The Otters were no match for the Borderers in this one-sided contest, as the visitors punched gaps in the Narberth defence at regular intervals.

For the second week in succession, the Otters were unable to field a front row through a mixture of injuries and player unavailability.

As a result, some of the traditional edge was taken away from this local derby, but Whitland remained focused and, although denied their power base in the scrums, the visitors quickly got on top.

Narberth's outside-half Tom Lewis had a chance to kick a penalty from just outside the 22 on the right touchline, but was unable to convert.

After 13 minutes, the Whitland try-scoring spree started. After an uncontested scrum in the left corner, the Whitland threequarters moved the ball quickly along the backs and winger Dion Thomas cut through the covering defence to cross for a try which Aled Davies, the Whitland outside-half, did well to convert.

Promising young prop Alun Davies scored the next try for the visitors in a catch and drive move from a lineout.

Davies, who is nicknamed 'Tank', used his strength to force his way over for an unconverted try. A penalty by Aled Davies from in front of the posts increased the lead and then Davies rounded off the scoring for the first half.

The Borderers' outside-half was on hand to finish off a flowing handling movement after a series of attacks and he converted his own try.

Four minutes into the second half, the lead was extended. Play was switched quickly from right to left by the Borderers and a long pass by Aled Davies set up an unconverted try in the left corner for Will Davies.

Five minutes later, Davies increased the lead with a smartly taken drop goal from outside the 22. Whitland right wing Dion Thomas again showed his speed off the mark when he crossed for his second try of the match in the right corner.

Davies failed to convert, but he was on target a couple of minutes later when substitute left wing Jack Tremlett burst up the left touchline with his first touch of the ball to cross for a try converted by Davies.

Tremlett brought the try spree to an end with another try in the left corner after 75 minutes. For the senior coaches of both teams it was a match of contrasting emotions.

Whitland's Domenico Setaro was delighted with the result and with the way his team played, but shared the disappointment of everyone that the match had to be played with uncontested scrums.

He said: "In many ways it was a difficult day, but what was particularly pleasing in addition to the result was the way in which we kept our shape and structure playing in such an open game.

"We concentrated on getting the basics right to create openings, although at the start of the match it was a bit of a downer to have uncontested scrums.

"When we come to Narberth we always target the scrums and it was disappointing to play with uncontested scrums today.

"In many ways the game was never a contest and of the seven tries, six were scored by the threequarters and five by wingers, which in itself tells its own story."

On being questioned about Whitland's promotion prospects, Setaro conceded that it was over. "We blew it when we lost at Bonymaen last week and Bonymaen are now nine points clear at the top of the table. We are still keen to win our remaining five games, but it seems unlikely that we will catch Bonymaen at this stage."

His opposite number Jonathan Dodd said: "Full credit to Whitland. They played very well and they were so strong up front that it enabled the backs to play with plenty of confidence.

"We were very disappointed about the uncontested scrums and would have liked to have seen the game as more of a contest. Whitland adapted to the situation better and used their substitutes wisely.

"Our defence was very disappointing, as was our play in general. League positions do not lie, even in local derbies, and Whitland showed today why they are one of the top teams in Division One."

For the Borderers, fullback Lee Glanville had an excellent game, scrum-half Andrew Jenkins was his usual all-action self, the back row worked well as a unit and prop Alun Davies featured prominently in the loose.

In addition, wingers Jack Tremlett and Dion Thomas did not miss a chance to take their tries, with Thomas giving a dazzling performance.

Whitland kept their line intact to demonstrate why they have the best defensive record in Division One. In a dismal Narberth performance, the one bright note was the way in which Sion Brace acquitted himself under extreme pressure, while Chris James kept his head above the parapet up front.

The match was sponsored by Greens Motors, of Haverfordwest, who acted as the Folly Farm Balcony Suite's sponsors, and Mason Bros, of Lampeter Velfrey, who acted as Otter Holt match sponsors. The match ball sponsors were Graham Building Supplies, the Dragon Inn, of Narberth, Rhys Watkins, of Narberth, The Taxi Boys, Mike Abel, Keith Thomas, of Narberth, and Simply Gardens, of Narberth.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are home to Division One leaders Bonymaen and Whitland are home to Llangennech.

Narberth fielded: Sion Brace, Mike Georgiou, Phil Thomas, Neil Davies, Mathew Davies, Tom Lewis, Mark Davies, Chris James, Adrian Chiffi, David Ebsworth, Rob James, Emori Katalau (capt.), Jamie Bohata, Lewis Wood and Mathew Davies.

Whitland fielded: Lee Glanville, Dion Thomas, Gary Evans, Eifion Roberts, Will Davies (Jeff Tremlett), Alun Davies, Aled Harries (Jason Evans), Andrew Morrillo (Aperaamo Tuialo), Raff Williams, Carwyn Davies, Celt Thomas (Ryan Michael), Phil Morgan (Simon James) and Randall Williams (capt.).