Whitland travelled for the first time to Villa Field, where Loughor were successful in completing the double over the Borderers by the narrowest of margins. But this Division One West clash was not without its controversy. The result could have hinged on a contentious decision by the home touch judge, who adjudged that Dion Thomas had stepped over the line in the process of scoring a try. Although the try may not have won the match for Whitland, with some 15 minutes remaining, it would have given them a chance to possibly overhaul Loughor and claim the three league points. Loughor opened the scoring after five minutes when right winger Jason Howells crossed for an unconverted try. Whitland hit back in the 12th minute after being awarded a penalty. Taking the chance to kick for the corner, a good take at the lineout by Carwyn Davies allowed the forwards to drive on. Quick ball from scrum-half Luke Marsh then saw half-back partner Aled Davies draw the defence, before popping the ball back inside to fullback Will Davies, who burst through a tackle to touch down to the right of the posts. Outside-half Davies added the conversion. Fullback Peter Francis put Loughor back into the lead with a penalty after 30 minutes, only for Aled Davies to regain the advantage for Whitland with a long range penalty from nearly 50 metres after 37 minutes. And this was how it remained at half-time, with the score 10 points to eight to the visitors. Three minutes into the second half, Loughor regained the lead with an unconverted try by prop Mark O'Kelly. After his fellow forwards had driven the Borderers back, O'Kelly burst through from the rear of the maul to grab the touchdown. It put his side three points in front and 10 minutes later, Francis extended their lead with his second penalty. Whitland then changed gear and dominated the rest of the half. At one point they were encamped in Loughor's 22 for some 15 minutes, but despite a series of penalties and the 'foot in touch', they failed to cross their opponents' line. That is until, with four minutes remaining, after good work by the pack, who produced quick ball for Luke Marsh, Aled Davies gave a try-scoring pass to centre Lee Glanville. This took Whitland to within a point of Loughor, but unfortunately the vital conversion attempt was off target. With time running out, the Whitland faithful knew it was not going to be their day, and when referee Richard Hughes awarded a late penalty, Aled Davies stepped up, but unfortunately his kick hit the post and the fears were realised, with the final whistle leaving the score 16 points to 15 to Loughor. Whitland fielded: Will Davies, Dion Thomas, Lee Glanville, Matthew Hughes, Shane Morgan (Matthew John), Aled Davies, Luke Marsh, Alun Davies (Gareth Williams), Aled Harris (Huw Devonald), Andrew Morillo (Richard Smith), Carwyn Davies (Graham Hartt), Aled Evans, John Bowen, Phil Morgan, Randall Williams, capt. Tomorrow (Saturday), Whitland play Cardigan away in the quarter-final of the Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup, with an early kick-off at 2 pm. Footnote: All at Whitland Rugby Club wish Alan Evans a speedy recovery from a broken ankle which he sustained in last Saturday's match against Penlan in the Polypipe Civils League. The match was abandoned as a result of the injury.