Division Two West:

Mumbles 19-12 Whitland

WHITLAND No 8 Jack Mason was denied a last minute try that would have given the visitors a chance to tie the game as The Borderers suffered their first league defeat of the season against Mumbles.

Trailing 19-12, Mason had seemingly ploughed over from close range, but the referee deemed the ball had not been grounded properly.

Mumbles had to opt for uncontested scrums from the outset and played at a quick tempo, denying The Borderers key possession in other areas as well.

Key to the home side’s performance was elusive outside half Adam Nicklin, who made two terrific first-half breaks that led to tries for himself and supporting centre Iwan Gully.

Mumbles also scored a superb long-range try wwhen interpassing between forwards and backs ended with winger Tom Powell scoring – and Nicklin converted two of the tries, one from the touchline.

In response, The Borderers had two tries fromy centre Jonathan Thomas, one converted by Nico Setaro, to set up a late hope of a converted try to draw level.

And their hardy band of supporters thought they might have done just that as industrious No 8 Mason ploughed through but it wasn't to be, with Whitland dropping to third after a first loss in seven league games.

Whitland: Scott Newton, Liam Price, Jonathan Thomas, Josh Thomas, Alun Howells, Nico Setaro, Tom Parry, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones (capt), Michael Ryan, Dai Ebsworth, Raff Williams, Danny Evans, Ryan Michael, Jack Mason.

Replacements: Jacob Dewhurst, Gethin Lewis, Jamie Lewis, Scott Candler, Adam Davies.