Division 1 West
Crymych 27 Whitland 10
A superb second half performance by Crymych sealed a well-deserved win against local rivals Whitland at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
Battles between these two teams are traditionally feisty and this one was no different with a succession of cards shown by the official in charge with Crymych losing replacement prop Jason Nicholls to a red in the second half for throwing a punch under the nose of the man in the middle.
The first half was a closely fought contest despite Whitland losing two players to yellow card offences with two penalties from hosts outside half Rhys Davies the only scores but he and his team missed out on a number of chances with the final pass going astray.
The Preselimen upped the tempo after the break just as they have done on many occasions this term and their pace and quick hands saw them cross for three well crafted tries.
Powerful running full back Gethin Gibby ran in for the first of these and the conversion by Davies put his team 13-6 ahead but the Borderers bounced back when Gareth Bennet crossed for a try.
Winger Dylan Ladd put the hosts further ahead with a well worked five pointer which was converted by Davies but Crymych were then reduced to fourteen men when front rower Nicholls was sent for an early bath following a niggly period of the game but his team mates continued to dominate and they added their third try when Ladd scampered over to crown a fine individual performance.
Whitland though enjoyed the final word when Marc Jones barged his way over to complete the scoring at 27-10.
Skipper and openside Tom Powell who had another big game for Crymych, and who as usual led by example from the front with some crunching tackles said that he had been very pleased with the performance of his team and added:”
“That really was a good way to end the year with a derby win especially against a team that were far better than their position in the league suggested.
“Fair play to Whitland they played well and it was not until late in the second half that we were able to break their defence down.
“This win has now set us up nicely for next year and in a comfortable fifth position.”
This seventh victory of the campaign means that Crymych end the season nine points adrift of leaders Kidwelly but the black and ambers, who have only lost once this term visit Crymych on January 21.
Coach Neil Machin has had several key players missing recently but if he can get a full squad together to take on the title favourites, the Preselimen can win this game and that would shake things up a bit at the top.
