Haverfordwest 21 - Llangwm 6

Two second half tries from talented young No 8 Kyle Williams helped Haverfordwest retain the Bishop Cup in their traditional Boxing Day clash with old rivals Llangwm in front of a big crowd at Pembroke Road.

Williams, who is still young enough to play youth rugby, showed what a prospect he is with an all-round performance that belied his age as he played well alongside Adam Clark, making a welcome return to action, Jack Clancy, Iestyn Griffiths and skipper Jon Mason.

But he was shaded out of the ‘Man of the Match’ award by opposing No 8 Ian Griffiths, the Llangwm captain leading by example alongside Ashley James, Gethin Thomas, No 8 James Lewis and flanker James F Lewis.

Williams’ first try came early in the second half as his team led 9-6 and Llangwm had just missed a penalty chance to draw level – with The Blues winning quality possession so that half backs Tom Parry and Ollie Hughes could swing play left via Gareth John and Williams was lurking with intent to trot around to the posts for Olly Hughes to add the simple extras.

Further good work by the home pack resulted in a scrum five and after a good pick-up the No 8 managed to stretch his frame and reach out to ground the ball – but on this occasion Hughes didn’t manage the extra points.

Llangwm fought hard to try and reduce the deficit by although Rhys Mason, Kern Cunningham, Kieran Walkden tried hard to go on the attack they were unable to turn a couple of pressure periods into points.

But they can take heart from the fact that they pushed Haverfordwest all the way, especially in the first half, when they were always in the game thanks to the genuine graft of Ieuan Power, Gavin Jones, Gethin Thomas and Dave Reynolds.

Olly Hughes kicked The Blues into the early lead but after missing a difficult penalty chance Wasps’ No 10 Steve Picton put his side level at his second attempt – and Hughes and Picton swapped further successful three-pointers before Hughes nudged his team ahead for the third time with another simple kick on target.

The second half saw The Blues’ strength in depth pay off as Ben Skudder came on to feature with a couple of surges alongside Lee Summons and Scott Candler, who both posed considerable threats with the ball in hand.

But in the final analysis it was the try-scoring of Kyle Williams which swung the game in favour of the home side, whose chairman Alun Williams congratulated Llangwm before presenting the silverware to Blues’ captain Jon Mason, whilst Miss Lauren Fair presented the man of the match trophy on behalf of the James’ family which traditionally provides this memento.

Haverfordwest: Lee Summons: Scott Candler; Liam Manwaring; Gareth John; Steve Thomas: Ollie Hughes; Tom Parry: Jamie Zambas; Ashley George; Huw Edwards: Adam Clark; Jack Clancy: Jon Mason (Capt); Iestyn Griffiths; Kyle Williams. Replacements: Jonathan Clout; Kyle Hamer; Ben Skudder; Logan Griffiths; Gethin Thomas; Will Ridge; Liam Jones.

Llangwm: Kieran Walkden: Dan Morgan; Lewis Jones; Kern Cunningham; Jack Kersey: Rhys Mason; Steve Picton: Gavin Jones; Gethin Thomas; Ieuan Power: Ashley James; Dave Reynolds: Ian Griffiths (Capt); James F Lewis; James Lewis. Replacements:  James Griffiths; Dan Chesmer; Spencer Rourke; Chris Raymond; Carwyn Morgan; Arthur maulio-Martino.

Referee: Jason Summers.