Whitland played their opening league game of the new season on Saturday, away at Blackwood, but never got out of the blocks, going down by 20 points to seven after a lacklustre performance. The first quarter was fairly even, with only a Jeremy Lloyd penalty for the home team separating the sides, but Whitland failed to take their chances when Blackwood were reduced to 14 men when flanker Craig Clement was sin-binned. Lloyd missed a penalty in the 22nd minute, before poor Whitland tackling allowed Blackwood in for two quick tries in the space of just two minutes. The tries came in the 29th and 31st minutes of the opening half, the first by centre Jamie Jones and the second by skipper Craig Clements. Outside-half Lloyd converted both of them to give Blackwood a half-time lead of 17 points to nil. Eleven minutes into the second half, Lloyd further increased the lead for Blackwood with another penalty. Whitland were presented with an opportunity to get back into it when Blackwood were again reduced to 14 players following the sin-binning of second row Mark Gwilt. But again they took the wrong options and could not get on the scoreboard. Indeed, it was not until near fulltime that Whitland eventually recorded their first points of the new season, when winger Jack Tremlett intercepted a long pass to go over for a try. Fly-half Aled Davies added the conversion, to leave the score 20 points to seven in favour of Blackwood. Whitland will be looking for an improved performance tomorrow (Saturday) when they are home to Brynmawr, with a 2.30 pm kick off.
WHITLAND WANDERERS
Whitland Wanderers got their season off to a flyer, winning their opening game against Carmarthen Athletic Seconds by 25 points to seven at home. Their points came through tries by prop Ian Haycocks, number eight Cerith McNally and centre Kristian Richards, who also kicked two penalties and two conversions. Carmarthen's points came from a try by Iestyn Morris, converted by Dean Davies. Tomorrow (Saturday), the Wanderers travel to play Penlan, with a 2.30 pm kick-off.
WHITLAND YOUTH
Whitland Youth played their first game of the season at home against Tenby and totally dominated the Seasiders, running out comfortable winners by 32 points to nil. Whitland's try scorers were flanker Ryan Michael, fullback Shane Morgan, hooker Huw Devonald, number eight Mathew Owens and outside-half Dafydd Gibbon, with Mathew Owens adding two conversions and a penalty. Tomorrow (Saturday), Whitland Youth travel north to face Crymych Youth, with a 2.30 pm kick-off.