IT was a weekend of frustration for Pembrokeshire’s top rugby sides, as Narberth narrowly missed out on valuable points in the Premiership Division and Crymych suffered a heavy defeat in the Championship (West). Despite showing fight and flashes of quality, both teams were ultimately undone—Narberth by second-half ill-discipline, and Crymych by a well-drilled Trebanos side.

Neath 29 – Narberth 21

Narberth produced a spirited performance but came away empty-handed after a hard-fought battle against high-flying Neath in the Premiership Division. The Otters showed impressive character, recovering from a 17-point deficit to trail by just a single point at the break—but second-half disciplinary issues ultimately proved their undoing.

Neath stormed into an early lead with two tries from Rhodri Wall and one from Iestyn Morgan, with Steff Williams adding a conversion. Narberth responded with tries from winger Dean James, scrum-half Lewys Gibby, and centre Llew Jones. Fly-half Osian Evans converted all three to keep the visitors in touch.

However, the tide turned when Jones was shown a second yellow card, and replacement Alex Williams also saw time in the sin-bin, reducing Narberth to 13 men. Neath took full advantage, with centre Kieran Charles crossing for a decisive try, converted by Williams, extending the gap to eight points—just out of reach for a losing bonus point.

The result leaves Narberth hovering just above the relegation zone, with Bonymaen close behind and holding a game in hand.

Trebanos 45 – Crymych 12

Crymych endured a heavy defeat on the road as a depleted side, still reeling from a recent illness outbreak, were comprehensively beaten by a slick Trebanos outfit in the Championship (West).

The Preseli Men trailed 19-0 at the break but managed second-half scores through captain Carwyn Phillips and replacement Jac Delaney, with one converted by Elis Thomas. However, it wasn’t enough to stem the flow as Trebanos ran in seven tries.

Home captain Steffan Lewis led the charge with a brace, while Sam Lewis, Matthew Hutchinson, Conor Thomas, and Rhodri Jones (2) also crossed. Kris Jones added five conversions to round off an emphatic victory.

Crymych remain in the relegation zone, but with four matches left to play, their hopes of survival are still mathematically alive.

NEYLAND 54 – PEMBROKE 10

NEYLAND RFC stormed to the Division Four (West) A title in emphatic fashion on Saturday (Apr 13), running in eight tries to crush Pembroke and seal a memorable campaign with silverware.

A first-half onslaught saw the All Blacks race into a 28-0 lead, with tries from Josh Watts (2), George Williams, and Oli Rothero. Scrum half Owen Hamer was at the heart of Neyland’s dominance, setting a relentless tempo and providing slick service from the base.

Watts completed his hat-trick after the break, with Williams adding his second, Fletcher Picton scoring with his first touch off the bench, and a commanding pack effort rounding off the demolition.

There were standout displays across the park, with George Evans, Ben Williams and Owain Evans combining discipline and flair in front of a jubilant home crowd.

To their credit, Pembroke fought to the end and were rewarded with two late consolation tries. Veteran Robin Badham, bowing out at 39, delivered a defiant final performance, supported by Scott Powell and Deryn Williams. Outside half Lewis Davies battled on bravely after an early knock, while Fletcher Broadhurst, playing on permit, impressed throughout and was named man of the match.

After the final whistle, Welsh rugby stalwart Anthony Buchanan presented the trophy to Neyland captain George Williams, sparking celebrations to mark one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.

Cover Pic: Peter Davies

Parks double sinks Milford in derby final

HAKIN UNITED secured their 13th Senior Cup triumph with a 2-0 victory over local rivals Milford United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday night.

Striker Liam Parks scored both goals – one in each half – to seal the win for the Vikings. In a poignant twist, Parks is the son of Milford United manager Steve Parks, making for a bittersweet evening for the family. While there will have been pride in Liam’s performance, it was Hakin, not Milford, who lifted the trophy.

The opener came in the 38th minute. A well-delivered free-kick was met by Jack Britton, whose header was parried by Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy. The loose ball fell kindly for Parks, who made no mistake from close range.

The second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Talented winger Leon Luby delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and Parks finished emphatically, firing high into the net from inside the box.

Earlier in the match, Malloy had kept Milford in contention with a superb one-on-one save to deny Shane Walsh. Further Hakin chances came through Jordan Kilby, who fired wide, Luby, who struck the crossbar, and Walsh again, who shot narrowly off target.

In the second half, Ben Aldred saw a long-range effort tipped wide by the busy Malloy. From the resulting corner, Britton glanced a header just wide of the post.

Milford’s best effort came from substitute Mark Jones, whose long-range shot whistled just past the upright. Despite a determined effort from the Robins – who will play in Division Two next season – Hakin remained largely in control throughout.

Credit must go to Milford for a disciplined defensive display, with Malloy producing several impressive saves. But it was Hakin who showed their quality in key moments and were worthy winners on the night.

Celebrations for the Vikings were sure to continue long into the night – likely down at the Obs – as they added yet another piece of silverware to their proud history.

Photo caption:
Cup glory: Liam Parks celebrates his second goal in the final (Pic: Herald)