Narberth 8 pts. Bargoed 15

Failure to make the most of scoring opportunies cost the Otters this closely fought game and as a result the team suffered their third defeat in four matches.

This was a much better display by the Narberth team who were always in with a chance of pipping the visitors to the post, but Bargoed showed that they were much better at converting potential chances into points.

Bargoed led 15-3 at the interval, after Narberth had taken the lead with a penalty from wing James Russell.

The visitors struck back with an unconverted try from flanker Gareth Davies in the right corner following a sustained period of attack inside the Narberth 22,

Fly-half Josh Prosser increased the lead with a short range penalty kick and shortly before the interval, centre David Humphries spotted a small gap outside the Narberth 22 and burst through to score under the posts.

Prosser added the points for the conversion.

In the second half, resolute defence by the Otters kept the marauders from the Rhymney Valley at bay and after five minutes Narberth captain and centre Steve Martin went over in the right corner for a try, set up by fly-half Nick Jones.

James Russell was unable to convert and for the remainder of the game both defences proved to be impregnable.

Speaking after the match, Narberth director of rugby Jonathan Dodd said: "We played well and our defence was excellent at times, but Bargoed are a good side who play open rugby with lots of phases.

"There was a big improvement on our performance from our last match away to Tata Steel and it was one of the best displays of the season.

"The only difference between the two sides was that Bargoed took their chances and we had numerous chances but failed to take them.

"It was a very good team performance and as coaches we were pleased with the way that the boys responded after the last game.

"We had set our standards in terms of performance and we must make sure that we can play like that until the end of the season."

The Health Centre Balcony Suite match sponsors, Oil for Wales, nominated Narberth number eight Timoci Kaumaitotoya as man-of-the-match and there were other good performances by replacemet winger Jason Howell, scrum-half Rhys Lane, fly-half Nick Jones and flanker Wayne Williams in an excellent display by the Narberth pack.

The County Financial Otters Holt match sponsors were Clayton Business Machines.

The match ball sponsors were Andrew Rees, Nick Evans, the Pwll Trap Boys and the Ivy Bush.

Narberth fielded: Jonathan Morgan, Will Lewis, Steve Martin (capt.), Richard Davies, James Russell (Jason Howells), Nick Jones, Jarred Bayliss, Sean Lloyd (Steffan Jones), Dan Smith, Steffan Jones (Tom Slater), Chris James, Alex Jenkins, Gareth Bateman, Wayne Williams and Gareth Bateman and Timoci Kaumaitotoya (Steffan Phillips).