NEYLAND Rugby Club edged out Cwmgors in a thrilling Division 4 Cup second-round clash, progressing to the next stage after a hard-fought 30-21 victory at the Athletic Club Field. The match saw a commendable turnout, with Neyland fans and a strong visiting crowd creating a lively atmosphere.

Cwmgors took an early lead with a penalty from Jordan Smith, but Neyland responded quickly. Oliver Rothero leveled the score with a well-placed penalty to make it 3-3. However, Cwmgors struck back with a converted try, pushing the visitors to a 10-3 advantage. Neyland regrouped, and after sustained pressure, Rothero broke through for a try and then added the conversion, evening the score at 10-10.

Rothero crossed the line once more, putting Neyland ahead. Although Cwmgors managed another penalty before halftime, Neyland held a narrow 15-13 lead at the break, leaving the game open.

The second half saw Neyland increase their momentum, with Rothero extending their lead through a penalty. Flanker Owain Evans then crossed for a try, followed by a brilliant effort from skipper George Williams, with Rothero adding the conversion. Cwmgors battled back with a penalty and a late try, but Neyland’s defense held firm, securing their 30-21 victory.

Neyland’s performance was praised by both sides, with the home club extending thanks to Cwmgors for fulfilling the fixture—a testament to sportsmanship amid several away-game cancellations in the Welsh cup. Special acknowledgment was given to referee Steve Harwood for his role in a well-handled match.

With this win, Neyland advances in the cup and now turns its focus to league action, preparing for a home showdown against Narberth Athletic, where First meets Second in the standings.

NEYLAND 30, CWMGORS 21

(Image: Peter Davies/Facebook)

CUP holders Clarbeston Road triumphed over a spirited Neyland side with a decisive 5-2 victory at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (Oct 25), thanks to a brace from striker Ben John, along with goals from wideman Laurie Haworth and midfielder Mathew Davies.

Haworth opened the scoring within the first 20 seconds, capitalising on a defensive error straight from the Nomads’ kick-off, leaving the goalkeeper stranded as he easily slotted the ball into an empty net. Mathew Fox’s side controlled the game with a rapid offensive strategy, moving the ball efficiently across the pitch. However, despite their dominance, they struggled to convert their possession into a clear second goal.

The equaliser came in the ninth minute when Neyland skipper Mike Chandler’s corner was partially cleared, allowing their central midfielder to volley the ball with precision over the outstretched hand of visiting keeper Rhys Mansell.

Though back on level terms, the Division Two league leaders held their ground for only six minutes. Clarbeston’s skipper found John in the box, who reclaimed the lead, soon followed by a superb assist from man of the match Haworth, setting up Davies to make it 3-1 by the half-hour mark. Five minutes before the break, Haworth showcased his quick feet and pace, converting a defence-splitting pass from midfielder Travis Jones into a fourth goal. John rounded off the first half in added time, making it 5-1 just as referee Jonathan Twigg blew his whistle.

After a half-time pep talk from manager Gavin Rowlands, Neyland reorganised and pushed higher up the pitch. Yet Clarbeston’s defenders, including substitute Liam James, Dan Rees, and Llew George, held their lines firmly. Neyland’s persistence paid off with a consolation goal from Ben Gale with a quarter-hour remaining.

Despite appearing the fitter side as the game neared its conclusion, Neyland could not close the gap further. Clarbeston Road now moves forward into the third round of the 24/25 Senior Cup. A poignant minute of silence was held before kick-off in memory of former Neyland player Gary Power.

(Image: File)

OSPREYS clinched a hard-fought victory against Edinburgh at Bridgend’s Brewery Field, lifting them off the bottom of the United Rugby Championship standings.

Despite a shaky start to the season, Ospreys have now claimed four consecutive wins at the Brewery Field, showing resilience after a series of disappointing results. Inaccuracy and penalties hindered their early momentum, but they regrouped in the second half to secure the win and deny Edinburgh a losing bonus point.

The return of international players, including Wales trio Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Adam Beard, added depth to both teams in this final match before the URC break. Edinburgh’s Matt Scott, marking his 100th appearance, led the visitors but saw Ospreys strike first.

Strong start at Brewery Field

Early in the game, Ospreys earned a penalty deep in Edinburgh’s half. Opting to kick for touch instead of points, they set up a maul, with Lake – newly appointed as Wales’ autumn captain – driving over after a pinpoint throw to Justin Tipuric.

However, Edinburgh responded swiftly. A break from Duhan van der Merwe highlighted Ospreys’ defensive lapses, and a penalty soon followed, which Ross Thompson converted. A quick-tap penalty by Edinburgh’s captain Ben Vellacott further tested the Ospreys’ defense, putting the visitors ahead at the 20-minute mark.

Fly-half Owen Williams struggled with accuracy, missing several kicks, which left Ospreys trailing 10-7 at halftime.

Second-half turnaround

Ospreys faced early second-half challenges, losing Reuben Morgan-Williams to a yellow card for a no-arms tackle. Despite this setback, Ospreys regrouped. Thomas powered through the defense to retake the lead, though Williams missed the conversion. His subsequent penalty, however, extended their advantage.

The closing minutes saw both teams exchange penalties before replacement hooker Sam Parry sealed the win with a blindside try. Head coach Toby Booth praised the team’s effort, saying, “We wanted to get momentum going into block two after a tough first block. We started better, built into it, and it turned into an arm wrestle – one we won at Bridgend.”

Teams

Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Dan Kasende, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Owen Williams, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Ben Warren; Will Greatbanks, Adam Beard; Jac Morgan (capt), Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris.
Replacements: Sam Parry, Garyn Phillips, Tom Botha, Lewis Jones, Lewis Lloyd, Kieran Hardy, Tom Florence, Iestyn Hopkins.
Sin Bin: Morgan-Williams (42)

Edinburgh: Harry Paterson; Wes Goosen, Matt Currie, Matt Scott, Duhan van der Merwe; Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (capt); Boan Venter, Ewan Ashman, D’arcy Rae; Marshall Sykes, Jamie Hodgson; Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Ben Muncaster.
Replacements: Dave Cherry, Angus Williams, Paul Hill, Glen Young, Luke Crosbie, Charlie Shiel, Ben Healy, Mosese Tuipulotu.
Sin Bin: Ritchie (47)

Referee: Griffin Colby (SARU)
Assistant Referees: Adam Jones & Ben Breakspear (WRU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)