Newbridge 25 pts. Narberth 23

After trailing by 14 points midway through the first half, despite a spine tingling fight-back in an exhilarating game, the Otters were unable to wrestle the advantage from Newbridge, in another tight contest between two of the leading rugby playing sides in the Championship.

Consequently, Narberth have slipped one place down the Championship table following the narrow defeat.

Commenting on the match, Narberth team manager Robert Lewis said: "It was a bit disappointing not to get the result. On the balance of play it was probably fair, although it could have gone either way at the end.

"To get an away point against one of the top three sides in the league is nevertheless a good result.

"At the start there were a few cobwebs as the boys had not played for a month and for the first 20 minutes it was mainly Newbridge as we looked a bit scrappy. Stimulated by good play from the pack, we picked the game up, but we did kick too much possession away during loose play.

"Newbridge were excellent on the counter-attack, with a good back three and a top quality fly-half who controlled the game well.

"Hopefully we can get back on track with a home fixture next week."

Defeated by one point by Bridge at Narberth earlier in the season, the Otters were on the back foot for much of the first half at the Welfare ground as the hosts scored two converted tries in the first 20 minutes following superb moves.

Centre Steffan Morgan touched down for the first, which was started inside the Newbridge half, and fullback Ceri Young scored the second, with left-footed fly-half Neil Burnett adding the extras.

A penalty by winger James Russell clawed back three points, later cancelled out by a long distance penalty kick by Burnett.

In the first minute of injury time, quick-thinking by scrum-half Jarred Bayliss with a tap and go penalty, resulted in a try for skipper Steve Martin near the posts, which Russell converted to reduce the lead to seven points.

Two minutes into the second half, winger Will Lewis raced up the right touchline in a great move to cross for a try in the right corner after fullback Jonathan Morgan came into the line at speed to create the overlap.

An excellent conversion from the touchline by James Russell levelled the scores.

Five minutes later, Ceri Young picked up his second try for Bridge to finish off an exciting move, but Burnett was off target with his touchline conversion attempt.

Otters' fly-half Stuart Morris and Neil Burnett traded penalties, before another Morris penalty reduced the lead to just two points.

The Otters created a number of scoring opportunities, the best after skipper Steve Martin burst through the Bridge defences and looked certain to cross the line for that all-important try after a long run.

Unfortunately, he lacked support, with not a Narberth shirt in sight when he was tackled by Bridge fullback Ceri Young a mere two tantalising yards from the Newbridge line.

Bridge held on to the narrow lead as both lines were threatened in attack after attack at either end right up until the final whistle.

There were good performances for Narberth by number eight Steffan Phillips, hooker Dan Smith, who carried the ball well, centre Steve Martin gave his usual all out one hundred per cent effort and replacement scrum-half Rhys Lane showed that he is a player of promise.

Narberth fielded: Jonathan Morgan, Will Lewis (Tom Bonnell), Steve Martin (capt.), Richard Davies, Will Lewis, Stuart Morris, Jarred Bayliss (Rhys Lane), Sean Lloyd, Dan Smith, Tom Slater (Steffan Jones), Gyles Vaughan), Alex Jenkins (Chris James), Gareth Bateman, Wayne Williams and Steffan Phillips.