A LARGE crowd at the Lewis Lloyd Ground were treated to an exciting and enthralling game of rugby with the result being in the balance right up until the last few minutes.

Narberth started well and within the first quarter of an hour had scored two well worked tries with firstly winger Harry Fuller being put over in the top corner and then scrum half Lewys Gibby scoring a solo effort close to the posts with both tries converted by fly half Jonathan Rogers (14-0).

The visitors, who were fourth in the division last year, got quickly back into the game with two tries of their own but just on half time Narberth were awarded a penalty, kicked by Rogers, to extend the lead to 17-12.

Early in the second half Narberth scored their third try when a quickly taken penalty by Rogers saw wing Dean James run nearly the whole length of the field and score a try in the corner which went unconverted (19-12).

Rogers then kicked another penalty for Narberth but after a mesmerising run by the Bargoed full back the visitors scored another converted try to peg the score back to 22-19.

Rogers again extended the lead with a further penalty but despite tenacious tackling from the home team with about ten minutes remaining Bargoed snatched their fourth try which was converted to finally put their noses in front 25-26.

The fervent Narberth supporters were now looking a bit despondent but with a couple of minutes left to play the home team was awarded a penalty just inside the half way line and that man Rogers once again stepped up and sent the ball sailing between the posts to put Narberth in front 28-26.

The supporters were jubilant and Narberth hung on to kick start their season with a home win.

Captain Tom Powell was awarded the Courtland Law Man of the Match Award.

Next week Narberth travel to Pontypridd for what will undoubtedly be a very tough match but will be home again on Saturday, 20th September when they play Cross Keys.