Borderers bag points in mud battle (From Western Telegraph)

Borderers bag points in mud battle

Rugby - National League Division One: Whitland 3 Builth Wells 0

A solitary penalty by outside half Aled Davies nudged Whitland to a win over Builth Wells at a mud-strewn Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn.

This gave The Borderers three precious league points which keep them in second spot and in hot pursuit of Maesteg at the top of the table.

Davies' kick came after ten minutes of the second period and although such matches seem to support the view of those who support summer rugby there is no doubt that this battle in the mud was enjoyed by those who look for total commitment and a fierce forward-orientated tussle.

Neither side gave an inch. Builth had slightly the better of the first period but the Borderers defended superbly, always held the edge afterwards and went close to scoring a try on several occasions.

Leading the way for Whitland was No 8 Randall Williams, who was immense at the base of the scrum and found willing support from John Bowen and Johnny Koloi, with prop Aperaamo Tauialo just behind Williams as man of the match and showing his versatility in a switch to hooker during the final stages.

Equally pleasing was the performance of relatively inexperienced locks Carwyn and Iwan Davies, the former doing really well in the lineout battle and the latter a real work-horse alongside Gareth Williams, Tauialo and Aled Harries.

Both are coming of age and should serve Whitland well for some time to come.

But it was Builth who made the better start as halves Sam Corfield and George Jenkins used the elements to gain a territorial advantage.

Centres Matthew Lewis and Tom Davies looked sharp with runs into the Whitland 22 but Gavin Morris was solid at full back and received cover from wingers Will Davies and Jack Tremlett.

Whitland fought out of their own territory as Aled Davies kicked well to the right corner and both Carwyn Davies and Koloi went close from a lineout drive before Gareth Williams was also hauled down just short.

Builth should have gone in front after 34 minutes but George Jenkins missed a penalty which was well within his range, pushing it wide of the far post from 25 metres - leaving Whitland the more pleased at a blank first half scoresheet.

The Borderers soon gained a foothold in Builth territory on the restart as Andrew Jenkins and Aled Davies kicked sensibly and Lee Glanville and Eifion Roberts posed a threat in midfield.

Carwyn Davies and Koloi again went close before the Borderers were awarded a penalty from almost the spot where Jenkins had missed for Builth and Aled Davies slotted the three-pointer with panache.

They were denied a try from a quickly-taken throw-in by Tremlett which saw Glanville race clear but he was recalled because referee Simon Harris felt the ball had gone dead.

Eifion Roberts and Gavin Morris also went mighty close with chances in the right corner.

Builth had a chance to level matters from a penalty as they made a rare sortie into Whitland territory but Jenkins was well short from 40 metres and Morris cleared the danger.

The visitors had second row Wayne Morris sin-binned in the closing stages and with his departure went Builth's final hopes of gaining recompense for a 13-7 home defeat against the Borderers, who celebrated a 12th victory in 16 league outings before they entertain premier division side Pontypridd this Saturday in the Welsh Cup.

Whitland's match sponsor was Steve Adams, Coracle Tavern, Carmarthen. The team sponsors were Station House, Whitland; Lobster Pot, Marloes; White Horse Inn, Builth Wells; Lamb Inn, Tenby. The match ball sponsors were Gareth Davies, Welsh Feed Producers; Kevin Roberts Financial Solutions Ltd; Richard and Jennifer Griffiths; Paul Rodgers, Allen and Partners, Veterinary Surgeons; John and Christine Lewis, Woodfield Nursing Home, Narberth; Ron Mounsey, McDonalds of Carmarthen, H'West and Pem Dock; KP Thomas and Son; Fuel Distributors, Templeton; Gareth Davies, Wynnstay Group PLC; The South Wales Paper Company Ltd, Barry.