Whitland 31 pts. Bridgend Athletic 10

Bridgend Athletic were crushed by the non-stop attacks of the Borderers, who fully deserved their victory, which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests, even with a 21 points winning margin.

Whitland dominated most of the match and took the lead after five minutes when outside-half Aled Davies, who had rejoined the club from Narberth, kicked a tricky penalty from the touchline.

Carwyn Jones, playing at fullback, set up the next try with a tremendous run from the halfway line after defeating a couple of defenders when he picked up an attempted relieving kick.

The ball was passed inside and centre Aled Jones crossed under the posts for a try, converted by Aled Davies.

After Davies had missed out on two penalty kicks and his opposite number Stuart Morris was also off target with his penalty attempt, the Borderers returned to moving the ball along the line to create scoring opportunities.

They were rewarded after 36 minutes when centre and captain, Lee Glanville, was on hand to finish off an attacking movement and did well to score under the posts for another try converted by Aled Davies.

In the early stages of the second half, Aled Davies missed another penalty chance, but converted a try by fullback Carwyn Jones to finish off a fine move initiated by outside-half Aled Davies with a superb break.

The lead of 24 points was reduced after 10 minutes when Athletic prop and skipper Rod Jones crossed for a somewhat scrappy try, which reflected the determined nature of the Athletic side, who did not throw in the towel at any time during the match.

The try was converted by Stuart Morris, who also added a penalty after 18 minutes when it bounced over the crossbar after hitting the right upright.

Midway through the second half, the scoring for the afternoon was completed when Whitland winger Dion Thomas finished an attacking movement well, after an exciting break up the right touchline by inside-half Huw Rees.

Davies beat two defenders near the corner flag and then crossed the line to cut inside for a try, converted by Aled Davies.

Spokesman Richard Merriman reflected the delight of the Whitland camp when he said after the match: "It was a winning start and we played some good rugby with four tries and a bonus point win.

"Hopefully, we came away without too many injuries to players and the start was very pleasing after our inconsistent performance last season.

"We played a lot more rugby in this game than we played in a few matches last season. The boys seemed fitter, the new players look good and we have strengthened the squad.

"It was good to see Aled Davies back at outside-half and his half-back partner Huw Rees made a lovely try for winger Dion Thomas to complete the scoring for the afternoon.

"Young James Stephenson came in from the youth team and, although he may take a game or two to find his feet at this level, he will become an asset during the season for his all-round ability, which includes place kicking.

"Luke Kendall looked the part at number eight with a good turn of pace and he appears a very solid player. In addition, we have the experienced Randall Williams covering this position, which is good to see.

"Locks Raff Williams and Carwyn Davies were outstanding. Marc Jones played well at hooker and prop Craig Kelly had some big hits and will cause problems for opposing teams.

"Our defence was good throughout the match, apart from letting Bridgend Athletic in for a rather scrappy try.

"We were on top and the game could have been 40-odd points to 10.

"Nevertheless, coaches Domenico Setaro and Phil Morgan will be happy at the start and we all hope that we can build on that performance when we go up to Corus in Margam next Saturday."

Whitland fielded: Carwyn Jones, Dion Thomas, Lee Glanville (capt.), Aled Jones, James Stephenson, Aled Davies, Huw Rees, Craig Kelly, Marc Jones, Alan Proctor, Raff Williams, Carwyn Davies, Celt Thomas, Ryan Michael and Luke Kendall.

Replacements were: Jack Mason, Gary Evans, Randall Williams, Richard Smith and Tristan Griffiths.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Whitland have a testing away fixture against Corus.