Division Three West A:

Haverfordwest 17-15 Neyland

A late penalty from young outside half Liam Manwaring saw Haverfordwest edge home in their local derby fixture at home to Neyland after the All Blacks had led for much of a hard-fought tussle.

The teams had already drawn 19-19 in Neyland earlier in the season, and this encounter was again close as both sides tried to play open rugby.

Outside half Steve Martin put Neyland ahead early on with a penalty after some good build up work by the likes of Alex Codd and Iestyn Evans – but The Blues claimed the opening try of the match when centre Dane Pindare powered over the line for Manwaring to add the extra points.

But The All Blacks refused to submit and talented young centre George Williams rounded off a good move with an unconverted try – followed by a typical break by Steve Martin that brought the Neyland player/coach a try and conversion to put his side 15-7 to the good at half time.

Haverfordwest opened the second half with a try from experienced No 8 Lewis Wood which Manwaring goaled to take his side within a point of the opposition.

Both teams had chances to seal success but late in the game it was The Blues who were awarded a penalty and Manwaring maintained his composure to slot the vital three-pointer between the uprights.

Spokesmen from both camps agreed that this could have gone either way but in the final analysis it was The Blues who won, but with The All Blacks at least securing a bonus point as some measure of compensation!