BLACKWOOD 29 pts
WHITLAND 17
Whitland continued their National League division one campaign on Saturday by travelling to Glanyrafon Park to face second-in-the-table Blackwood.
But the Borderers again failed to get enough possession to mount a real bid for victory, going down 29-17.
Blackwood's outside-half Martin Jones opened the scoring with penalties in the second and ninth minutes, but failed with an attempted drop goal in between.
They extended their advantage with an unconverted try through centre Jaggi To'o after Whitland missed a tackle in midfield, to lead 11-0.
Whitland's first points came from an unconverted try by scrum-half Andrew Jenkins. When a scrum on Blackwood's 22-metre line was turned, number eight Randall Williams picked up at the back and worked the blind side before popping up a pass for Jenkins to run in at the corner for the try.
Blackwood restored their advantage in the 35th minute, however, when their own number eight Jamie Sims scored a try under the posts after another missed tackle by the Whitland defence. Fly-half Jones added the extra two points with a successful conversion.
But there was still time for the Borderers to hit back before the half-time break.
In fact, there were just two minutes remaining when, from a lineout 20 metres out, a good take and drive by the forwards saw the ball fed out to Jenkins and on to outside-half Sengili Tuihalamaka, who ghosted through for a fine try.
Fullback Daniel Griffiths banged over the conversion to leave the half-time score at 18-12 to Blackwood.
After the turn around, like the first half, it was Blackwood who started the brighter, adding two more penalties by outside-half Jones in the third and fifth minutes to stretch their lead to a healthy 12 points.
Not to be outdone, Whitland responded in the 17 minute with their third try through winger Matiake Mafi. It came when, after a good drive forward by second row Steve Thomas, the ball was recycled quickly and fed out along the backs. Daniel Griffiths came into the line from fullback to make the extra man and after a superb pick up off his toes, he sent Mafi racing over in the corner.
Griffiths failed to add the two points, but Whitland were back in it with the score at 24-17.
In the 18th minute, Robert Phillips replaced wing Eifion Lewis for Whitland.
Ten minutes later, Blackwood put the game out of Whitland's reach with their third try by winger Gavin Rees which went unconverted.
Whitland made a number of changes in the pack to get fresh legs on, with Ian Haycocks on for Andy Webster and Mark Hughes on for David Ebsworth.
Five minutes from time, Robert Phillips made a good run down the line and fed the ball back inside to Rob Norton, but again indiscipline cost Whitland a good position.
Skipper Phil Morgan was replaced by Chris Williams near the end due to a cut on the ear.
Whitland fielded: Daniel Griffiths, Matiake Mafi, Domenico Setaro, Lee Banfield, Eifion Lewis (Robert Phillips), Sengili Tuihalamaka, Andrew Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Steve Gerrard, Andy Webster (Ian Haycocks), Steve Thomas, David Ebsworth (Mark Hughes), Rob Norton, Phil Morgan, capt, (Chris Williams), Randal Williams.
Subs not used - Richard Fanus, Wayne Lewis and Simon Rogers.
This Saturday's game is against Bedwas. Due to the Wales v Argentina international, this will kick-off early at 12 noon. Main match sponsors, Clive and Heather Edwards, Taf Valley Coaches.
The following week, Whitland are away to Aberavon, with an early kick-off at 2 pm. A supporters bus will be leaving the club at 12 noon - names and money to Iona at Gog Sports by Wednesday, November 14.
WHITLAND WANDERERS
Whitland Wanderers played a local derby against Narberth in the West Wales Premier League, running out victorious after a battle royal by 10-9.
Narberth opened the scoring through Richard Morris, before Whitland prop Jason Vaughan scored what turned out to be the only try of the match, centre Kristian Richards adding the conversion for the Wanderers to lead 7-6 at half time.
Again in the second half, Narberth opened the scoring with a penalty from Richard Morris, and after a half which saw no quarter given or taken, it was left to Whitland's young scrum-half Darren Rees to drop a goal with five minutes remaining to give his side a well deserved victory and send the visitors home empty-handed.
The match was marred by a player from each side being red-carded. But well done the Wanderers, earning their second victory in the Premier League.
WHITLAND YOUTH
The Youth travelled to Milford Haven for their league encounter, again winning a very tight game 8-7.
Milford led at half-time through a converted try by Craig Eva.
In the second half, Whitland outside-half Lee Glanville dropped a goal and hooker Ian Stevenson scored the vital try to give their side a well deserved and hard earned victory.