U18 Rugby: Griffiths Cup final Haverfordwest 9 Pembroke 8

Haverfordwest grabbed the Griffiths Cup with a nerve-jangling victory by one point over Pembroke in an absorbing final at Neyland's Athletic Ground.

Neither side was able to dominate matters for long periods and in the final analysis Pembroke will regret a decision to run a penalty near the posts when they were 6-5 adrift.

But the young Blues also spurned a kickable three-pointer very late in the game when they led 9-8, electing instead to keep their counterparts in the scarlet shirts pinned down in the bottom corner.

Haverfordwest's back row of Pat Viol, Dan Devonald and especially Andrew Morse was heavily involved in the close exchanges and the Blues moved into a 6-0 lead through two penalties from outside half Rhodri Jones.

Pembroke replied with a try by outstanding back-rower Gary Pickering from broken play but fly half Scott Bowen was off the mark with the conversion and a couple of more difficult penalties as the Blues led by 6-5 at the half way stage.

The second half was just as hard fought, with Pembroke full back Geraint Jackson covering well under high balls alongside wingers Leigh Duffy and Matthew Lewis.

And centres Neil and Mark Williams were always looking for the half chance. But Blues skipper Steve Martin organised his defence well and caught the eye with one strong run, while co-centre Craig Barnett tackled as if his life depended upon it.

There had to be uncontested scrums once Pembroke lost prop Gareth Mitchell and the Blues increased their lead when Rhodri Jones landed his third penalty.

But back came Pembroke from a penalty by Bowen that set the stage for a tense finish where the young Scarlets tried hard for any score that would give them the verdict.

But Haverfordwest held on well and it was appropriate that Steve Martin should receive the trophy from Dennis Griffiths because he hails from Neyland, with his team mates clearly delighted by their success, as were coaches Nigel Griffiths, Paul Busch and Jim Fryer.

Pembroke: Geraint Jackson; Matthew Lewis; Neil Williams; Mark Williams; Leigh Duffy; Scott Bowen; Ryan Hayward; Tom Jones; Max Hayward; Gareth Mitchell; Tom Surtees; Jack Richards; Luke Hansford; Gary Pickering; Rob Jones: Replacements: Chris Grein; Adam James; Aaron Nicholas; James Roberts.

Haverfordwest: Matthew John; Adam Chaloner; Steve Martin (capt); Craig Barnett; Adam Hancock; Rhodri James; Richard James; Terry Lovell; Chris Martin; Tom Slater; Steve Jones; David Hughes; Dan Devonald; Pat Viol; Andrew Morse. Replacements: Danny Thomas; Sean Lynch; Ben John; Rhys Rogers; Geraint Oulton; John Morgan; Andrew Griffiths; Dafydd Price; Aaron Phillips; James Wray.