanboidy) and the Cleddau Bridge Hotel (Pembroke Dock).

Whitland: Gavin Morris: Craig Richards; Lee Banfield; Sengili Tuilahamaka; Steve Hartland: Simon Rogers (Daniel Griffiths); Andrew Jenkins (Rob Phillips): Romeo Collella (Gareth Williams); Steve Gerrard (Richard Emms); Lee Perkins: Steve Thomas; Fakatah Molatiko: Rob Norton; Phil Morgan (Mark Hughes); Ricky Davies. Replacements (not used): Domenico Setaro; Andy Webster.