Narberth 19 pts. Whitland 13

With the result in doubt up to the final whistle, this local derby proved to be an engrossing game to savour for the large crowd of spectators, with the lowly Borderers being dominant in the second half.

It was only resolute defence which kept the marauding Whitland backs at bay after the break, as the visitors took a firm grasp on proceedings and opened up gaps to exploit in midfield.

However, the last line of defence remained firm and the Narberth line remained intact as the Otters held on to their slender lead to notch up another win and a rare double over the Whitland team.

For the second week on the trot, the Otters jettisoned their normal expansive style of rugby to adopt a more conservative approach.Possession was the name of the game and no attempts were made to run the ball from inside their own 22.

Excellent line and positional kicking by fly-half Stuart Morris in particular was followed up by the Narberth backs and back row.

The tactics proved effective in limiting scoring opportunities for the Borderers and creating two late tries for the Otters, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.

However, it was the Borderers who drew first blood with a penalty kick by Scott Newton after 12 minutes.

Otters' wing James Russell slotted over a brace of penalties for Narberth, one of which was kicked from 40 metres.

The visitors regained the lead with a cracking try scored by fullback Dafydd Williams under the posts. He followed up a searing break by centre Lee Glanville, who cut through the Narberth defence, before releasing Williams for the final run in to touch down for a try under the posts, converted by Scott Newton.

No further openings were created by either side until five minutes before the interval when Richard Davies crossed for a try in the left corner for the Otters, after number eight Gareth Bateman had initiated the move with good hands. It was taken on by Steve Martin and Richard Davies looped around to crash over in the left corner.

Right on the stroke of half-time, the Otters struck another decisive blow when the backs hacked the ball on with their feet.

Richard Davies kicked it on along the ground towards the right corner and the ever-aware Steve Martin won the race for the touchdown.

Both tries were unconverted so that Narberth led 16-10 at the interval.

The Otters adopted similar tactics in the second half, but they did not prove as effective. The Borderers were prepared, the Narberth chasers showed signs of flagging with tired legs and Whitland counter-attacked effectively.

Fly-half Scott Newton reduced the Narberth lead with a penalty and demonstrated his return to form by prising open gaps which were well exploited by the players around him.

Time after time the Borderers broke through the midfield and it was only well-knit, well-drilled and sometimes desperate defence which kept the Whitland team at bay.

There were no further scores until a late injury time penalty by James Russell restored the lead of six points which the Otters held until the final whistle.

Whitland's form in this match was perplexing for Narberth supporters who scratched their heads to wonder why the Borderers were currently in the unfamiliar position of being bottom of the table.

Whereas Narberth and most other Championship teams knew their destiny last season, Whitland expected to be playing in Division One West.

Their elevation to the Championship was at very late notice, by which time the other Championship teams had organised their squads and some leading players left Whitland to join other clubs.

Furthermore, injuries have played havoc with team selection. At one time, no less than eight first team squad members, who were all forwards, were unable to play and there are still four members of the pack who will be out for the season.

On the form shown in this match, always one of the more testing for both teams on the rugby calendar, the Whitland players, coaches, officials and supporters could dream the impossible dream and hold on to their place in the Championship.

If Whitland are relegated, it will be a big blow to the financial coffers of both clubs, because of the income generated by supporters and sponsors every time the local derby is played.

Commenting on the match, Narberth director of rugby Jonathan Dodd said: "We are pleased to do the double over Whitland for the first time in about five years. On the day, Whitland were the better side, particularly in the second half, and their form in this match was nothing like their league position suggests.

"It turned out to be a typical hard fought local derby on a heavy pitch and both sides deserve full credit for the way they played.

"It could have gone either way, but our first half lead put us in good stead. Little mistakes and a bit of luck got us our win and it was good to get the show back on the road after the defeat away to Cardiff Mets last week."

Whitland chairman Arwyn Thomas said: "We came to the game with a bit of apprehension, but I was very proud of the way that we gelled as a team throughout the match.

"Narberth's late first half try was a critical blow. However, we came out in the second half to play really good rugby.

"We decided to let the ball go, created a few holes and were a bit unfortunate not to cross the whitewash a few times.

"The team has had a rough run of results recently, despite often coming close. We showed real desire in the second half and the boys thought that they could get something out of the game.

"Our scrum was solid, the front row outstanding, the lineout was closely contested and our back row shaded it in the second half."

The Health Centre Balcony Suite match sponsor Susan Richards nominated Narberth lock Alex Jenkins as man-of-the-match and for the Otters there were other good performances by flanker Wayne Williams, who was outstanding, and good all-round displays by Richard Davies, Steve Martin and fly-half Stuart Morris.

For the Borderers, prop Nathan Price had an excellent game, as did lock Adam Clarke, while flanker Dylan Richards is picking up his form.

The visitors were creative behind the pack, with Scott Newton back into form and creating openings for his teammates to exploit.

The County Financial Otters Holt match sponsors were GD Harries and Sons.

The match ball sponsors were Rhys Watkins; the Landshipping Boys; Cefnogwyr Clunderwen; Dragonistas; Mark Rhys Owens; Dawnus; Fat Dads; Red Kite Solicitors; Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club; Young Bros; Folly Farm; Allen and Partners; Molson Coors; Narberth RFC Patrons; RAOB; Gwen and Paul Brenchley and Celtic Garage.

Narberth fielded: Jonathan Morgan, Rhys lane (Nick Jones), Steve Martin, capt., Richard Davies, James Russell, Stuart Morris, Jarred Bayliss (Aled Jones), Sean Lloyd, Dan Smith, Tom Slater (Steffan Jones), Chris James (Gyles Vaughan), Alex Jenkins, Lawrence Reynolds (Steffan Phillips), Wayne Williams and Gareth Bateman.

Whitland fielded: Dafydd Williams, Will Davies (Dafydd Evans), Lee Glanville, Carwyn Jones, Tomi Jones, Scott Newton, Andrew Jenkins, capt., Rhodri Jones (Gareth Lloyd), Marc Jones, Nathan Price (Gethin Jones). Adam Clarke (David Ebsworth), Kieran White, Dylan Richards, Zachary Miller and Callum Tree.