ANOTHER large crowd turned out at the Lewis Lloyd Ground to see the match against Cross Keys. With rain falling for most of the match the 500 seater grandstand was filled to capacity, writes Robert Lewis.

Narberth started well and were first to get points on the board when a catch and drive from a lineout 15 metres out saw Prop Tom Slater force his way over the line for a try converted by fly half Nico Setaro.

With pitch conditions worsening both teams attempted to gain forward dominance but thuddering tackles from both defences saw neither team gain the upper hand and tactical kicking seemed to be the best option.

Penalties were awarded at the breakdown and Setaro kicked two to the visitor’s scrum half putting one over to bring up the half time score of 13-3 in favour of the Otters.

Early in the second half good play from the Cross Keys backs saw their right wing cross in the corner for a converted try to reduce the gap to 13-10.

Narberth responded with a good try of their own when right wing Harry Fuller kicked ahead and won the race for the touchdown for a try in the top corner (18-10).

Narberth came close to scoring another try when a long kick to the clubhouse corner saw wing Dean James just fail to collect the ball in slippery conditions and the opportunity was lost.

After constant pressure close to the visitors’ line the Otters were eventually awarded another penalty which was kicked by Setaro to extend the lead to a comfortable 21-10.

With 15 minutes left to play both teams made several changes and this seemed to slightly benefit the visitors who began to put Narberth under more pressure near their line.

Narberth defended bravely and it looked like they were going to hold out but right at the final whistle the Cross Keys forwards managed to force their way over the line for a converted try which brought the final score to 21-17 in favour of the Otters much to the relief of the home supporters.

Centre Aled Davies received the Man of the Match Award. The next League match is in two weeks’ time when the Otters entertain Llanelli Wanderers.