Cross Keys 14 Narberth 10

Narberth played well against a Cross Keys' side which has moved into the higher echelons of the section, and The Otters were on top for much of the second period after they had scored a very good try to take them within a single score of the former top-class team from Gwent.

They held sway throughout the final quarter but, try as they might, Narberth were unable to break down the well-organised home defence and had to settle for a useful performance in yet another away defeat.

The Otters had started well as they took play into Cross Keys' territory and a good move up the left flank featuring Mike and Andrew Jones was ended when Meurig Daniel got up on the inside for a very good flanker's support try in the corner.

Cross Keys responded with a penalty from outside half Movete Oto'Ota before they took the lead with a handling move on the left which allowed centre Gwion Bowen to squeeze in at the corner flag.

Oto'Ota missed the conversion but made amends soon afterwards with a dropped goal and a penalty which put his team 14-5 up at the half way stage.

Narberth brought on Gareth James for Martin Davies at full back for the second period and also changed personnel further when coach Keith Eaton introduced Mark Evans for the injured Jamie Bohata, Gareth Bennett moving into the second row alongside Jason Jennings, Mark David for Meurig Daniel and Rob Jones for Andrew Howell.

They reduced the deficit with 18 minutes left when hooker Craig Hawkins made a good break which was continued by Bennett before Nick Jones reached the corner for another unconverted try.

It set the stage for a tense finale where the Otters were always in with a chance but they were unable to cross the Keys line - and made the long journey home with little to show for a great deal of effort and commitment.

Narberth: Martin Davies (Gareth James): Nick Jones; Mike Jones; Elgan Vittle; Andrew Jones: Simon Daniel; Adrian Killa: Andrew Howell (Rob Jones); Craig Hawkins; Alan Phillips: Jamie Bohata (Matthew Evans); Jason Jennings: Simon Davies; Meurig Daniel (Mark David); Gareth Bennett.