Scarlets fightback for top of table draw

Pembroke 25 -25 Cardigan

The top of the table clash between Pembroke and Cardigan at Crickmarren was always expected to be close and after second-placed Cardigan were 15-13 ahead at the break and advanced the scoreline to 25-13 it was The Scarlets who took control in the closing quarter and maintained top spot as the teams shared 50 points!

Respective coaches Geraint Lewis and Colin Horscroft both felt that their teams had done just enough to take the verdict but it was The Teifisiders who looked as if they held the edge with an early dropped goal by centre Emyr Harries, who also scored their first try alongside another by second row Rob Connolly, with one conversion from Luke Rogers.

The Scarlets responded with a first try at senior level by teenage scrum half Tom Lewis to go with Luke Hartland’s conversion and two penalties that looked likely to give his side a 13-8 advantage until close to the interval, when the visitors grabbed Connolly a try from a touchline peel, despite home claims that he had put a foot in touch.

Cardigan started the second half well with an excellent try by full back John Lumb, converted by Rogers to go with a long range penalty.

Now 12 points adrift, Pembroke raised the temp up front via Scott Powell, Cyle Wetherall, Johnny Palmer, Shamus Wiseman and Jamie Brayford so that teenage back rowers Jordan Evans and Harry Owen helped Dom Colman power over for two tries, the second converted by Hartland.

In the final analysis perhaps the draw was the fairest result since neither side deserved to lose in such an epic clash – and the return fixture at the King George Vth Ground will certainly be on to savour!