Griffiths guides Whitland to derby win (From Western Telegraph)

Griffiths guides Whitland to derby win

Narberth 19 Whitland 38

Whitland upset the form book at the Lewis Lloyd Ground as they deservedly beat previously unbeaten Narberth in an action-packed local derby, establishing a 25-5 half-time lead as their pack outshone the Otters' eight in all phases of play.

It meant that fly half Daniel Griffiths was able to call the shots and as well as amassing a personal haul of 25 points he kicked well and regularly brought his backs into action as Daniel Rogers looked particularly impressive in the centre.

But if Griffiths caught the headlines there is no doubt that the inspiration for The Borderers' success came from Fakataha Mollatika, who was a giant in the linesout and in loose play, where he seemed to be involved in all that his side did. He was closely followed by Steve Gerrard and his rock-solid scrummaging pals Dai Jones and Gareth Williams, while Anthony Jakeman played like a flanker in cahoots with the outstanding back row of skipper Phil Morgan, Rob Norton and especially Derek Thomas.

They spoilt the celebrations for Narberth scrum half Chris MacDonald, playing his 200th league match as a mark of tremendous reliability, strength and no little skill. MacDonald showed flickers of form but for once he and partner Simon Daniel were upstaged as they battled with limited possession.

Whitland served notice of intent in the very first minute as their pack put in a tremendous drive, Daniel Griffiths pushed a penalty into the right corner, Mollatika won the lineout and prop Gareth Williams was powered over the line for Griffiths to convert.

It says much for Narberth's skills that they were able to bounce right back with a superb score of their own after four minuets from a quickly taken penalty by Adrian Killa, the full back setting up the platform for play to be spread left and three quick passes latter winger Nick Jones sped over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Daniel Griffiths contributed a penalty and with top ref Clayton Thomas ensuring that the players concentrated on the ball the Borderers scored a cracking try from Daniel Rogers. The centre had already distinguished himself with two big tackles and after full back Wayne Lewis had caught a clearance attempt on half way Rogers was able to take the first pass and loop around as play was quickly switched right for Steve Griffiths to supply the scoring pass, Daniel Griffiths hitting the post with the conversion. Mollatika went close and also set up a second chance for Williams before Griffitths was woefully short with a drop goal attempt - and at the other end Daniel Gravell kicked too long and was beaten by the dead-ball line.

Daniel Griffiths snapped a drop goal after 31 minutes and the Otters spurned points as Simon Daniel missed a simple penalty and Jamie Bohata was hauled down inches short after a MacDonald burst. They were made to pay because right on half time the ubiquitous Mollatika stole the ball at a maul on half way and Lee Banfield made the initial half-break before winger Steve Griffiths finished off in style, big brother Daniel adding the extras.

Daniel Griffiths extended the lead straight after the break with another penalty but after Narberth had made four forward substitutions they gradually fought back with Elgan Vittle slicing through for a superb try which Daniel converted and then second row Jason Jennings popped out of a ruck to gallop 40 metres as reward for his total commitment to the Narberth cause, Daniel again converting.

Elgan Vittle made another break for the revitalised Otters but they elected to kick to the corner from two penalties instead of collecting three points and their opportunism wasn't rewarded as Whitland defended really well via Wayne Lewis and Andrew Jenkins alongside their pack.

The Borderers somehow cleared the danger and a long kick downfield gave them the softest try of the day when a mix-up between Gravell and Killa allowed Daniel Griffiths a clear run to the posts for a try which he also converted.

Griffiths also had the last word as he slotted a simple penalty before Narberth's Richard Emms burst through, only to be felled by the resolute Whitland cover.

It just about summed up the Otters' day and coach Keith Eaton could have few complaints about the result - while old friend Mark Waygood, now the Whitland coach, must have enjoyed the Borderers' success because they had clearly done their homework really well prior to this eighth local derby win in nine National league matches between the deadly rivals.

There was a minute's silence prior to the match as a mark of respect for the late Whitland stalwart Huw Lewis, who was known to all as 'Huw Bach' - and the match sponsors were Bysiau Cwm Taf Valley Coaches Ltd of Whitland and Mason Bros Quarry Products Ltd of Lampeter Velfrey.

The gold team sponsor was Sinclair Garages while the match balls were sponsored by W.J.Kenneth Davies and Sons with Iona of Gog Sports; Eifion Griffiths, Felinfach Caravans; Jewson Graham, Haverfordwest; Narberth Classic Bike Club.