Narberth 17 pts.

Tata Steel 10

Billed as the match of the day, this Division One West top-of-the-table clash lived up to the pre-match hype, to produce a high octane performance by both teams which kept spectators gripped until the final whistle.

Although the Otters won the try count by a 3-1 margin, previous history in matches between these teams indicated that you can never write-off the other side and the Narberth players retained their passion and commitment throughout the game.

It was the same for Steel, as both teams were up for it from the start.

Fortunately for Narberth, Steel fly-half Diggy Bird missed out on a penalty opportunity after eight minutes as the players in each side tried to get the first score on the board.

Supporters had to wait another 12 minutes for that vital first score when the Otters took the lead through an unconverted try from a move which was finished by lock Gyles Vaughan in the left corner.

It was followed by an outstanding try after 25 minutes, which was started by diminutive winger Matthew Davies. Like Shane Williams, he has the ability to open up defences when a kick for position seems the only option.

Davies has a different mind set and, hemmed in on the left flank, he cut inside, before releasing the ball to outside-half Stuart Morris. Inspired by Davies, the number 10 continued the move to release the centres in a beautiful crossfield handling movement.

With impeccable timing and weighting of passes, the ball reached winger Nick Jones, who took advantage of a slight overlap to race away for an unconverted try in the right corner.

Steel replied with well-worked try of their own, scored by winger John Phillips and converted by fly-half Diggy Bird.

Six minutes into the second half, a delicate chip over the top by outside-half Stuart Morris enabled the ball to get behind Steel defenders. Centre and captain Steve Martin ran quickly in support to win the race for the ball and to score a try near the posts, converted by Stuart Morris.

The converted try put Narberth 10 points clear once again.

Strong defence by the Otters prevented any further scores by the visitors until an injury time penalty kicked by Diggy Bird, reduced the lead and gave Steel the consolation of a losing bonus point.

This hard fought win has extended the Narberth lead at the top of the table. Steel remain second with a game in hand, two points ahead of Whitland, Llangennech and UWIC, who share third spot in this intensively competitive division.

Delighted with the result, team manager Robert Lewis said after the match: "This was an excellent performance and, even though we had a couple of late team changes, all of the players put in one hundred per cent in an all-round team display.

"Tata Steel are a very strong side and both teams wanted to win this important match. We scored some cracking tries and in a way it was disappointing not to get a fourth try.

"The forwards played well, we won our own lineout and the backs played their part by taking any opportunities on offer.

"In addition, we defended very well and only allowed Tata Steel to cross the line once. Our supporters appreciated the one hundred percent effort from all of the players."

The Molson Coors Balcony Suite match sponsors, Neil and Kate Lewis, chose Stuart Morris as the man-of-the-match. The Otters Holt match sponsors were Chris Viggars and the Self Employed Group and the match ball sponsors were the Narberth Former Players Association.

Apart from Stuart Morris, there were other good performance for Narberth by the back row, with flankers Tom Powell and Chris James both prominent, the front row stuck at it throughout the match and lock Gyles Vaughan also impressed.

Winger Matthew Davies created one try and also other opportunities to open up the defence and centre Steve Martin made ground with ball in hand.

Narberth fielded: Jonathan Morgan, Nick Jones, Steve Martin (capt.), Richard Davies, Matthew Davies, Stuart Morris, Andrew Davies, Sean Lloyd, Dan Smith, Tom Slater, Gyles Vaughan, Alex Jenkins, Chris James, Wayne Williams and Gareth Bateman.

Replacements: Simon Griffiths, Gareth Jones, Steffan Phillips, Connor Lloyd and Connor Lloyd.