Blues jolted in final minutes (From Western Telegraph)

Blues jolted in final minutes

Haverfordwest 15 Newcastle Emlyn 26

Newcastle Emlyn continued their good start to the new campaign as they used the power of their pack as the platform for victory.

Coach Kevin Phillips, the former Neath and Wales hooker was well pleased by the way they played to create an 18-3 interval lead against Haverfordwest at Merlins Bridge but then Ifan Jones was yellow-carded for a high tackle and the Blues fought back to within three points as they made their one-man advantage tell.

It set up a grand-stand finish but then Jones returned to the fray as he changed from villain to hero within three minutes as he landed a snap drop goal and late try on the left to make the game safe for Emlyn.

The Blues started well enough as fly half Steve Williams slotted a penalty but they were left to reflect on the fact that they were under pressure from the start as Andrew Washy James, Aled Harries and Barry Evans ruled the front row battle, with tall lock Steve Morse winning his share of lineout ball, despite the good work of young Haverfordwest lock Andrew Griffiths and veteran partner Mark Busch.

Emlyn levelled matters after the home side had conceded 30 metres and a penalty from a set-piece which allowed nippy fly half Aled Jones to drill the ball into the breeze.

They had other chances to take the lead but dropped passes ensured the Blues didnt concede any further points until the 33rd minute, when a drive featuring Morse and back-row brothers Dylan and Euros Evans allowed Aled Jones to drop a neat goal.

Emlyn grabbed the first try of the match almost straight from the kick-off as Washy James set up the chance and Ifan Jones brushed aside some powder-puff Blues tackling to score a try which Aled Jones converted - and there was a further set-back for the Blues before the break as burly Emlyn prop Barry Evans bullocked his way over for an unconverted try.

Steve Williams missed an early penalty for Haverfordwest and there was no scoring in a tight third quarter which ended with Ifan Jones being shown the yellow card by referee Ken Bowen - and then Haverfordwest made him pay for the indiscretion as they were awarded a penalty try after Steve Williams was impeded while chasing tries a clever kick ahead, the fly half adding the extras before Jamie Pearce darted over in the left corner following a neat shimmy from scrum half Matthew Kelly.

It set up an interesting last ten minutes but then Ifan Jones returned to action and the former Narberth regular again stamped his mark with that cheeky drop goal and try to give his side a vital three league points.

Haverfordwest: Gareth Clarke: Graham Badham, David Jones, Jonathan Llewhelin, Jamie Pearce: Steve Williams: Matthew Kelly: Steve Brown, Gareth Jones, Jamie Picton; Mark Busch, Andrew Griffiths, Chris Banner: Richard Brazell, Andrew Thicker: Replacements: Chris Thomas, Garteh Thomas, Bruce Evans, Paul Mason

PICTURE: Jamie Pearce crosses for a try.