WRU Ladies Premiership:

Whitland Ladies 14-10 Penybanc

Whitland Ladies had to call upon all their last reserves of energy and commitment last Tuesday in their battle to stay in the top echelons of women's rugby for another season - and did just that to snatch a vital victory over a physically-strong Penybanc side which plays its rugby near Ammanford.

Whitland had lost their previous match by 27-7 to a very strong Swansea Ladies' outfit that are already assured of the silverware and so they were under no illusions that this match played under the floodlights and in wet conditions at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn was a must-win situation.

Small wonder then that team manager Sue Davies was delighted, not only by the result but by the manner in which it was achieved.

"We had seven of last season's under 18 squad in the team and another on the bench, which augurs really well for the club's future.

"Our try came from Marged Williams whilst co-centre Katie Thicker, plus winger Megan Davies and No 10 Lleucu George, who kicked nine points, were excellent in the back division.

Up front we had more ex-youth players in Nicole Davies, Milly Harries and Amy Morgan who all caught the eye and played strong roles in our success.

The Borderers’ tight five of Nicole Davies, Milly Harriers, Carys Moyle, Alex Coles and Rebecca Harries ensured a rock-solid base for experienced scrum half Emma Summons to work with her back row of Amy Morgan, Jenny Harries and especially Elin Gapper, who travels to play from Aberystwyth and was the best player on show.

Summons also linked well with Lleucu George, who landed two early penalties before Penybanc fought back with an unconverted try from Theresa Evans – and although George landed a third kick on target it was the visitors who took the narrowest lead into half time when Rebecca Davies added their second unconverted try.

As conditions deteriorated after the oranges it was clear that another score could prove decisive and Whitland Ladies made sure they kept their line intact as wingers Marged Williams and Megan Davies covered well wide out and full back Marie Griffiths joined centres Natalie Walsh and Katie Thicker in blocking up the middle.

But they still needed a score and it came late on when good hands by George, Thicker and Walsh put Marged Williams over in the corner.

George’s conversion went wide but it mattered little because Penybanc were prevented from adding to their tally and Whitland Ladies were good value for victory!

Whitland Ladies: Marie Griffiths, Marged Williams, Katie Thicker, Natalie Walsh, Megan Davies,  Lleucu George, Emma Summons, Nicole Davies, Milly Harries, Carys Moyle, Alex Coles, Rebecca Harries, Amy Morgan, Elin Gapper, Jenny Hawkins. Replacements: Sara Davies, Nic Walters, Hannah Parry, Caryl Davies, Mair Gibby.