Division Four (west) Neyland 25 - Cardigan 17

A try in each half by veteran number eight Mathew Williams helped Neyland fend off the concerted challenge of a Cardigan side eager to claim the double over an All Blacks' side that was trailing 11-7 at the interval and still adrift going into the final quarter.

The Teifisiders had gained a morale-boosting 18-9 victory when the teams met earlier in the campaign and they made a bright start in this return at the Athletic Ground when full back Kevin Evans landed a penalty and skipper Richard Jones grabbed his second interception try in as many matches at the posts, but Evans unaccountably hit the upright from the simplest of conversions.

Neyland fought back with some good interpassing among their backs which allowed Delme Bateman to go on a typical run and when the dynamic winger was held up short he set the platform for number eight Williams to stand off between his centres and crash through for a try which Mark Riley converted. Neyland spurned a certain three points by running a penalty near the shadow of the posts and Cardigan fought their way back upfield for Evans to land another penalty.

Mathew Williams pounced on a loose ball to secure Neyland's second score and give them the lead for the first time, but Kevin Evans notched two penalties to one by Riley to edge the Cardis back in front at 17-15.

But the All Blacks took the game by the scruff of the neck with a cracking try that owed much to Mark Riley's guile as the fly half executed a neat loop and full back Greg Miller's one-handed take allowed him to put winger Martin Roberts in for a try which Riley goaled before adding another penalty to secure a safety margin for his side.

Neyland managed to resist late thrusts from Cardigan and secured a good win in an entertaining tussle where both teams played some good rugby but Neyland were more adept at turning periods of pressure into points.

Neyland: Greg Miller; Martin Roberts; Steve Hamer; Adam Collins; Delme Bateman; Mark Riley; Mark Hamer; Craig Bennett; Mark Rogers; Mark Smith; Mark James (John Greggain); Carl Britton; Chris Busby (Jamie Kerr); Adi Riley; Mathew Williams. Replacements (not used): Steve Evans; Jason Riley.

Cardigan: Kevin Evans; Rhydian Jenkins; Dan Collins; Huw Davies; Tom Belotti; Phil Leighton; Dylan Rees; Richard Jones (Capt); Owen Jones; Eurfyl Davies; Llyr Evans; Jonathan Hicken; Will Kerr; Dylan Davies; Steve Jay. Replacements (not used): Geraint West; Stuart Davies; David Brown. Neyland were sponsored by Firwood Homes Ltd and Advanced Fire Systems, with the match ball sponsored by Ceri Matthews.