Bridgend Ath. 24 pts. Narberth 7
After scaling the heights at Parc y Bryn, Cwmllynfell, the previous week, the Otters had a reality check on the lower levels of Newbridge Fields, Bridgend. The young Bridgend Athletic team gave the visitors a lesson in how to attack at every opportunity, but keep a solid defence at the same time, to make sure of picking up the three points. Kick-off was delayed for 20 minutes because of the road closure on the M4 following an accident. Any frustrations that the Otters might have had following an unexpected coach tour of the valleys and mountains of Glamorgan were not apparent at the outset as the visitors pushed forward for the first 10 minutes or so. Indeed, on another day, the Otters could have scored two tries during that period, but they were kept at bay by the enthusiastic Athletic team. The visitors suffered an early blow when outside- half Steve Williams left the field because of a leg injury and the Otters missed the influence of his tactical kicking. Winger Matthew Davies took over the duties at number 10 and kept the line moving, with Mark Davies coming on to play on the wing. Danger lurked for the visitors, however, as the Athletic team are past masters in the art of counter-attacking. After 18 minutes, speedy fullback Ardi Tollentino burst up the left touchline to create an overlap and cut through the Narberth defence to cross near the left corner. Centre Stuart Morris did well to convert. Within minutes, Athletic had increased the lead when flanker Mathew Hillman finished off another move in the left corner and again the left-footed Stuart Morris was on target with his conversion kick. The visitors remained in the game, but had difficulty in finishing off chances until prop Nathan Williams showed how it could be done. In an exciting second phase move, the Otters ran the ball out to the right flank to winger Nick Jones who found his path to the line blocked. He cut inside, slipped the ball to flanker Matthew Davies, who released half-backs Andrew Davies and Matthew Davies, who in turn released Williams to burst over for a try, converted by Nick Jones. With the last kick of the first half, the seven points lead for Bridgend Athletic became 10 as the Otters gave away a penalty and Stuart Morris made no mistake from inside the Narberth 22. After the interval, it was more of the same. Play was pretty even, but the Otters tightened up their defensive lines. Both teams continued to create chances. Narberth lock David Ebsworth had a barnstorming run from 30 yards, only to be pulled up on the line and fullback Sion Brace came within metres of scoring for Narberth when he came into the line in an attempt to finish off a good movement by the backs. Narberth supporters sensed that there was a realistic prospect of the Otters getting back into the game. However, hopes of a win receded when young lock Chris James was red-carded in front of the Bridgend Athletic posts when he punched an opponent in retaliation, only to receive his marching orders from the referee. The Otters continued to attack, but the moves lacked the cutting edge of the Athletic team, who had the last word with an interception try by outside-half Steve Lewis. Narberth had been attacking once again inside the Bridgend Athletic 22, but Lewis intercepted a high pass, outpaced the initial covering defence and ran the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts for a try, converted by Stuart Morris, who maintained his one hundred per cent conversion record in the game. Both teams created an equal number of scoring opportunities, but the Bridgend Athletic team had a better try conversion rate. Commenting after the match, Narberth's director of rugby, Jonathon Dodd, said: "We have no excuses as we were beaten by a better side on the day. "Bridgend Athletic scored two very good tries and we gave them the third. The score did not reflect the nature of the game. We crossed their line a few times without being able to ground the ball. "However, there are no complaints about losing to Bridgend Athletic, who played a good brand of rugby. "They had a good defensive line and tackled well. Unfortunately, we could not keep things going as we do normally and paid the penalty." The Otters' pack provided ample ball and there were good individual performances by hooker Dan Smith, prop Nathan Williams, number eight Lewis Wood and flanker Jamie Bohata. Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are home to Penallta in the fourth round of the Konica Minolta Welsh Cup. Narberth fielded: Sion Brace (capt.), Nick Jones, Steve Martin, Neil Davies, Matthew Davies, Steve Williams (Mark Davies), Andrew Davies, Nathan Williams, Dan Smith, Justin Hughes (Fifitipuku Faletau), David Ebsworth (Emori Katalau), Chris James, Jamie Bohata, Matthew Davies and Lewis Wood.