Division one west A superb hat-trick of tries by flanker Ryan Michael helped Whitland go top of the table with a comprehensive win over Waunarlwydd.

The Borderers led 26-7 at the half-way stage and were always in control thereafter as they ran in seven tries with some entertaining rugby involving both forwards and backs. It was talented young outside half Nico Setaro who opened the scoring with a solo try and conversion after earlier missing a penalty - and he was on target again with the conversion of a try by second row Rhys Thomas.

Waunarlwydd bounced back with a try from Alan Cope that was converted by fellow winger Lee Evans, but the Borderers finished the session on a high note with Michael’s first try, converted by Setaro. Then centre Gary Evans hacked on a loose ball and scored after the Borderers’ pack had won a turnover ball.

Setaro opened the second half scoring with a penalty before Michael powered over for his second score - but Waunarlwydd were awarded a penalty try which full back Josh Hammett converted.

There was no way back for the visitors, however, because Whitland winger Fraser Watson showed his pace as he kicked out of defence, regathered the ball, and shrugged out of a tackle to touch down.

It was perhaps appropriate that Michael should end the game with a try from outside the 22 to complete a deserved hat-trick that set the seal on a fine Borderers’ victory - and deserved top spot as their undoubted reward.

Whitland: Lee Glanville, Fraser Watson, Gary Evans, Mike Georgiou, Dafydd Williams, Nico Setaro, Andrew Jenkins, Richard Smith, Marc Jones, Rhodri West, Raff Williams (captain), Rhys Jones, Dylan Richards, Ryan Michael, Celt Thomas. Replacements: Alun Davies, Alun Harries, Tomi Jones, Scott Newton, Huw Rees.