IT was the restructure the traditionalists had craved for years.

Amidst a growing number of club sides in Wales struggling to fulfill league fixtures, with some having to disband and start again, the WRU took the brave decision to re-introduce local rugby for the 2014/2015 campaign.

For some of our Pembrokeshire clubs, the move had little impact.

Narberth for example, continued in the Championship League, and again more than held their own as they finished sixth.

Crymych and Whitland both overcame difficult starts to finish fourth and eighth respectively in Division One West, while Tenby ended up tenth, but clear of relegation.

In Division Two West, both Haverfordwest and Cardigan endured tough campaigns - and both have been relegated into what is now considered the 'Pembrokeshire' League - Division Three West B.
And that league itself proved a success, with many lauding the bigger crowds, decreased travel time, and increased revenue that local derbies inevitably bring.

Pre-season favourites Fishguard won the division with room to spare, but perhaps the biggest beneficiaries were second placed Milford Haven, who were reinvigorated after two turbulent years for the club.

Pembroke, Llangwm, and St Davids all enjoyed an improved season in terms of results - while Neyland's form was solid if not spectacular.

However, it would be naive to suggest the whole concept went without a hitch.

Inevitably, there were some one sided contests with Fishguard, who essentially dropped down a division in the re-structure, putting 100 points on St Davids and Pembroke Dock Harlequins respectively.

Indeed, the latter endured a tough season, struggling to field a full side for the closing games of their campaign.

However, with a host of players seemingly returning to Bierspool for the 2015/2016 season, they are not expected to endure the same difficulties this time around.

Gordon Eynon, the WRU representative for District H, said he felt the new structure has been a success thus far.

"I think it has had a positive effect in terms of crowds and takings in clubhouses – and we have had good feedback from the clubs involved.

“There are still things to be ironed out but the new system has only been in place for a year.”
Telegraph Sport understands that as it stands, Division Three West B will gain one side this September, with Fishguard going up and Haverfordwest and Cardigan coming in.

Furthermore, the league is set to be safeguarded from any kind of relegation for the foreseeable future.

We sought the views of the clubs involved last season, plus those of the two coming in, and asked if they felt the re-structure had been justified.

Fishguard (champions)
James Morgans
(Chairman):

“There was a big gulf between the teams at the top and at the bottom of the league and no disrespect, but I think that may be the case again this season.

“But from our point of view, some games allowed us to bring in youngsters and hopefully that will benefit us in the long run.

“We’ve been promoted but we are not planning on bringing a load of boys in. We’ll find our level as a club – and if that level is in Division Two West then great.

“Obviously there will be a lot more travelling for us now. Our nearest away game will be 50/60 miles away.”

Milford Haven (second)
Mark Wonnacott (player coach):

“It's been brilliant and the boys have loved it, and I really hope the WRU keep it as it is for the foreseeable future.

“From a personal point of view, I started playing just after the old Pembrokeshire League had finished so this was my first experience of playing local rugby and not having to travel long distances and I thought it was great.

“There were a few one sided games but the first season was always going to be a bit ropey while things settled down – and I think we’ll see a more competitive league now and as a club we are already looking forward to next season.

“Haverfordwest and Cardigan have come down now as well and that will increase local interest even more.”

Pembroke (third)
Geraint Lewis
(Head coach):

“It has definitely been a step forward in terms of less travelling, bigger gates and bar takings, and boys who are self employed being able to play more.

“I think Haverfordwest and Cardigan coming in will be good for the league and it will be a lot more competitive next year.

“The only downside last year was that there were only ten teams, and 18 league games each. All our cup games were away so we only ended up with nine home fixtures.

“There were big gaps between fixtures during the Autumn internationals, Christmas break and Six Nations - and ideally we would have a league with 12 teams.

“But overall I think it was a success and definitely better than the old ‘Heineken’ League structure.”

Neyland (sixth)
Andrew Slark (player and committee member):

“The number of people watching our games has definitely improved and there has been a lot more general interest.

“We had far more available for away games with boys now able to work on the Saturday morning and still play - it wasn’t always like that when he had to travel further up the line.

“And the social side, in terms of teams staying longer after away matches, has also improved a lot.”

St Davids (eighth)
Jack Dudley
(team manager):

“Within reason, things have improved.

“I think local clubs have been brought closer together and now support each other more.

“It has definitely brought the running costs down and from a playing point of view, we’ve had more boys available each week.

"There were some one sided games but even in the old structure, you had teams in the lower leagues whom were much stronger than the rest - so I don't think that is a big concern."

Llangwm (ninth):
Richard Scriven (Team manager):

“It was definitely a success.

“I believe the league will be ring fenced (no relegation) for a few seasons and I would definitely agree with that.

“From Haverfordwest’s point of view, it’s a shame they have been relegated, but I really believe they will add something good to our local league.

“Things improved socially and I think there was a greater affiliation between teams. Milford for example, helped us out at times last season, even when we played against them.

“Yes you have to take it seriously and play to win - but local rugby is also about camaraderie.”

Pembroke Dock Harlequins (tenth)
Dean Maiden (Secretary):

“It was a difficult season for us and we struggled to field a settled team – but we are hopeful of having a far better campaign this time around.

“But in terms of the new structure, it is definitely better for us.

“Boys can now put a proper shift in work on a Saturday and still play, and the lack of travelling also helps.

“If there was one downside it was the lack of games.  The Autumn period had a big impact on us, and when players lose the habit of playing and training, it’s often hard for them to pick it back up.

“With that in mind, we have proposed a new cup competition to the district next season, for teams in Division Three West B only.”

And coming in......
 

Haverfordwest
Graham Dalton
(Secretary):

“It will be interesting to see how it affects us. Other local clubs have told us the new league has improved interest and crowd attendances, and hopefully that will prove the case with us.

“Obviously it will cut our travelling down a great deal and drastically reduce costs. Last season our most local game was Cardigan and players can be deterred by having to go long distances.

“But from a playing point of view, we will be making every effort to be promoted and get back into Division Two West.”

Cardigan
Huw Jones (Secretary):

“We’ve been in this position twice in recent times, where we’ve been relegated but managed to go straight back up the following season.

“We see next season as an ideal chance to re-group, we had a very good win at the end of last season against Aberystwyth and the boys are itching to get back to pre season.

“The aim is to do well and finish on top, although I imagine everyone else in the division will be saying the same.

“But we don’t see next year as an easy option at all and it will be difficult to come out on top, we know that. From a personal point of view, having played in the old local League, it will be nice to see us playing Pembrokeshire sides again.”