Haverfordwest 26

Milford Haven 5

Haverfordwest and Milford Haven’s talented youth players produced some excellent running rugby in heavy conditions at Merlins Bridge before the young Blues ran out worthy winners.

Most players in both teams still have further time in youth rugby but coaches Andrew Thicker and Dai Llewellin (Haverfordwest) plus Alan McClelland (Milford Haven) will have been pleased at the way their young and relatively inexperienced players approached the game.

Liam Hancock, Gregg Walters, Rhys baker, Ashley James, James Roach and Christopher Williams all caught the eye for the Blues while there was no shortage of effort up front by a Mariners pack in which the front row of Sean Devonald, Matthew Sinnett and James Carew were joined by Archie Smithies and Sam Dolling as ball winners.

Haverfordwest youth took the lead after only 49 seconds when full back Rhys Baker broke through and his try was converted by winger Liam Hancock. They added a further seven points after ten minutes when Hancock sliced through for a try which he again converted.

Back came the Mariners four minutes later as winger James Smith rounded off some good handling but the Blues took a 19-5 lead into the break when centre Gregg Walters claimed a deserved unconverted try.

The second half was just as keenly contested but as the ground grew heavier there was just one score as Hancock grabbed his second try and notched the extra points to seal a home success in an entertaining tussle.