LLANHARAN 14 pts
WHITLAND 10
Whitland are still rooted to the bottom of division one of the National League, but their improved performances of late augur well for their hopes of eventually pulling away from relegation danger.
On Saturday, they made the long journey east to play in-form Llanharan, lying eight places above them and who were seeking their fourth successive victory in the section.
But the Mid Glamorgan side were made to fight all the way by the Borderers, and it was the Green and Whites who were in the ascendency at the end, but unfortunately time ran out on them, with Llanharan relieved to hear the final whistle.
It was Whitland who also started the better. Showing no ill-effects from their journey, they immediately took the game to their opponents and were rewarded after only three minutes when centre Domenico Setaro crossed for a try.
Outside-half Daniel Griffiths added the extras with a successful conversion to give the Borderers just the early boost they were looking for.
Despite the heavy conditions underfoot, they continued to battle bravely, but it was Llanharan who began to edge their way back into it, with two penalties by Greg Jones cutting the deficit to just one point.
It looked as if that was the way it would stay at the interval, but just before the break, Llanharan snatched the lead when Chris John fed Huw Russell, who dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.
This came as a bitter blow to the Borderers, but they rallied again in the second half, and although being under pressure for long periods, their dogged defence held firm as they repelled several onslaughts from the Llanharan attack.
In fact, the home side were unable to break through again, with their only points of the half coming from the boot of Greg Jones, who landed his third penalty of the afternoon.
With the difference just seven points, Whitland still had hopes of a late comeback, and those hopes were given a boost when Griffiths banged over a penalty to reduce the gap to four.
It meant a try would be enough for the Borderers to snatch it, and they came oh so close in the final stages, before a last-ditch tackle by Richard Radford denied them and saved the day for Llanharan.
Whitland are on the road again tomorrow (Saturday), when they travel to play Dunvant, who themselves are struggling near the bottom of the table. It could prove a crucial clash for the Borderers.