Pembroke 7 Llandybie 10
We really got out of jail in this one! was the considered viewpoint of Llandybie committeeman Cyril Williams after he had seen his side grab ten points in the final five minutes to snatch the verdict away from a Pembroke side which had seemed likely to scoop a narrow, but deserved, victory at Crickmarren.
But with time running out Llandybie showed why they are in the promotion race as they managed to up the tempo and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. First burly prop Kevin Williams barged over from close range and centre Jason Evans pulled them level with the conversion.
It set up a tense final few minutes and with the last kick of the entire match Evans was the toast of his Llandybie colleagues as he landed a penalty after the Scarlets had been punished for handling the ball on the floor.
It was cruel luck for the homesters but coach Ossie Boswell was quick to praise his players for their first 75 minutes, adding that his young team still need to realise that they can match anyone in the section in terms of skill and commitment.
They certainly showed plenty of both in the first period as halves Phil Williams and Vvy Davies kicked adroitly and the back row of skipper Sandy Allen, Matthew and Simon Edwards foraged effectively. Darren Callan came in at second row alongside Dai Beynon and good work up front allowed the Scarlets to go ahead from a series of drives before powerful centre Neil Ralph was halted in the shadow of the posts but quick recycling allowed full back Richard Hughes to score as reward for one of his best displays in the Scarlet jersey.
Llandybie missed two penalty chances through Evans in the first half and Pembroke had the chance to increase their lead to ten points with 15 minutes left, only for Williams to miss the penalty attempt. But they still should have won but failed to keep up their defensive shield late on - and paid a heavy price as a result.
Pembroke: Richard Hughes: Nick Shelmerdine; Neil Ralph (Andy Dawe); Nicky James; Andrew Edge: Phil Williams; Vyv Davies: Richard Morris; Simon Tucker; Richard Mason: Dai Beynon; Darren Callan: Matthew Edwards; Sandy Allen; Simon Edwards. Replacements: Jonathan Williams; Tim Mason; Scott Payne.
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