Narberth 16 pts. Bonymaen 18

Despite dominating the first half and scoring a converted try as well as having two tries disallowed, the Otters failed to put their chances away. Consequently, the visitors picked up the spoils through a good team performance, with a bonus of six penalties by outside-half Craig Jones. It was Jones who opened the scoring with a penalty after three minutes from the Narberth 22. From the opening stages, it was clear that the Narberth pack would have the edge and the backs enjoyed an abundant supply of the ball. It looked as if Narberth had scored after nine minutes to complete an excellent move involving winger Matthew Davies, fullback Sion Brace and right wing Nick Jones, who touched down over the line to finish the move, but the 'try' was not allowed for crossing. Narberth wheeled the resultant scrum and Nick Jones was released to score a try, converted by outside-half Steve Williams. After 14 minutes, the Narberth lead was reduced to one point with a short range penalty from the boot of Craig Jones. Bony were reduced to 14 players when hooker Craig Cunniffe was yellow-carded and Steve Williams slotted over a penalty to boost the Narberth lead to four points. Within minutes, both teams were down to 14 players when Narberth flanker Jamie Bohata also received a yellow card. A penalty by Steve Williams after 32 minutes increased the Narberth lead and Narberth were on a bit of a roll with attack after attack. Left wing Matthew Davies finished off another excellent move, but his claim for a try was disallowed as he had put a foot in touch on the way to the line. An injury time penalty by Craig Jones reduced the deficit for the visitors and Narberth were just six points in front at half-time. At the start of the second half, a penalty by Craig Jones reduced the lead to just one point. Within minutes, both teams were reduced to 14 players again, with both prop Justin Hughes, of Narberth, and scrum-half Mark Davies, of Bonymaen, having a cooling down period in the sin bin. A penalty by Steve Williams increased the Narberth lead once again, but the lead was back down to one point when Craig Jones was on target with his fifth penalty of the match. Both teams were looking eagerly for the next score and tension mounted. A penalty by Craig Jones after 78 minutes put Bonymaen in front and the visitors held that decisive lead of two points until the final whistle. The Narberth pack was superb, a fact recognised by forwards coach Sean Gale when he said after the match: "It was a great game of rugby which neutral supporters would have enjoyed. There was a tremendous atmosphere, but the result was disappointing from a Narberth point of view. "We dominated the game, but Bonymaen dug deep, defended well and took all of their chances to score. "Craig Jones kicked well for Bonymaen, but it was a well organised team performance, which gave them the points. "Our pack was outstanding today, especially in the set-pieces, and we should have done more, but we are not taking all of our chances at present. "We may have been a little unlucky with some decisions, but on the whole it was a very pleasing performance, although the result was disappointing. If we keep playing like we are, then we will have a good season." From the possession set up by the forwards for the backs, it was a game that got away for the Otters. Director of rugby, Jonathan Dodd added: "It was unfortunate that we lost today as it was our best performance of this season and our set-piece play went particularly well. It was one of those matches where we were let down by our finishing. "However, we can take a lot of confidence from the way in which we played and we can move on from here. "Justin Hughes had a big game in a match where each of the forwards put their hands up and the centre partnership between Neil Davies and Steve Martin was very effective." Prop Nathan Williams was nominated man of the match by the Folly Farm Balcony Suite sponsor, Adrian Phillips, the builder. The Otters Holt was sponsored by the Templeton supporters, the W. and J. Group sponsored the Members' Bar and the ball sponsors were RAOB Club, Narberth, Malcolm Kennard, of Crundale, Brian Murray, of Lawrenny, and the Booze Brothers, of the Dingle, Narberth. Narberth fielded: Sion Brace (capt.), Nick Jones, Steve Martin, Neil Davies, Steve Williams, Adrian Killa, Nathan Williams, Dan Smith, Justin Hughes (Fifitipuku Falau), Chris James (David Ebsworth), Emori Katalau, Jamie Bohata, Matthew Davies and Lewis Wood. Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are without a league fixture because of the international at Cardiff between Wales and Australia. League action will recommence with a home match against Waunarlwydd on Saturday, November 18.