Neyland 12.

Fishguard and Goodwick 9. A superb second half try by winger Darren John helped Neyland win a tight local derby against a Fishguard and Goodwick side which played their part in an absorbing local derby clash.

Indeed, the Seagulls might have justifiable claims for at least a share of the spoils, but veteran outside half, Huw Evans, missed a short-range penalty he would normally land without a thought but pushed it wide as his side tried hard to claw something out of the game for their considerable efforts.

Before the start, a minute’s silence was observed out of respect for the late Dennis Griffiths, a Neyland stalwart. Fishguard started the better as Steve Jenkins and Dan Charlesley featured a series of drives orchestrated by Evans.

Neyland held out and then went close themselves as Martin Roberts almost put Andrew Hansen over in the left corner but the winger was bundled into touch. Andrew Slark also tried to work Hansen clear but the final pass went awry – before the All Blacks finally took the lead with a penalty try awarded for a Fishguard defender blocking a scrum as the All Blacks drove it towards the line. Paul Murray converted from in front of the posts.

Fishguard kept chipping away and reduced the deficit to a single point at half time though a second Evans’ penalty and after Neyland skipper Mathew Williams had been yellow-carded, might have scored a try but for a superb cover tackle by Darren John.

Huw Evans kicked the Seagulls in front after half time, with his third penalty from wide out. But after 55 minutes Darren John scored a try to remembers as he picked up a good long pass from Murray, stood up Jonathan Jones and beat another would-be tackler on a run from the 22 before sliding in at the corner.

Fishguard had the greater share of possession in the last quarter but Evans missed that penalty after 69 minutes and although the Seagulls pressed hard, it was the All Blacks who secured a welcome home win.

Neyland: Richard Smith, Darren John, Steve Hamer, Adam Collins, Andrew Hansen, Paul Murray, Mathew Williams, Robert Codd, Craig Bennett, Ben Lloyd, Mark James, Carl Britton, Andrew Slark, Mark Chamberlain (Capt), Martin Roberts. Replacements: Mark Riley, Gregg Miller, Richard Banner, James Griffiths.

Fishguard and Goodwick: Rhodri Thomas, Jonathan Jones, Matthew Reynolds, Steve Jenkins, Anthony Couzens, Huw Evans, Simon James (Captain), Gerwyn Davies, Mark James, Alan Phillips, Andrew Merry, Dan Charlesley, Mark George, Chris Morris, Richard Hunter. Replacement: Dan Morris.