Whitland 20 pts. Cross Keys 26

Whitland welcomed premiership opposition in the fifth round of the Konica Minolta Welsh Cup, on Saturday, with visiting Cross Keys winning the match, despite a spirited all-round team performance from the Borderers, who ran them very close. Cross Keys opened a 14-point lead in the first quarter of the match with two converted tries, one by flanker Tom Lampard and the other by centre Dan Dark, with fullback Jonathan Williams converting both. Whitland's outside-half Aled Davies kicked a penalty just before half-time to leave the score 14 -3 at the break. Within four minutes of the restart, Davies doubled his tally with his second penalty, and five minutes later, the Borderers scored their first try of the afternoon. It initially came from a lineout and a subsequent driving maul, from which hooker Aled Harris broke blind and drew the defence, before feeding scrum-half Luke Masch, who skinned the winger and passed back inside for Dion Thomas to touch down. Davies added the conversion to bring Whitland to within a point of Cross Keys at 14-13. Their joy was shortlived, however, as just three minutes later, Cross Keys scored their third try when winger Jonathan Hill went over, with Williams again adding the two points. With time running out, Whitland again cut the deficit when, from a scrum-five, Aled Davies popped the ball back inside to centre Lee Glanville, who crossed for his side's second try of the half. Again Davies added the conversion to once again bring Whitland to within a point of their opponents. But their fate was finally sealed two minutes later when Cross Keys again hit back as Hill went over for his second try of the afternoon. This time it went unconverted and, although Whitland pressed hard in the remaining minutes, when referee John Mason blew the final whistle, it was a mightly relieved Cross Keys who had earned a narrow 26-20 victory. There were some good performances from the youngsters on the bench, namely Shane Morgan, Matthew Owens and Huw Devonald, and this was Whitland back to the sort of form that they showed last year. Prop Alun 'Tank' Davies was nominated as man-of- the-match, which was thoroughly deserved, but it was a difficult decision, as all 22 played well. Tomorrow (Saturday), Whitland return to league action when Cwmllynfell are the visitors to Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn for an Asda League Division One West game. Main match sponsors: Concept Stainless, Andrew Skyrme, Euro Fencing, David Harries and Co., Orbis Heathcare, Woodfield Nursing Home, Abbey Masonry. Team sponsors: Whitland RFC Patrons, Victoria Bakery, Laugharne, Arwel Thomas Fencing Contractor, Sid Evans, Laugharne, Paul and Karen Morgan, Mike Faulkner Carpenter and Joiner, Dafydd Lewis Construction, Cliff Bowen, Maintenance. Ball sponsors: Dicky Parry, Robeston Wathen, Graham Searle, Paul Rogers, Allen and Partners, Emyr James Carpets, Jon and Vicky Gardener. Web sponsors: W 3 Designs. Whitland Youth 41pts. Tenby Youth 7

Whitland Youth destroyed Tenby Youth in this game which had an early kick-off at Parc Dr. Owen on Saturday. The young Borderers were just too strong in all facets of the game, running in seven tries in total, three in the first half - two by winger Liam Impey and another by scrum-half Owain Davies, with fullback Daniel Newton converting one. In the second half, Whitland's try scorers were prop Lee Williams, flanker Shane Webster, number eight Gavin Walsh and outside-half Martin Thomas, with Newton again adding two conversions. Tenby did score a consolation try through hooker Lyndon, converted by Henry Boot. This weekend sees the Youth travel to play Crymych in a rearranged match.