WRU Championship:
Narberth 27
Trebanos 23

THREE late pressure penalties by replacement Ianto Griffiths gave Narberth a narrow but deserved victory against high-flying Trebanos.

The visitors, who have shot up the divisions in recent years, were hugely committed. And backed by large and vociferous support, they showed why they were second in the table as they took a 14-3 lead with tries from centres Lloyd Phillips and Steff Lewis, both converted by full back Matthew Edwards.

All Narberth could muster in between was a Jonathan Rogers’ penalty and The Otters’ No 10 added another three points midway through the first quarter.

Then in an action-packed period they conceded a soft penalty which Edwards converted but after a period of sustained pressure involving Joe and Liam Hutchings, Jack Price and the outstanding back row of Pat Roberts, Sean Jenkins and Richard Rees, the home side grabbed an unconverted corner try by left winger Kieran Jones.

Rogers missed two penalty chances to draw level and it looked crucial as good work up front from Iwan Davies, skipper Rhys Thomas, Ben and Rhodri Williams allowed Edwards to land two penalties for a deserved 20-11 lead to the visitors.

But they lost their discipline second half and after conceding only three yellow cards all season - had four shown at different times in this match and had prop Aled Humphries sent off.

It cost them dearly as all they could muster in the second half was a third Edwards penalty and after a period of constant pressure from The Otters, and desperate defence from the visitors, centre Price scored an excellent try which Griffiths converted.

That set up a grandstand finish and Griffiths landed three difficult penalties, as The Otters were rewarded for keeping their composure.

Narberth: James Stephenson, Liam Hutchings, Joe Hutchings, Jack Price, Kieran Jones, Jonathan Rogers, Lewys Gibby, Bradley Davies, Dan Smith, Tom Slater, Jake Simm, Alex Jenkins (capt), Pat Roberts, Sean Jenkins, Richard Rees. Replacements: Ollie Evans, Rhodri Owens, Tom Powell, Ianto Griffiths, Paul Davies.
 

Trebanos: Matthew Edwards, Kieron Wightman, Lloyd Phillips, Steff Lewis, Sam Davies, Lewis Humphries, Tom Lucas, Tyla Murvai, Rhys Thomas (capt), Alun Dew, Richard Davies, Rhys Morgan, Iwan Davies, Ben Williams, Rhodri Williams. Replacements: Morgan Evans, Aaron Bramwell, Luke Griffiths, Jack Perkins, Aled Humphries.

Referee: Richard Deacey.