In a fast and strongly contested encounter, the youngsters, average age 19, from Rygbi Goggledd Cymru 1404 (RGC) based at Clwyn Bay won their first Championship League game against a much changed Otters squad.

The excellently prepared Lewis Lloyd ground welcomed the North Walians to Narberth. A relatively new rugby club, RGC was formed in 2007 in response to a WRU plan to develop rugby in North Wales.

The WRU initiative a year ago resulted in a rugby academy being formed with youngsters from various North Wales clubs and schools with Welsh internationals Chris Horsman as head coach and Rupert Moon as team manager.

Before the game started, there was a minute's silence observed for the several past members, VPs, parents and officials who had passed away in recent weeks.

Although having travelled that morning from Colwyn Bay, within minutes of the start, Otter supporters, expecting the Otters pack to dominate the scrums, saw them being outscrummaged which immediately denied the Otters the platform to play their natural 15 man rugby.

It took 18 minutes before the Otters were able to overcome the scrummaging problem. RGC demonstrated a well-prepared and strategically executed game plan with a disciplined and energetic squad.

Narberth were able to score the first points and after 10 minutes took a six-nil lead, with a quality dropped goal by No 10 Ianto Griffiths, followed by his well-taken penalty. At this stage, the Otters were spoiling the RGC lineouts, with captain Alex Jenkins to the fore, enabling Narberth to gain some possession.

The first RGC try came from a clear unseen forward pass in midfield.

The Narberth supporters were quick to spot the offence and their calls probably weakened the Otters resolve at that moment because the movement carried on up field and ended with wing Carwyn ap Myrddin sprinting along the top touch line to touch down in the far top corner. No 10 Rhodri Carlton Jones converted.

At 35 minutes, RGC lock Adam Williams was sin binned and Ianto Griffiths kicked Narberth into a 9-7 lead from the resultant penalty.

However, RGS soon regained the initiative from a ruck in midfield and a swift movement through the hands saw their second try at 38 minutes which came from a well-angled run by centre Harri Evans, breaking through the Narberth tackler to sprint clear and to score near the clubhouse, again converted by No 10 Rhodri Carlton Jones.

Narberth had to substitute prop Sean Lloyd with Tom Slater and lock Adam Clark with Henry Boot.

Minutes later, Griffiths kicked another penalty. A further RGS infringement on the half-way line resulted in fullback Nick Gale attempting a monstrous kick which fell just short to enable the young RGS squad to lead at half-time 12-14.

At the restart, RGC immediately regained the initiative and after four minutes an unconverted try scored via lock Adam Williams put RGC further into the lead.

RGC controlled the game for about 20 minutes with some resolute tackling and strong rucking. The Otters then suffered a yellow card when prop Owen Jorden was sent to the sin bin for persistent holding of the player on the ground.

This resulted in uncontested scrums enabling the Otters to regain some initiative. Lewis Wood replaced Steffan Phillips at No 8 and the Otters were soon breaking the gain line. A further substitution saw Rhys Lane replace scrum-half Adrian Killa.

Narberth won a penalty via the boot of Griffiths to make the score 15-19.

Then RGC hooker Andy Baston was yellow carded and Ianto Griffiths again kicked a perfect penalty bringing the Otters within one point.

Four minutes later, Narberth were adjudged offside and RGC wing Morgan Williams safely kicked the ball between the posts to put RGC further ahead 18-22.

The Otters responded getting back into the RGC half, and from an infringement, Griffiths kicked to near the clubhouse. From the resultant lineout, the Otters pack were able to attack the RGC line and unfortunately flanker Stuart Worrall dropped the ball as he was tackled crossing the line.

Thereafter, RGC fought to keep the Otters out and were delighted to hear the final whistle.

Really, the North Walians deserved their win with some strong attacks and equally strong defence. The final score being 18-22.

Afterwards, Otters coach Sean Gale indicated that he was disappointed: "Narberth had chances to win but RGC are a good side.

"We creaked at the scrums and were denied a platform to build attacks. RGC took their chances well."

"Narberth are building a new team with several new players being blooded," he added.

For RGC, team manager Rupert Moon commented: "RGC played with good honest endeavour. They had learned from the previous week's defeat to Ebbw Vale. It is a young side, the youngest being 17, however there is an old school pride in wearing the RGC jersey and the lads are proud to be wearing it."

Narberth fielded: Nick Gale, Tomi Jones, Johnny Morgan, James Howells, Ianto Griffiths , Adrian Killa (Rhys Lane), Steffan Phillips (Lewis Wood), Wayne Williams, Stuart Worrall, Alex Jenkins (capt.), Adam Clark (Henry Boot), Owen Jordan, Dan Smith, Sean Lloyd (Tom Slater). Substitute not used James Russell.

Narberth man-of-the-match was Wayne Williams.

Match sponsors were: Huw Bevan's 50th birthday party (Health Centre Suite); John Mathias and Friends (County Financial Consultants Otters Holt). Ball sponsors were: Narberth RFC Former Players Association.