Narberth got off to a dream start against Rhymney at the Lewis Lloyd ground on Saturday with many spectators still finding their seats when new wing John Whitticombe sped over for a try following a break from a tap penalty by scrum-half Chris Macdonald.

However, with stand-off Scott Penney failing with the conversion and then missing a penalty minutes later, the Brewers were left off the hook, forcing the Otters to dig deep to eventually record their second successive win in their National League division two campaign with a 21 points to nine victory.

Narberth were in the ascendancy in the opening stages, with skipper Simon Davies, Alan 'Santa' Reynolds and John Bowen working well as a unit to probe the Rhymney defences, and hooker Kevin Davies almost increased the lead when he carved his way through from a lineout, but he was bundled into touch on the line.

The Brewers absorbed the pressure and were always looking to counter as they capitalised on Narberth's poor ball retention at key moments and Wayne Booth reduced the deficit with a penalty.

Making his home debut for the Otters, former Tenby United back, Steve Hartland, looked to run the ball at every opportunity, making a strong break from deep, but his pass to Whitticombe went astray.

Playing at fullback, the determined Hartland was also unsuccessful with a drop goal attempt which failed to gain enough height.

Opposing fullback Grant Davies was more successful, however, his drop goal from the Otters' 22 giving the visitors the lead.

Booth had an opportunity to increase the lead just before the interval, but was off target with his penalty, leaving the Brewers one point in front at the break.

Maing his 100th league appearance for Narberth, prop Rob Jones formed part of a formidable Otters pack alongside Davies, Chris Flattery, Bill Ridge, Jason Jennings and the back row trio of Reynolds, Davies and Bowen, and it was they who earned the homesters another penalty through some powerful scrummaging just after the change around.

Penney landed the kick and then increased the lead with a similar strike.

Booth reduced the arrears with another penalty, but was off target with a second attempt, before Penney again increased the advantage with his third successful penalty of the half.

Going into the final quarter, Narberth lost the services of hooker Davies who was replaced by Kylie Jones.

The Brewers continued to press a taciturn home defence, with Booth again being off target as the Otters infringed under pressure.

Going into the last few minutes, Rhymney lock Steve Barber was yellow carded for impeding Reynolds as the Otters flanker tried to take a quick tap penalty and the homesters made their extra man count.

The Brewers pack lost the head at a scrum-five, with Macdonald linking with Davies who nipped over to touch down.

Penney converted from wide out to put the result beyond doubt.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Narberth travel to Maesteg.

Narberth fielded: Steve Hartland, Jonathan Dodd, Shane Williams, Andrew Bowen, John Whitticombe, Scott Penney, Chris Macdonald, Chris Flattery, Kevin Davies, Rob Jones, Jason Jennings, Bill Ridge, Alan Reynolds, John Bowen, Simon Davies (capt.).