Crymych 10 pts. Narberth 19

Narberth played their second round Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup game away to Crymych on Sunday, having received a bye in the previous round when holders Tenby United withdrew from the competition.

Narberth were returning to the competition after a lay-off of several seasons, with the attraction of local derby games appealing to the current Narberth committee.

The team which took the field showed two changes, Tom Bannister taking the place of unavailable stalwart Alex Jenkins to form an all-Llawhaden second row with Adam Clark, while at scrum-half, the coaches took the opportunity to give young Luke Rogers a place in the starting line-up.

Weather-wise the game was played in often sunny conditions, although accompanied by a biting north-westerly breeze.

Narberth kicked off and almost immediately it was evident that the Crymych squad were fired up and throughout the game competed with great hwyl.

However, within two minutes, they were adjudged to have infringed at a ruck, but Narberth's Ianto Griffiths failed to find the posts with his penalty kick, being unable to counter the crossfield breeze.

Despite the fast and furious attacks by Crymych, the Otters' defence remained firm and uncompromising.

Crymych scored first with a penalty after 14 minutes by fly-half Sam Phillips. It came following an interception. Narberth had heeled at a scrum, young scrum-half Luke Rogers fed fly-half Ianto Griiffiths, whose pass to his inside centre was intercepted and, surging forwar , Crymych were held by the Otters, who were ruled to have offended. at the ruck.

On 22 minutes, Crymych gained the ball and kicked on over the line for Narberth fullback Johnny Morgan to drop on the ball. From the drop-out, the Otters chased and forced a Crymych defender to knock-on. The Otters' pack scrummaged clean ball for the half-backs to move it to the left, where it was received by flanker Stuart Worrall, who was always alert to the half chance. He was able to make ground before passing on to Johnny Morgan, who safely grounded the ball over the Crymych line to put the Otters in front.

Ianto Griffiths failed with his conversion, with the ball veering to the outside post and the ball bouncing away.

The Otters were playing a structured game, with possession at their lineouts and commanding the scrums.

Crymych, at every opportunity, took quick lineouts and the runners were well supported, only to be denied by the sound Narberth defence.

Then, five minutes before half-time, the Otters pressurised the opposition line and an attempted pushover was adjudged not to have been grounded.

From the subsequent scrummage, the Narberth pack took control and pushed Crymych over the line for number eight Lewis Wood to touch down and Ianto Griffiths to convert, giving an interval score of 12-3 to the visitors.

Crymych stayed on the field in a circle during the break, whereas Narberth chose to leave the field.

Five minutes into the second half, Stuart Worrall fielded a Crymych kick and made valuable ground before passing to Nick Gale, who sprinted down the line and kicked ahead for centre Jason Howells to collect and weave his way over for a try, converted by Ianto Griffiths, giving the Otters a 19-3 lead.

Shortly after, the Narberth coaches brought on a number of substitutes, with Ollie Evans replacing Sean Lloyd at prop, Nio Aioni replacing flanker Gareth Bateman, Ashley Sutton taking over at fly-half and Rhys Lane replacing Luke Rogers.

Then on 68 minutes, Narberth supporters felt real drama. Crymych made ground and, moving towards the Narberth line, forced Nick Gale into an intentional knock-on, for which he received a yellow card, followed two minutes later by substitute flanker Nio Aioni also being yellow-carded.

Now down to 13 men, the Otters were unable to hold out Crymych when number eight Jon Powell touched down in the corner for fly-half Sam Phillips to kick an excellent conversion from near the touchline, bringing the score back to 19-12.

The Mountain Men brought on their young substitutes to replace their weary comrades, but the Otters held out and welcomed back both Nick Gale and Nio Aioni, and thereafter Narberth's superior strength and know how meant the win was inevitable.

For Narberth, Johnny Morgan showed his quality at fullback, fielding and kicking with alacrity and making his usual line-breaking runs, well supported by Nick Gale. Luke Ropgers showed some neat skills at scrum-half and can only benefit from more game time. The pack played well, taking command of the scrums and playing their part in defence and attack. Flanker Stuart Worrall played a major role for the Otters.

For Crymych, the whole team gave their all to the cause, with fullback Carwyn Jones and fly-half Sam Phillips strong in defence, the latter also playing a neat game in attack with his distribution and kicking. Narberth 'old boy' Elgan Vittle, now a 40-year-old veteran was a key man for the home side, always involved and using his experience to help maintain the Crymych attack.

Afterwards, Narberth head coach Jon Dodd complimented Crymych on their efforts, stating that the cup tie had been a good workout for Narberth in preparation for their Championship game at home to Glynneath tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.30 pm. However, he conceded that Narberth did not play well and looked rusty after their month's lay-off due to the autumn internationals.

Narberth fielded: Johnny Morgan, Nick Gale, Jason Howells, Steve Martin (capt.) Tommy Jones, Ianto Griffiths, Luke Rogers, Lewis Wood, Stuart Worrall, Gareth Bateman, Tom Bannister, Adam Clark, Tom Slater, Dan Smith, Stuart Worrall. Subs - Nio Aioni, Steffan Phillips, Ashley Sutton, Ollie Evans, Rhys Lane.

Crymych fielded: Carwyn Jones, Gavin Thomas, Elgan Vittle, Dyfan Daffydd, Nick Bevan, Sam Phillips, Gareth Davies, Evan James, Josh Clarke, Gethin Jones, Gruffydd Howells, Rhys Richards, Osian Phillips, Rhys Davies, Jon Powell. Subs - Carwyn Rees, Ifan Phillips, Lewis Davies, Cenydd James, Sean Rowlands, Thomas Phillips, Dylan Thomas.