Glamorgan Wanderers 10 pts. Narberth 25

A strong first half performance gave Narberth the platform for this SWALEC Championship League win against a Glamorgan Wanderers team that never gave up and added to an enjoyable open game of rugby at their Ely Ground, Cardiff.

A few changes were necessary following the Whitland game when lock Chris James received an unfortunate injury which resulted in a few days in hospital and subsequent daily local treatment. Chris was replaced by Jim Kaumasitotoya, who has recently been playing for Tenby United. In the front row, Ricky Guest took regular Dan Smith's place.

The Wanderers kicked off and were soon on the back foot as the Otters made a determined start and should have scored in the first minute after a clever inter-change by the threes, but the Wanderers managed to keep them out with stout defence.

After eight minutes, a beautifully positioned penalty kick from his 22, by fly-half Rhys Roberts, placed the ball within five metres of the line. A splendid jump and catch by lock Alex Jenkins saw the subsequent maul move forward with clever changes of direction, enabling flanker Wayne Williams to eventually break away and score.

Winger James Russell added the extras with a successful conversion to give the Otters a seven-point lead.

Ten minutes later it was the turn of the Wanderers to get on the scoreboard. Following sustained pressure in the Narberth half, the Otters were penalised for a ruck infringement and when the Wanderers fullback, Josh Hurley, took a quick tap penalty, he found a gap in their defences to touch down. Crymych born outside-half Ianto Griffiths converted to bring the scores level at seven points each.

During this period, Narberth lost the services of injured number eight Steffan Phillips, who was replaced by Gareth Bateman.

It was not long, though, before Narberth were back in front with a nicely worked try from fullback Johnny Morgan, with James Russell again kicking the conversion.

Minutes later, Wanderers lock Lloyd King was penalised and received a yellow card. James Russell kicked the resulting penalty, bringing the score to 17-7 in favour of the Otters.

Then on 30 minutes the Wanderers were again penalised for obstructing at a ruck and James Russell made them suffer further with a fine kick which sailed between the sticks. But Ianto Griffiths could not do likewise for the Wanderers when soon after he failed to find the posts after Narberth had infringed.

By now the players were becoming acclimatised to a torrential, wintry downpour of hailstones, and must have been relieved when the referee blew up for half-time, with the score standing at 20 points to seven to Narberth.

Quickly, during the interval, the hailstones turned to rain and the playing conditions changed dramatically for the second half.

The players returned to sunshine, but for the next 20 minutes play seemed to be confined to midfield, with both teams struggling with the conditions. Moves kept breaking down with fumbled passes, knock-ons, etc., caused by the greasy ball and slippery ground conditions. It was a credit to both teams that they attempted to play 15-man rugby whereas some sides would have kept the ball close amongst the forwards.

During this period, the Wanderers became more confident and attempted to stretch the Narberth defence, but the Otters were always able to snuff out the attacks.

On 20 minutes, Narberth were pulled up for an infringement and from the resulting penalty, fly-half Ianto Griffiths was able to produce a good kick to gain Wanderers a further three points.

At this stage, the Narberth coaches decided on a tactical change, bringing on fly-half Stuart Morris, who has been laid up with injury for some weeks, and scrum-half Jarad Bayliss, replacing Rhys Roberts and Adrian Killa, respectively, who had both performed admirably, serving the Otters well.

Prop Steffan Jones was also replaced by Tom Slater.

Immediately, Narberth won the ball and Stuart Morris kicked for position, placing the Otters in the Wanderers 22. Narberth stole the resultant lineout and the half-backs combined to pass the ball to fullback Johnny Morgan, who came into the line at speed with his angled run. He was brought down five metres from the line, but flanker Wayne Williams was able to collect the ball and race over to touch down far out. Stuart Morris came close with the conversion, but the ball sailed the wrong side of the posts.

There remained only a few more minutes of play, with the referee, Mr. Ben Whitehouse, blowing up with the final score at Glamorgan Wanderers 10 Narberth 25.

Both sets of supporters agreed that it had been an enjoyable, open game, while the Narberth faithful were well pleased to have made the long journey and witness the splendid win, although they felt opportunities to score tries were missed in the first half.

Later, coach Sean Gale commented that it had been an excellent workmanlike performance from the Otters.

"The team travelled to Cardiff eager to perform well in what is a very competitive league," he said. "We are enjoying the games in the Championship League. Narberth played well with a good scrum, lineout and a good kicking strategy. We fully deserved this win.

"Finally, there were many good performances and in every position the players were at their best. There is a good spirit in the squad and it augers well for the tough games ahead."

Narberth fielded: Johnny Morgan, Will Lewis, Steve Martin, capt., Richard Davies, James Russell, Rhys Roberts (Stuart Morris ), Adrian Killa (Jarad Bayliss), Sean Lloyd, Ricky Guest, Steffan Jones (Tom Slater), Jim Kaumaitotya, Alex Jenkins, Laurence Reynolds Wayne Williams, Steffan Phillips (Gareth Bateman). Sub not used - Simon Griffiths.