Betws 17.

Pembroke 12.

Pembroke went down to defeat at Betws’s Maes y Felin ground despite matching the home side in territory and effort – lacking in finishing power as too many important passes went to ground at key times.

The Pembroke management were quick to praise their team’s work-rate after the match but they will inevitably be disappointed.

Their talented young charges took the lead twice, but had just a losing bonus point to travel back to Crickmarren with.

Prop James Walters opened the Scarlets’ account as reward for his solid work alongside Richard Mason and skipper Gareth Jones, with No 10 Phil Williams adding the extra points.

Betws came back when right winger Rhys Williams sped through and outside half Aled Parry slotted the conversion attempt – only for Pembroke to recapture the initiative through a good try by busy flanker Steve Dyde, following an excellent lineout take and drive from 15 metres out.

A Parry penalty for Betws cut the Pembroke lead to 12-10 at the break and then blind side flanker Keith Evans put them ahead for the first time from a close-range try which Parry again goaled.

Pembroke had late half-chances to snatch the result as their pack went well but Betws were able to hold out and secure their fifth win in eight outings and force the Scarlets to endure a third loss in five starts so far.

Pembroke: Aaron Nicholas, Andrew Hay, Mark Williams, Nicky James, Neil Williams, Phil Williams, Ross McNally, Richard Mason, Gareth Jones (Capt), James Walters, Dai Beynon, Matthew Sprague, Steve Dyde, Tom Surtees, Robin Badham. Replacements: Richard Morris, Darren Gilbert, John Williams, Dan Williams.