Pontypool 29 - Narberth 0: On Saturday Narberth travelled to Pontypool Park to take on the undefeated league leaders with yet again six changes from the previous week’s team due to player injuries and unavailability. A stern test was guaranteed and it was an opportunity for some of Narberth’s younger players to prove their mettle.

In the first 10 minutes, both teams defences held firm and there were some crunching tackles going in from both sides. Narberth left wing, Jack Parkinson, followed up a kick close to the Pontypool try line and was bundled into touch just short. He suffered an ankle injury, but after treatment returned to the field. Then after a break from the Pontypool midfield, flanker Michael Herbert was brought down by a robust tackle from Narberth number seven Sean Jenkins and after extensive treatment he was forced to retire and was replaced by Craig Attwell.

With both teams pressing to get the first score on the board, Narberth were putting themselves under pressure with some poor kicking down field which was returned with interest by Pontypool and former Ospreys fly-half Matthew Jones.

After another kick and chase downfield by Pontypool, Narberth were penalised for being offside at the breakdown and Jones duly kicked the penalty in the 20th minute of the game (3-0).

Throughout this period, Jack Parkinson continued to struggle with his injury and had to be replaced by Keiran Griffiths.

From the restart, Narberth’s right wing, Ryan Davies, contested the ball in the air, but on being bundled into touch received a leg injury requiring treatment. He returned to the field, but was obviously in some discomfort.

Just after half-an-hour’s play, Pontypool continued with a series of attacks near the Narberth line and were ultimately rewarded when centre, Keiran Meek, crossed for a try near the posts which was converted by Matthew Jones (10-0).

Pontypool continued to put Narberth under pressure, but after another solid tackle from Otters flanker Richie Rees, the Pontypool number eight Jordan Williams was forced to leave the field and was replaced by Callum Davies.

With five minutes to go before the interval, Narberth were under severe pressure from a rampant Pontypool back line which was causing the visitors lots of problems. It was no surprise, therefore, when Pontypool wing Lewis Prothero scored an unconverted try in the corner (15-0), quickly followed by hooker Ben Parry scoring near the posts, which was converted by Jones to make the half-time score 22-0.

When the second half resumed, Narberth’s Ryan Davies was unable to continue and Lewys Gibby came on at scrum-half, with Rhys Lane having to move from scrum-half to the wing position. Bradley Davies at loosehead prop was also replaced by 18-year-old Rhys Davies.

Otters supporters were expecting a very difficult 40 minutes to come, but the Narberth youngsters put in a stirling performance. They spent the first 10 minutes of the half taking the game to Pontypool and only solid defence managed to keep them out.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, Pontypool broke out of their half and flanker Rhodri Owens scored a try, again converted by Jones, to make the score 29-0.

Narberth second row Jake Simm, who had limped off at half-time, was then forced to leave the field and was replaced by flanker Pat Roberts, with number eight Steff Phillips having to move up to the second row.

For the remainder of the half, Narberth won plenty of ball and retained possession for long periods, but were unable to cross the Pontypool line. Any attacks by Pontypool were always thwarted by some stern defence and dynamic tackling from the whole team and there was no further score, with Pontypool running out winners by 29-0.

Although disappointed by the result, with injuries sustained to crucial players throughout the match, the Narberth squad showed great spirit and commitment throughout the match and hopefully this will augur well for another tough encounter next week in Bedlinog.

Narberth fielded: Bradley Davies, Dan Smith, Ryan Rees, Jake Simm, Alex Jenkins, Richard Rees, Sean Jenkins, Steff Phillips, Rhys Lane, Jonathan Rodgers, Jack Parkinson, Paul Davies, Keiron Jones, Ryan Davies, Nick Gale, Rhys Davies, Rhodri Owens, Pat Roberts, Lewys Gibby and Kieran Griffiths.