With both First and Second team games cancelled due to the weather, the Youth had the benefit of a much larger crowd than usual, and did not disappoint them, with a brilliant team display of open rugby in heavy conditions. Indeed, the coaches must be praised for the direction in which they are taking this team. It was a true pleasure to witness such a spectacle.

The first half was a tight affair, with the bigger Aberystwyth pack dominating, but Whitland did get their noses in front at half-time by seven points to six, following a try from centre Steve Austin. Winning possession at a scrum, the ball was moved out quickly along the backs, and with the defence drifting, Austin ghosted through the gap to touch down. Fullback Daniel Newton adding the extra two points with the conversion. Aberystwyth's only points of the match came from outside-half Shaun Lathwood and centre Gareth Flynn, who landed a penalty apiece.

Speaking after the match, team manager John Griffiths talked about the coaches wanting to get the ball away quicker from the breakdown situation and to tire the heavier pack, and this is what the crowd witnessed, with Whitland going on to run in six unanswered tries with a feast of running rugby. The first came from fullback Daniel Newton, who set the move going, passing to winger Shane Webster, who drew his man before unselfishly passing back inside for Newton to touch down. Newton also added the conversion points.

This try was followed up when centre Alex Pickersgill touched down following quick ball from a ruck and a miss-pass by outside-half Martin Thomas.

The third try of the half was scored after good handling skills by forwards and backs alike, with winger Dafydd Evans eventually getting the touchdown. The only try scored by a Whitland forward came from flanker Carl Smith and again it followed a ruck.

When Dafydd Evans picked up the ball and went blind, he received good support from prop Rhys Thomas and fullback Newton, before the try- scoring pass was received by Smith, who barged his way over. Again the try went unconverted.

Whitland scored two further tries through scrum- half Owain Davies and fullback Daniel Newton, his second, with Newton also converting both to take his personal tally for the afternoon to 16 points. It is so difficult to single out any individuals, because this was such a spectacular team performance.

Congratulations must also go to young referee Ben Cole, of Carew, himself only 17, who was in charge of only his fourth match. It is refreshing to see such a youngster taking up refereeing, and also commanding the respect of both teams and the crowd. He surely has a very bright future in the game.

Team fielded: Daniel Newton, Dafydd Evans, Alex Pickersgill, Steve Austin, Mitchell Rees, Martin Thomas, Owain Davies, capt., Gavin Walsh, Shane Webster, Carl Smith, Rhodri Phillips, Lewis Owen, Lee Williams, Thomas Rees, Rhys Thomas. Subs - Rhidian Davies, Sam Hodson, Ben Kirk.

POSTPONED

Unfortunately, Whitland 1st XV's match at Dunvant and the Second XV's match at home to Mumbles were both postponed because of the weather.