Whitland's superior forward power gave the Borderers the vital edge in this local derby and the home team were in control after taking the lead in the 29th minute. Although the Whitland eight were the heroes on the day, the threequarters also played their part, not only in scoring one of the three tries, but also by keeping the strong running Otters' backs in check. Prior to the start of the match there was a minute's silence in memory of young Cardigan rugby player Gareth Mason who had links with both teams and had played for Narberth in a couple of the pre-season friendlies in August of this year. Within two minutes of the kick-off, the visitors were in front, courtesy of a short range penalty by outside-half Gareth James, who added another 10 minutes later from 35 metres. Unfortunately for the Otters, James was off target with two subsequent penalties which were within his kicking range and Whitland clawed back three points when Aled Davies had no difficulty in slotting over a penalty from inside the 22 straight in front of the posts. With the Borderers starting to get on top in the scrums and in broken play, the breakthrough came from a lineout near the Narberth 22. Carwyn Davies won the lineout for the Borderers and flanker John Bowen was driven over for an unconverted try in the left corner. Just before half-time lock Iwan Davies scored from another well-worked catch and drive from a lineout by the Borderers after being awarded a penalty near the right corner. Aled Davies was unable to convert the try from the touchline, but rather more unexpectedly missed out on a golden chance to increase the lead with a penalty inside the Narberth 22. After seven minutes of the second half, Narberth flanker Dafydd Bowen was yellow-carded and the Whitland pressure eventually paid off with a penalty by Aled Davies from inside the Narberth 22. Midway through the second half, the Borderers crossed for their third and final try of the match. Once again it followed good work by the pack, with the ball being moved out towards the left. Play was brought back to the right and Aled Davies flung out a long pass to fullback Gavin Morris, who cut inside to score halfway out on the right. The try was unconverted, but it was of academic importance as the Borderers had already done enough to secure victory. The Otters were on the back-foot for long periods of the second half and the Whitland defence remained resolute throughout the game so that the Narberth team rarely looked like crossing for a try. In some ways the final score line flattered the Narberth team as Whitland missed out on at least two 'certain tries' through handling errors. Although it was never a pretty spectacle, the large crowd appreciated the efforts of the players on the day as there was no doubting the passion and commitment of both teams. Whitland team manger Frank Setaro was in buoyant mood after the match. Speaking to Observer Sport he said: "We struggled a little for the first 10 minutes, but once we scored the first try our forwards got on top and we dictated the game. Although the game was a bit scrappy, we got on top after that try and it was excellent work to win the ball in the lineout and drive on. "A lot of the boys played well apart from the pack and scrum-half Andrew Jenkins made a key contribution with his all round play. "After this result,we can look forward to our next game." His Narberth counterpart Robert Lewis said: "It was disappointing to lose to our local rivals, although on the day Whitland were the better team. "We did well in the lineouts, with Emori Katalau being prominent, but we were under pressure in some of the scrums. "Whitland outplayed us in the ruck and maul situations and were better at the breakdown. "We did not have enough of the ball and were unable to breakthrough whilst Whitland could have scored another couple of tries." Looking ahead to the next league fixture, Lewis continued: "We have just got to come back. Our next league game is Maesteg at home and we must focus our attention on that game and come up with something." Number eight Randal Williams was nominated man-of-the-match by the match sponsors, Mason Brothers, of Lampeter Velfrey, and he will be the first to acknowledge the contribution made by the other players in the pack, especially his back row colleagues John Bowen and skipper Phil Morgan. The Whitland threequarters also defended well. The Narberth backs were never let off the leash and the line was never broken. For Narberth, there were some encouraging performances, especially by some of the younger players in the side who are continuing to get better. Both teams are without a league fixture tomorrow (Saturday) because of the international in Cardiff between Wales and New Zealand. On Sunday, the teams will meet again at Whitland in the preliminary round of the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup. Kick-off is at 2.30 pm. The team sponsors were Phil James, Agricultural Contractor, Whitland, Lloyd Davies, Building Contractor, St. Clears, J. B. Building Services, Waterline Limited Furniture Appliance Distributors, of Milton Keynes and Bristol, Classic Kitchens, of Whitland, and Andrew Ebsworth, of Agresol. The ball sponsors were Ken Davies, Funeral Director, Clunderwen, Graham Searle, of Llawhaden, Ron Mounsey, of McDonalds, Paul and Karen Morgan, Whitland, Neil Jenkins, Builder, Whitland, Sashi Patel, Whitland News, Arthur Lewis, of Darlunfa, Cwmfelin Boeth, Jeff Jenkins, Preseli Services, Llanddewi Velfrey, K. P. Thomas and Son, Fuel Distributors, Templeton, Phil Williams, Fishguard, Dorian Phillips and D. P. Building Supplies, of Llanboidy. Whitland fielded: Gavin Morris, Will Davies, Lee Glanville, Barry John, Jack Tremlett, Aled Davies, Andrew Jenkins, Gareth Williams (Ricky Davies), Aled Harries (Aperammo Tauialo), Richard Smith (Romeo Colella), Iwan Davies, Carwyn Davies, John Bowen (Johnny Koloi), Phil Morgan, capt., and Randal Williams. Narberth fielded: Sion Brace, Richard Rees, Elgan Vittle, Andrew Bowen, Nick Jones, Gareth James, Adrian Killa, Nathan Williams, Kevin Allen, Alan Phillips, capt. (Fifitapuku Faleteau), David Ebsworth, Emori Katalau, Dafydd Bowen (Gareth Bennett), Gary Denver and Lewis Wood.