Narberth Youth 29 pts. Aberystwyth Youth 22
Narberth Youth made the long journey by bus to Aberystwyth last Saturday. Spirits were fairly high considering they were a bare 15 and that their head coach Rob Phillips was on the other side of the planet in Australia. But nevertheless there was a job to do and the coaching duties for the day fell on the shoulders of Byron Williams, Paul Done and Bryn Edwards, With the wind swirling over the Aber pitch, it was Aberystwyth who kicked off. Narberth made quite a slow start, but soon settled down to their natural game. The forwards took on the big Aberystwyth pack and created chances for the backs to puncture the opposition's defence. Aberystwyth's backline were caught offside several times early in the game and were duly punished by the boot of fullback Tom Richards for their second infringement. Before the interval, scrum-half and man-of-the- match Aron Keane caught the Aberystwyth backs sleeping and darted over for what is becoming one of his trademark scores. This try was converted by Tom Richards. After some good work, Aberystwyth were awarded a penalty, which Aaron Lewis had no problem in slotting through the uprights, which made the score at half-time, Narberth Youth 10 Aberystwyth Youth 3. The second half was really exciting, with the score juggling in and out of the Narberth teams hands. Tries were scored for Narberth by flying winger Ben Douglas and Aron Keane, who bagged another. Tom Richards failed to convert one of them. Aberystwyth scored three in the second half, a pair for burly number eight Lee Gower and one for fly- half Jonathan Bonsall. Two tries were converted by flanker Aaron Lewis, who also levelled the score, much to the Aberystwyth's supporters' delight, with a penalty in the last five minutes, making it 22-all. It looked all set for a draw when Narberth were awarded a penalty just inside the Aber half. The referee announced that this would be the last play of the game when Gethin Salter took it upon himself to tap and go. He showed great strength and skill, breaking several tackles, before neatly offloading to outstanding back-rower Rion Whatmore. The flanker brushed aside the Aber defence as if by magic to score under the sticks. Tom Richards converted to make the final score Narberth Youth 29 Aberystwyth Youth 22. Although far too close for comfort, the sheer grit shown by the whole of the Narberth side was tremendous. Their commitment really impressed all who witnessed their efforts. As always, the lineout worked well, with hooker Matt Done and second-row Rhydian Williams securing ball. Captain Paul Brown, along with Richard Sharp-Williams, really shone, and showed their younger team-mates how to lead from the front. Pocket rocket Paul Beddis, playing at 12, showed his prowess in defence, Rion Whatmore and Gethin Salter were a great double act and Aron Keane confirmed his rich promise. Narberth Youth fielded: John Edwards, Mathew Done, Gareth Jones, Luke Battisson, Rhydian Williams, Paul Brown, Rion Whatmore, Richard Sharp-Williams, Aron Keane, Jack Parsells, Paul Beddis, Gethin Salter, Tom Richards, Jon Morse and Ben Douglas.