The only National League division two to escape the weather may have put a different complexion on the top of the table, with leaders Narberth falling to only their third defeat of the season.

While the Otters still hold pole position, their lead has been cut to just four points as a result of Maesteg's victory, although Narberth still have the cushion of a game or two in hand over their closest rivals.

It was a day for the Old Parish to remember on home turf as they adapted well to the conditions at Llynfi Road to notch up their ninth successive win and partially wash away memories of their 39-28 defeat at the hands of Narberth at the Lewis Lloyd earlier in the season.

The cloying pitch and windy conditions did not suit Narberth's style of playing from the outset and, while the Otters enjoyed the lion's share of possession, the Old Parish had done their homework well, closing out key playmakers like Andrew Bowen and Andrew Jones and using locks Jeff Solis and Alex Peever to negate the influence of Jamie Bohata and Jason Jennings in the lines out.

'Veteran' Alan Reynolds was back to his best behind Narberth's advancing pack alongside ever reliable skipper Simon Davies but the Otters failed to take scoring opportunities when they were presented, either by spilling the greasy ball or failing to exploit the overlap.

They also preferred to keep the ball in hand, hoping to break the Maesteg defence through bursts up the middle, when perhaps kicking for field position may have proved the more sensible option.

Although they were reduced to 14 men early on when hooker Kevin Davies was yellow carded following an incident right in front of referee Huw Griffiths, of Cwmavon, the Otters rallied to take the lead with an Aled Davies penalty.

The visitors edged further ahead following a typical midfield break by centre Bowen.

The Narberth pack recycled at the breakdown allowing outside half Simon Daniel to exploit a chink in the Old Parish armour and claim an unconverted try.

Old Parish outside half Matthew Pearce reduced the arrears with a penalty, but another Davies penalty restored the eight point margin to the visitors at the break.

Pearce slotted over two penalties after the interval to cut the deficit and was on hand to add the extras after scrum half Richard Morgan nabbed a try when number eight and skipper Matthew Wareham put him through from a scrum 15 metres out.

Narberth brought on Emori Katalau for Jennings and Simon Delaney for Davies going into the final quarter, but they could do little to stop the experienced Old Parish eight from slowing the tempo up front in deteriorating conditions.

Although Davies was off target with a penalty he fared better with another similar place kick minutes reduce the margin to just one score.

With just minutes on the clock the Otters drew deep on their reserves with Reynolds running the ball at the home defence.

Wing Jones was in support, together with fellow wing John Whitticombe, but he was unable to hold onto the slippery ball.

The drama was not over, however, with Maesteg giving away a penalty within range in the dying minute. However, Davies uncharacteristically pulled his kick wide, leaving the Otters to reflect on a day of missed chances.

Narberth have no game tomorrow (Saturday) due the the Wales/Ireland international in Dublin.

The following week they welcome Beddau to the Lewis Lloyd.