Division Three West A:
Pembroke 26-12 Laugharne

PEMBROKE’S ambitions for promotion received another boost as they beat third-placed Laugharne for the second time in three weeks and also pouched a vital bonus point for scoring four tries.

The club are still awaiting the outcome of their National Bowl semi final with Cardiff Unviersity, with the WRU set to hold a second hearing tonight (Tuesday).

But they continue to plough towards the league title, extending their lead at the top over Milford Haven to seven points but with a game in hand.

The Scarlets’ squad strength was shown against strong opposition as Cyle Wetherall, normally a back row man, made his debut as hooker and played well, as did replacement scrum half Iori Roberts, who came in at the last minute as regular scrum half Tom Lewis was unwell in the pre-match warm up.

Laugharne also made changes as top-try scorer Mikey Williams moved out of the back row and into the centre, and with Tom Jameson at No 10 in the absence of regular incumbent Owain Thomas, but they were still able to push Pembroke as skipper Carl Smith led by example.

But it was Pembroke who got off to a flier with an early try by centre Fraser James after a clever chip over the top by fly half Toby Smith allowed centre Sean Dalling to gather and supply the scoring pass, and James brushed off his marker and cut inside the cover defence. Dalling converted.

The Scarlets soon added a second when winger Barry Alderman John rounded off a good move initiated by Sam Smith, Dom Colman and Rhodri Walters – and they added the try of the match when full back Luke Hartland fielded an attempted clearance and beat several defenders on a scintillating run to the line for Dalling to add the extra points.

Laugharne refused to lie down under pressure, though, and scored an unconverted try from winger Gareth Spiers before the oranges – and forced their way back into contention when a long pass from Toby Smith was intercepted by Mikey Williams and Jameson converted.

But Pembroke had the final word when powerful second row Will Edwards was perfectly placed to round off a concerted handling move and Dalling converted to put his side in full control in the race for promotion.

Pembroke: Luke Hartland, Barry Alderman John, Sean Dalling, Fraser James, Elliott Evans, Toby Smith, Iori Roberts, Lloyd Davies, Cyle Wetherall, Johnny Palmer: Scott Powell (Capt), Will Edwards, Dom Colman, Rhodri Walters, Sam Smith. Replacements: Rhys Manwaring, Owain Johns, Alex Wilkes, Alex Thomas, Simon Stanford.

Laugharne: Ross Michael, Gareth Spiers, Mikey Williams, Tom Davies, Tom Windsor, Tom Jameson, Gethin Jones, Rhys Thomas, Richie Waters, Dorian Harries, Leigh Thomas, Tom Rees, Carwyn Jones, Dai Thomas, Carl Smith. Replacements: Ben Lloyd, Andrew Phillips, Gwynn Morris, Gary Jones, Will Evans.