Swalec Plate Round One:

Crymych 52-14 Fishguard& Goodwick

Crymych played some excellent rugby as they moved smoothly into the second round at the expense of a Fishguard & Goodwick side which made such a tentative start that they found themselves 28 points adrift at the end of the first quarter.

To be fair to The Seagulls they battled hard thereafter, particularly in the second half, but were never able to master the Preseli Men’s slick handling game.

The home side took an early lead when a beautifully-timed pass by Luke Rogers put No 8 Joe Powell in for a try which Rogers did well to convert from wide out – and after the Seagulls had elected to run an eminently kickable penalty Crymych added a second try when Rogers won a little chip and chase and also added the extra points.

A dropped ball in defence by Fishguard allowed Sam Phillips to score Crymych’s third try and they added their fourth from veteran centre Gareth Davies, both converted by Rogers.

The Seagulls finally opened their account with a good try by Rhys Lewis after the outstanding Simon James and Chris Shousha were involved in the build-up, with James Griffiths converting – but Crymych led 33-7 at half time as prop Jason Nicholls ploughed over from close range.

Fishguard scored the first points of the second half when skipper James crossed the whitewash and Griffiths converted – but from then on it was the Preseli Men who maintain control with tries from replacement winger Dylan Thomas, hooker Carwyn Rees and centre Carwyn Phillips (from a clever Sam Phillips’ chip over the top).

Rogers converted two of them to set the seal on a good win for Crymych, whilst Fishguard will surely have learned a great deal after playing a quality team from a division above them.

Crymych: Tomos Phillips: Tomos Lewis; Carwyn Phillips; Gareth Davies; Nick Bevan: Sam Phillips; Luke Rogers: Jason Nicholls; Carwyn Rees; Lewis Davies: Gruffydd Howells; Andrew Phillips: Rhys Davies; Tom Powell (Capt); Joe Powell. Replacements: Ifan James; Michael Ryan; Dion Gibby; Dylan Thomas.

Fishguard & Goodwick: Ed Bendall: Steffan Lewis; Gareth Adamson; Mike Jenkins; Matthew George: James Griffiths; Alun George: Gerwyn Davies; Gavin Walsh; Andrew Morillo: Rhys Lewis; Richard Hunter: Mark George; Chris Shousha; Simon James (Capt). Replacements: Ryan McVeigh; Dai Evans; Rhodri Morgans; Gwilym Evans; Steve Jenkins.

Championship:

Merthyr 53-20 Narberth

NARBERTH knew they faced a stern examination in their away match at Merthyr because the home side has invested heavily pre-season in players and although the Otters were still in contention as they trailed 20-13 half way through the pressure eventually told and Merthyr ran out worthy winners.

The Otters had a penalty try in that first half which was converted by Ianto Griffiths, who also kicked the conversion and two penalties – but as hard as Adam Clark and Co battled up front they could only muster a consolation try by winger Liam Hutchings which Griffiths did well to convert from wide out.

One of the try scorers for Merthyr was former Welsh international back-rower Andy Powell, perhaps best known for his golf buggy ride up the M4, alongside others by prop James Howe, flanker Osian Davies (2), scrum half Martin Luckwell, outside half Dean Gunter and winger Alex Newman.

Full back Matthew Jarvis pouched a personal haul of 18 points from six conversions and two first-half penalties, helping to put Merthyr on top of the table since Swansea didn’t play, whilst the Otters find themselves in 12th place after a fifth defeat from seven outings!

Swalec Plate Round One:

Tycroes 17-13 Tenby

TENBY United were in contention for all of their Swalec Plate match at Tycroes, who play in a section below the Seasiders and are currently in fourth place, whilst this latest defeat leaves The Seasiders still seeking a first competitive success.

Tycroes led 6-5 after a tight first half where Carwyn Richards landed two penalties to open the scoring but Tenby responded with an unconverted try from old war-horse Richard Rossiter, making a welcome return to first-team action.

The second period was no less tight as Richards punished further Tenby indiscretions with two more penalties but was unable to convert their only try, claimed by prop Mark Rusby.

The Seasiders added a second try, this time scored by Jordan Asparassa, and outside half Tom Lewis fired over a penalty – but other half chances went a begging and The Seasiders bowed out early!

Swalec Plate Round Two:

Milford Haven 84-0 Llangwm

MILFORD Haven gained their expected runaway win over Llangwm in the second round of the Swalec Plate competition but the Wasps deserve every credit for fulfilling the fixture and battling away until the final whistle.

As Llangwm team manager Richard Scriven said: “We are determined to enjoy ourselves despite losing and there were plus points for us today, not least the fact that our young midfield trio of Kieran Walkden (playing his first game at outside half), Rhys Mason and Rhys Cooper.

“Ben Llewellyn played well at prop whilst Mark Hicks joined son Josh in our pack and then went off to be sub for Llangwm’s football team!

“We also had every help from the Milford management team of Mark Wonnacott, Alan McClelland and James Hall in ensuring our game went on.”

For the Mariners, Chris Hall played really well on his return to the second row and Sam Dolling was again outstanding with another hat-trick of tries, whilst there was a try brace apiece from James Passmore, Dan Jenkins and replacement full back Jamie Lewis on his debut.

Other tries came from Andrew Sutton, Ryan Mansell, Dean McSparron, Matthew Richards and Lee Riley, who also landed seven conversions but missed three relatively simple ones in the process!