Division Three West A:

Haverfordwest 11-0 Milford Haven

Haverfordwest came out as winners in this vital clash where both sides had chances but were clearly suffering from ring-rustiness as knock-ons, wrong options and other errors reflected the tension between two promotion chasing sides that were respectively third and top of the table, writes Bill Carne.

Haverfordwest scored the only try of the game in a tight first half and added two second-half penalties as coach Bruce Evans, a former Mariner, must have been delighted at the way they kept a blank scoresheet against a Milford side who has showcased an ability to rack up big scores this season.

But yesterday, Milford coach Alan McClelland will surely look back on his team’s inability to turn pressure into points but will know that there is still a long way to go before the section silverware is decided.

It was hard-working prop Terry Lovell who gave The Blues the lead, following good work by Gareth Phillips, Liam Brown, Dan John and Mike Griffiths, as he looked to be held up ten metres out but managed to get back on his feet and start a second surge that saw him impelled over the line by the rest of his pack.

The second half was equally hard-fought but whenever The Mariners mounted an attack there was some solid defensive cover organised by talented teenager Ollie Hughes and veteran half back partner Steve Williams, back in action and slotting two penalties as a bonus.

Rhys Baker, skipper Matty Phillips, Liam Manwaring and Josh Atherton covered well so that The Blues could close the gap – and The Mariners remain top but Pembroke now have two games in hand whilst only four points adrift!