Whitland topple league leaders (From Western Telegraph)

Whitland topple league leaders

Whitland 14 Aberavon 5

If anyone required proof of the immense progress made by this Whitland side in the second half of the season then Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn was the place to be on Saturday as The Borderers outplayed, outlasted and out-thought an Aberavon side that is top of the table and likely to be champions.

They had lost only four games out of 27 but met their match in Whitland, who were under a little pressure in the set-pieces but never shirked a tackle, won good ball in the loose and maintained a tight grip on events so that the Wizards could only snatch a first-half unconverted try, while the homesters scored a converted try in each half to give them an epic win.

The Whitland pack grafted from start to finish, with Fakataha Molatika and Anthony Jakeman playing like extra flankers alongside Randall Williams, skipper Phil Morgan and Derek Thomas, whose physical presence is evident now that he has returned to action after so long out.

Steve Gerrard was always in support as good hookers should be, with Dai Jones and Romeo Collella around the pitch so that the packs mobility out-manoeuvred the bulk of Richard Morris, Steve Rees and Co in the Wizards pack.

But Aberavon managed to take the lead in a tight first half where they had the advantage of the breeze, scrum half Daniel Hawkins and former Borderer Paul Morgan setting up the chance for full back Ricky Price to cross.

Whitland refused to submit, however, and they took the lead when a good surge by their pack, quick release and even speedier handling created an overlap and gave Mike Buckingham the chance to put Domenico Setaro over for a cracking try which Daniel Griffiths converted.

Phil Morgan also went close for the Borderers, Jamie Davies was off target with an Aberavon penalty and Daniel Griffiths missed two long-range penalties before the break.

But the Whitland faithful were already scenting a surprise result and the entire Whitland team played with great vigour so that Aberavon rarely looked likely to snatch a score despite having their share of possession. With just nine tense minutes remaining Whitland made sure of victory with their second try that stemmed from a kick ahead by replacement scrum half Rob Phillips, which seemed to pose no danger. But the Aberavon defence waited for the ball to cross the dead ball line and paid for their slackness as Steve Butchers raced in and gained a vital touch on the ball to poach a try out of nothing - and Daniel Griffiths converted to give the Borderers an epic win!

The Borderers entertain neighbours Narberth in the semi-final of the Classic Kitchens Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup tonight (Wednesday) and have a rearranged league match at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn against Bonymaen next Tuesday (April 30th), both starting at 7.30pm.

Whitland: Steve Hartland: Lee Banfield; Domenico Setaro; Steve Butchers; Mike Buckingham: Daniel Griffiths; Andrew Jenkins: Romeo Collella; Steve Gerrard; Dai Jones: Anthony Jakeman; Fakataha Molatika: Randall Williams; Phil Morgan; Derek Thomas.

lThe main sponsor was Geraint Hughes of Duraseal, the team sponsors were Delme Williams and Andrew Ebsworth. The match balls were sponsored by Keith Thomas (Narberth); Mitchell and Morgan, Veterinary Surgeons, St Clears; Neil Jenkins, Building Contractor; Clevedon Funeral Services, North Somerset; Allen and Partners, Veterinary Surgeons, Whitland; Wade Removals Ltd.