Otters strong at the finish (From Western Telegraph)

Otters strong at the finish

Narberth fly half Simon Daniel contributed 21 points in the Otters excellent home win against Abertillery to maintain their place at the top of the Division Two table but the final margin flattered them a little as Abertillery played their part in an entertaining match.

Indeed, the Gwent side were 17-6 ahead after eight minutes of the second half, leaving some home supporters feeling that this might be the day the Otters lost their unbeaten tag. But they rallied to score three good tries and with Daniel also slotting most of his kicks the Otters lasted the pace better to scoop the three precious league points.

Narberth played into the wind for the first half but seemed to have things under control as Andrew Bowen drilled a way down the middle with singular regularity and Gareth Bennett, Meurig Daniel and Alan Reynolds gave support, scrum half Chris MacDonald maintaining the intensity with a series of tap penalties that kept Abertillery on the back foot.

There were no tries as reward for this high work-rate but at the end of the first quarter they were level at 3-3 as visiting kicker Craig Mapp and Daniel exchanged penalties.

Aber almost scored from virtually their first attack as a defensive error by the Otters allowed left winger Christian Rees to kick through and win the race for the touchline - but eagle-eyed referee Carwyn Phillips spotted the ball had just reached the dead ball line.

Narberth used Chris Flattery, Kevin Davies and Alan Phillips to keep things tight but the Otters conceded three penalties in six minutes which gave Mapp nine more points as he landed kicks from 35, 40 and 45 metres before former Whitland prop Sisi Fanua was sin-binned for a high tackle near half time and Narberth regained their composure.

Daniel missed a short-range penalty before the break but made amends soon after half time so that Narberth looked back in contention - until Abertillery pounced for a try out of nothing as their elusive backs combined before classy full back Darren Miles gave hooker Matthew Williams the inside pass that allowed him to cross in the clubhouse corner.

This set-back stung Narberth into raising the tempo and they had a third penalty by Daniel and a try for powerhouse centre Andrew Bowen after he had shrugged off three attempted tackles.

Daniel converted and put the Otters in front for the first time with another penalty after coach Keith Eaton had brought on the fresh legs of Jamie Bohata, Puku and Dai Balkwill to reinforce the forward dimension.

Daniel missed a simple penalty chance and winger Andrew Jones was held up short before full back Aled Davies marked another fine display with a try as he twisted out of two tackles and stretched out his full frame to reach the line, despite protestations that he had shuffled over. Daniel converted and landed a three-point beauty from half way as referee Phillips decided the Aber complaints had gone on too long!

It was a killer blow for the visitors and as they tried to grab something late on a loose pass allowed Gareth Bennett to cross for a try as reward for his genuine efforts.

Daniel duly converted and the Otters were home and dry, with Andrew Bowen deservedly chosen as man of the match by match sponsors Neil and Mandy Slater of Neil Salter Electrical.

The match balls were sponsored by Ann Stevens, Dragon Inn, Narberth and Graham/Jewson, Haverfordwest.