Narberth 27 Llangennech 12

Narberth maintained their thrust for top spot in Division Two as they fended off a strong challenge from third-placed Llangennech at the Lewis Lloyd Ground.

The Otters made a superb start with a cracking converted try in the first minute and were good value for a 14-point lead after only ten minutes - only to lose their way a little and allow the opposition to claw themselves back in contention at 14-9 as referee Watkins penalised them at ruck and maul.

His decisions raised the ire of the vociferous home supporters and although one never wishes to criticise an official it has to be said that he was inconsistent in his interpretation of rules like holding on to the ball on the floor - which led to home centre Andrew Bowen somehow being yellow-carded for the offence when he had kept on his feet and it was a visiting forward who held on to the ball and should have been penalised! The Otters started the day in second spot but they are now front-runners after UWIC lost at Beddau - and they showed what good rugby they can play as they scored almost straight from Simon Daniels kick-off, six different phases featuring the entire pack being completed before play was switched to the right so that Aled Davies could supply the scoring pass for winger John Whitticombe to utilise the space and also run round to the posts for Daniel to add the extra points.

Llangennech showed their willingness to run as halves Chris Davies and Mark Jones brought in burly winger Kevin Jones but he was halted in his tracks before Narberth broke away again and a quick throw in allowed Alan Reynolds, Alan Phillips and Chris MacDonald to storm up the right touchline to set up a ruck from which MacDonald took play blind for hooker Kevin Davies to crash over and Daniel to convert.

Llangennech responded straight away with a Mark Jones penalty and after missing a long-range effort in the 19th minute he added a second kick from 40 metres just two minutes later as good lineout ball from Iestyn Evans and Geoff Davies set up the possession.

Andrew Bowen and Chris MacDonald, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, both attacked well for the Otters and winger Andrew Jones looked to have scored in the clubhouse corner - only to be denied by the visiting touch judge indicating he had put a foot in touch. Jason Jennings was also recalled at the posts for a forward pass and Daniel missed an easy kick at the posts.

Winger Kevin Jones might have scored for Llan but knocked on in the far corner but they added three more points right at the half-time whistle when Jones kicked a penalty for offside that caused Narberth flanker Alan Reynolds to be sin-binned.

Narberth started the second half well as Llangennech were without flanker Gareth Williams, sin-binned for blocking the ball on the ground, with Daniel slotting an early penalty which was cancelled out by a fourth successive Jones penalty for Llan just minutes later.

Daniel hooked another chance wide which denied him a personal haul of 100 points for the season but managed to reach three figures soon afterwards when he landed another penalty from the 22.

And that was the way the score stayed until the last seconds when the Otters managed to sustain some pressure without incurring the referees wrath and spread play wide for Andrew Jones to cross, with Daniel adding the extras.

In the clubhouse afterwards there were several celebrations going on as Chris MacDonald was toasted on his birthday, Emori Katelau presented his Fijian jersey to the club after making his recent 45th appearance for his country, and Andrew Jones received the man of the match award from Dan Lewis, whose company Hains and Lewis, Solicitors of Narberth and Haverfordwest, sponsored the match alongside Alexander Partnership, Chartered Accountants, Tenby. Llangennech skipper Mark Jones was also presented with a Narberth plaque to mark his teams first-ever visit to the Lewis Lloyd Ground.

The Gold Team Sponsor was the Iron Duke, Clynderwen, the Team Sponsor was Lizs Bakery, Narberth; the match balls were sponsored by Mr and Mrs Patrick Jones of Pembrokeshire Pictures plus Malcolm MacPhee of Princes Gate.