Whitland 1st XV 3 pts. Carmarthen Ath. 10

This Swalec Division One West local derby was played in driving rain and a howling wind, which unfortunately took away the spectacle that all supporters wished for.

It meant that it was likely to be a game where a mistake would prove the difference and that's just how it turned out.

Whitland started the stronger into the wind and in the first 20 minutes should have opened the scoring, but missed out when after a break by Ryan Michael, support was slow in arriving and the chance was lost.

A subsequent penalty award, however, did eventually see them take the lead as Emyr Williams landed the kick to give them a 3-0 advantage.

But the lead was somewhat shortlived, as the Athletic made full use of their one try-scoring opportunity. After a high kick was knocked-on some six metres from the Whitland line, number eight Gareth Bennett picked up from the resulting scrum and drove towards the line, before slipping the ball to fellow back row forward, Lee Bassett, who crashed over.

Fullback Neil Davies added the conversion and also banged over a penalty two minutes later to leave the half-time score 10 points to three to the visitors.

In the second half, Whitland failed to use the conditions to their advantage and, with some dogged defence from Carmarthen, the game ran its course without any further score, to leave Athletic cockerhoop and Whitland thinking about what might have been or indeed should have been.

Whitland fielded: Carwyn Jones, Will Davies (Wayne Morris), Lee Glanville, Aled Jones, Cristiaan Roets, Emyr Williams, Gary Davies, Gareth Lloyd (Rhun Morgan), Mark Jones, Richard Smith (Alan Procter), Raff Williams (Jack Mason), Carwyn Davies, John Bowen, Ryan Michael (Gareth Downes), Randall Williams, capt.

Whitland man-of-the-match: Mark Jones.

Main match sponsors: Hefin Thomas Plant Hire, Castle Scaffolding and Ron Mounsey, McDonalds.

Team sponsors: Classic Kitchens Ltd. and the Sunday Boys

Ball sponsors: John and Christine Lewis, K. P. Thomas and Sons, Templetton, Delme Owen, CTS Tyre Services, Carmarthen, Stuart Harris, Electrician, Clifton Bowen and Ieuan Griffiths, Building Contractor, Whitland.

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees Whitland travel to Carmarthen to play the Quins at the Park, kick-off 2.30 pm.

Felinfoel 2nd XV 15 pts. Whitland Wanderers 2nd XV 12

With conditions in their favour in the opening half of this Carmarthen Tyre Services League clash, Whitland led at half-time by 10 points to five.

Their points came from a try by prop Martin Nicholas, with outside-half Kristian Richards adding the conversion and also landing a penalty.

Felinfoel responded with a try of their own and added a further two in the second half, while Kristian Richards replied with a second penalty, but it turned out to be not enough.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Wanderers are home to Bonymaen Seconds, also with a 2.30 pm kick-off.

Waunarlwydd Youth nil Whitland Youth 17 pts.

Whitland Youth travelled to Waunarlwydd for a Webb Ellis Cup match on Saturday and outplayed the home side in all aspects of the game.

The young Borderers dominated at every phase and totally deserved their victory in what were flood-like conditions.

They scored two tries in the first half by centre Dafydd Evans and second row Sam Hodson to lead by 10 points to nil at the half-time break.

In the second half, back row forward James Davies got the touchdown for Whitland's third, with outside-half Jonathon Thomas adding the conversion.

In the next round, Mumbles Youth will be the visitors.

Tomorrow (Saturday), meanwhile, the Youth travel to play Aberystwyth, kick-off 2.30 pm.