Swalec Plate quarter final:

Whitland 22-26 Cwmllynfell

A 77th minute try from Cwmllynfell scrum half Mathew James ended Whitland’s Swalec Plate ambitions in heartbreaking fashion at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn last night.

With The Borderers leading 22-19, James sliced through a gap from 20 metres out and went under the posts for a try that Sam Evans converted – before the visitors withstood a heavy bout of late Whitland pressure to seal their place in the final four.

On a dry, sunny night it was the home side who struck just six minutes in when No 10 Nico Setaro initiated a counter attack from deep, before winger Scott Newton linked with full back Jonathan Thomas, whose chip ahead was fumbled into touch by Cwmllynfell winger Evans.

From the subsequent close range lineout, Whitland hooker Shane Webster dived over the corner for an unconverted try after the ball found its way back into his hands from his original throw.

But Cwmllynfell gradually got a foothold and the greater physicality of the Division Two West Central side seemed to pay dividends – as Evans was presented with three shots at goal, two of which he landed to give his side a 6-5 lead 21 minutes in.

The visitors continued to press and just after the half hour mark, the winger landed a third penalty from fully 40 metres – after Setaro had been penalised for dissent by referee Simon Mills.

However, it was The Borderers who then grabbed a half time lead after finishing the period the stronger.

Cwmllywnfell outside half Craig Jones was adjudged to have thrown an ambitious forward pass by his own five metre line – and a heavy spell of Whitland pressing culminated in Setaro jinking over for a try he then converted.

And five minutes into the second half, Richard Jones’ side took command as a long pass from Thomas was gathered by winger Sean Coles, who showed searing pace to gather his own chip ahead for a try that Setaro converted to open up a 19-9 advantage.

Cwmlynfell tried to respond as centre Mathew Lemon surged into the 22 but was unable to get the final pass away, before the same player was bundled into touch near the corner flag by Newton.

But on 55 minutes, a move in midfield resulted in winger Keir Burrows being held up inches short of the Whitland line, but second row John James then ploughed over - with Evans converting well from out wide.

Setaro immediately responded with a penalty for The Borderers to make it 22-16, but then a pushed another straightforward attempt wide from 22 metres out.

With the light fading, the closing stages became tense and Evans pulled another three points back for his side from 35 metres – but with six minutes left was then inches short with a longer attempt that would have levelled matters.

But moments later, Cwmllynfell worked good field position – and No 9 James sniped down the side of a ruck and sped over to spark big celebrations amongst the away support. Evans converted.

And yet The Borderers had one last chance to win it as Setaro kicked a penalty into the corner – but despite a frantic spell of pressure that saw them awarded four more penalties close to the line, the visitors held out.

Cwmllynfell now face Bedlinog this Saturday for a place in the Swalec Plate final at the Principality Stadium on May 1 – while Whitland now need to pick themselves up ahead of a crucial league tie at home to Loughor in Division One West on Saturday.

Whitland: Jonathan Thomas, Sean Coles, Connor Edwards, Rhys Schivone, Scott Newton, Nico Setaro, Andrew Jenkins, Jamie Stiles, Shane Webster, Ryan Rees, David Ebsworth, Carl Smith, James Thomas, Danny Evans, Dewi Williams.

Replacements: Nathan Price, Gethin Lewis, Lee Williams, Zac France-Miller, Rhydian Davies, Deian Augustus, Aled Jones, Adam Davies.

Cwmllynfell: Anthony Rees, Keir Burrows, Mathew Lemon, Paul Davies, Sam Evans, Craig Jones, Mathew James, Nathan Jenkins, Ned Shenton, Carl Ackland, John James, Jesse Patton, Alex Wilkins, Daryl John, Jonathan Phillips.

Replacements: Osian Jones, Peter Thomas, Graham Hale, Rhodri Lewis, Alun Lewis, Nicholas James.