Otters lose again (From Western Telegraph)

Otters lose again

Tondu 38 Narberth 24

Visits to Tondu have never been fruitful ones for Narberth and their latest excursion was no exception as The Otters were unable to break their duck at Pandy Park against a side that celebrated their first home success of the campaign.

Narberth rarely looked the dynamic side they can be and this third defeat in four matches, after five wins on the trot before that, shows The Otters that there are few walkovers at this level.

Play was fairly even from the outset and although Narberth made the better start they were unable to turn pressure into points - and when Tondu broke the deadlock they snatched the lead as influential outside half Mark Jones sliced through for a try which he also converted.

Narberth responded almost immediately as Elgan Vittle found Nick Jones on the left and although the winger seemed cramped for room he used his pace and strength to good effect as he crashed over in the corner for Simon Daniel to convert with a superb touchline kick.

Daniel also added a conversion to give Narberth a 10-7 interval lead but Tondu served notice that they were not going to roll over when right winger Darryl Thomas crossed wide out and Jones landed the difficult conversion.

As fortunes ebbed and flowed, Simon Daniel raced over from a set scrum and added the conversion - but at 17-14 it was the last time The Otters held the lead.

Darryl Thomas crossed for his second try which Jones converted and Tondu extended their advantage when hooker Adam Phillips gained the touch down from a lineout in the left corner.

Narberth coach Keith Eaton wrought the changes as he brought on four fresh pairs of legs but Mark Lewis scored a try for Tondu - and worse was to follow as Narberth attacked and home fly half Mark Jones intercepted and sped to the posts for a try which he also converted.

Narberth had the final word when Nick Jones claimed a try which he also converted but there was no way back for The Otters and now they face a further tough tests with a visit to Pontypool Park on Saturday!

Narberth: Wayne Jones: Daniel Gravell; Mike Jones; Elgan Vittle; Nick Jones: Simon Daniel; Chris MacDonald (Adrian Killa): Andrew Howell; Craig Hawkins (Simon Delaney); Alan Phillips: Jamie Bohata; Jason Jennings (Emori Katalau): Simon Davies; Meurig Daniel (Matthew Evans); Gareth Bennett.