Whitland entertained Bridgend Athletic last Wednesday night, in a possible banana skin fixture, and with the weather deteriorating into a near monsoon from the kick-off, the Borderers showed real determination and team spirit to come out deserved winners by 39 points to nil. Whitland got off to a slow start, however, and it took them 15 minutes to get the scoreboard ticking with an Aled Davies penalty. He doubled the lead five minutes later with another well-taken penalty. Six minutes later, outside-half Davies also scored Whitland's first try of the evening with a fine solo effort, sending his opposite number the wrong way to score under the posts; he also added the conversion. Whitland's next try came from prop Gareth Williams, some some minutes later, with Davies again adding the extras from the conversion. Their third try of the evening, just before the break, came after good work by forwards and backs alike, with second row Rowhiti Williams finally crashing over for the score. Again Davies added the conversion to bring his personal tally for the first half to 17 points. This gave the Borderers a comfortable half-time advantage of 27 points, but everyone knew, playing into what was a very strong gale and driving rain, that the second period would be a difficult one. Early in the half, Whitland made some changes in the front row, with Jason Evans replacing Aled Harris and Amo replacing Gareth Williams. Midway through the half, the Borderers extended their lead with an unconverted try by flanker Johnny Koloi, following which more changes were made. Young Craig Williams came on for influential captain Phil Morgan, while scrum-half Andrew Jenkins was replaced by young Adam Davies, making his first start for the 1st XV. To Whitland's credit, as well as their obvious attacking skills, their defence was strong all evening, and the Athletic never looked like breaching it. The Borderers rounded off a good performance when centre Lee Glanville crossed for his side's fifth try near full-time, with man-of-the-match Aled Davies converting it. Team fielded: Will Davies, Ali Bowen, Lee Glanville, Eifion Roberts, Jack Tremlett, Aled Davies, Andrew Jenkins (Adam Davies), Gareth Williams (Amo), Aled Harris (Jason Evans), Romeo Colella, Rawhiti Williams, Carwyn Davies, John Bowen, Phil Morgan, capt. (Craig Williams), Johnny Koloi. Sub not used -Randall Williams. Main match sponsors: Coors Brewers; Water Line Ltd. Team sponsors: The magnificent five storemen of Riverlea; Pencnwc Holiday Park, Newquay; Classic Kitchens, Whitland. Ball sponsors: Paul Coaker, PGS Fabrications, Johnston, Haverfordwest; Ron Moundsey, McDonalds, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Carmarthen; K. P. Thomas and Son, Fuel Distributors, Templeton.
