News

LLANGWM 12 - MILFORD HAVEN 32

Milford Haven gained their expected bonus-point win on the seconds’ pitch at Pill Parks to keep them on top of the table, but not before they had faced stout resistance from a Llangwm team which tackled like demons, never conceded an inch and whose efforts were finally rewarded with two late tries.

The game was played on the seconds’ pitch because of the heavy conditions, with Milford having first use of the slight slope and increasing breeze, and as a result enjoying a huge territorial advantage but perhaps overdoing the power-based stuff, rather than using their outside pace.

Superb early defence from The Wasps

As a result they battered at The Wasps’ line but superb defence, ably led by a back row of James Reynolds, Ashley James and Josh Hicks, kept the marauding Mariners out for some time.

Wasps’ centres James Lewis and Dan Chesmer made some huge hits and after one promising Mariners’ attack had been turned over there was a terrific surge out of defence by home hooker Gethin Thomas. Props Ieuan Power and Dan Davies-Breeze were also in the thick of things whilst half backs Ian Griffiths and Luke Hayman always tried to utilise hard-won possession in kicking out of defence.

Milford pressure finally pays off

But in the final analysis the huge territorial advantage enjoyed by Milford was bound to bring points and they finally opened their scoring when young half backs Evan organ and Dan McClelland spread play wide and quick hands from Jimmy Thomas and Dan Jenkins saw full back Lee Riley cross in the top corner – although he sustained a dead leg in the process and was replaced by Craig Barnett, playing on permit from Tenby.

The visitors’ second score followed on the half hour when more pressure from the forwards through Mike Cockburn, Chris Hall, Chris Smith and Luke Ryan saw skipper Adam Rees crash over in the bottom corner – but he was winded as a result and had to receive treatment before returning to the fray after McClelland had hit the woodwork with the conversion attempt.

Cockburn, Hall, Charlie Baggs and Ben Groves also pitched in for Milford and yet another concerted drive saw veteran No 8 Mark Wonnacott score their third tray as reward for another performance described by coach Allan McClelland as ‘outstanding’ - and gave his side a 15-0 lead.

More tries despite the heavy conditions

The Mariners also started the second half in the ascendancy and forward pressure saw Morgan and McClelland put centre James Thomas on a run to the posts for Craig Barnett to convert.

Co-centre Dan Jenkins added his name to the try-sheet with another well-worked score and McClelland converted before bustling flanker Craig Smith finished off his team’s ‘Maori Pop’ set piece move, with Wonnacott supplying the scoring pass.

It is to The Wasps’ credit that they refused to submit, however, and they contributed to an entertaining match in the conditions, with tries from Dan Chesmer, after a nice little shimmy from the centre, and second row Jason Mock as reward for a battling performance by the entire home pack.

Llangwm: Rhys Cooper: Daniel Morgan; Dan Chesmer; James Lewis; Steve Picton: Luke Hayman; Ian Griffiths: Dan Breeze-Davies; Gethin Thomas; Ieuan Power: Gavin Jones; Jason Mock: James Reynolds; Ashley James; Josh Hicks. Replacements: Jamie Brayford; Jason Davies; Daniel Hughes; Mark Hicks; Sam Harries.

Milford Haven: Lee Riley: Jamie Lewis; James Thomas; Dan Jenkins; Dean McSparron: Dan McClelland; Evan Morgan: Mike Cockburn; Luke Ryan; Adam Rees: Chris Hall; Charlie Baggs: Ben Groves; Craig Smith; Mark Wonnacott. Replacements: Craig Barnett; Dan Birch; Dean Aldred; Dan Wonnacott; Darren Lewis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk