After just missing out on promotion last season, Narberth got this year's National League division two campaign off to a solid start on Saturday with a convincing 38 points to six win over Tredegar.

The Otters have strengthened their squad considerably during the off-season and took a little time to gel in the opening stages of this clash at the Lewis Lloyd ground which led to a couple of chances going begging through handling errors.

However, after weathering a 20-minute storm when the visitors tried to capitalise on the homesters' 'ring-rustiness' with a series of battering runs, Narberth began to exert control, particularly after the break when their dominance saw them claim four well-taken tries.

Tredegar opened the scoring when stand-off Gareth Evans slotted over a penalty from just outside the home 22 to make amends for being off target with an earlier effort from longer range.

Otters outside-half Simon Daniel failed with an opportunity to level the scores with a similar strike at the other end in the opening quarter.

Young skipper Jason Jennings proved a tireless motivator, however, and, leading by example in the lineout alongside impressive South Sea islander Emori Katalau, began to provide the platform for the Otters to bring influential back row men Gareth Bennett and Alan Reynolds into play.

Number eight Bennett grabbed a try for Narberth from a lineout in the corner, which Daniel converted to put the homesters in front.

Evans reduced the arrears with another penalty for Tredegar, before Daniel made it 10-6 at the change around with another place kick.

Former Tenby United back, Oliver Brace, playing in the scrum-half berth for the Otters, had made a competent debut during the first half, but coach Keith Eaton made a tactical substitution in replacing him with Chris Macdonald during the interval.

The veteran inside-half and Lewis Lloyd favourite quickly made an impact, adding a greater sense of urgency to the Narberth attack and it was he who extended the homesters' lead with a trademark try from the blindside of a scrum.

It bolstered Narberth's confidence after having an earlier touchdown by centre Will Morgan disallowed and, with Daniel pouching the conversion points, signalled a step up in gear by the homesters.

Although Tredegar never gave up, and took a couple of scrums against the head, their attacks became less frequent going into the final third, with the Otters piling on the pressure with a series of driving runs and controlled phase play.

Wing John Whitticombe showed his pedigree by finishing off two attacking moves with tries, while Morgan was not to be denied his name on the scoresheet, picking up another touchdown to make for a dream league debut for the club.

Daniel landed all three conversions to put the result beyond any doubt, although the stand-off was unlucky not to add to his tally when a long range penalty struck an upright and rebounded the wrong way.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth travel to Abercynon.