St Clears RFC 13 - Fishguard & Goodwick RFC 46

Fishguard and Goodwick are deservedly champions of National League Division Five (West) after their deserved win over a battling St Clears side which also had an interest in the silverware at one stage but gradually fell by the wayside.

The Seagulls played into the wind in the first half and although they were 13-12 behind they must have been reasonably satisfied because their pack, in which brothers Nathan and Steve Jenkins were outstanding, already held most of the aces in the tight and in the loose.

Their aim was clearly to deny the Saints early scoring chances, which they did as Chris Rodenhurst missed a penalty before centre Richard Sharpe-Williams, playing on permit from Crymych, finally benefitted from some uncharacteristically sloppy Seagulls’ covering to score an unconverted try in the 22nd minute.

Fine tries for the Seagulls
But the Seagulls were ahead within two minutes as good handling by Alun George, Mike Jenkins and Dan Harries allowed Gareth Adamson to race to the posts before James Griffiths added the extra points.

Back came the Saints when hooker Andrew Davies ploughed through but again the Seagulls responded superbly with the try of the match scored from 70 metres out – although Mike Jenkins’ failed dropped goal conversion attempt wasn’t too popular with the coaching staff, especially when Chris Rodenhurst landed a penalty to nudge the home side ahead at half time by a single point.

All Seagulls in the second half
Fishguard needed a good start to the second period and that is just what they achieved as youth team flanker Rhys Morgan claimed a very good try which Griffiths converted – and then Nathan Jenkins powered his way over for two tries as reward for his total commitment, the second goaled by Griffiths to go with a penalty sandwiched neatly between Jenkins’ try brace..

To be fair to St Clears, they never gave up trying, but a break instigated by skipper Steve Jenkins and replacement Romeo Colella (allegedly playing his final game at 39 years of age!) set up the chance for a try by Dan Harries, again converted by James Griffiths.

Griffiths has the final word – and Jenks picks up the trophy
Griffiths also had the final word when he showed his footballing skills to hack the ball three times and fall on the ball – and although the conversion failed the talented young No 10 again had a personal haul of 21 points in what was a very entertaining and deserved victory for the Saints, who shared their delight with the coaching staff of Huw Evans, Randall Williams, Peter ‘Rocket’ Evans and James Morgans, plus the busload of supporters who travelled to cheer them on before Steve Jenkins received the cut-glass trophy from District ‘H’ representative on the WRU, Mr Gordon Eynon.

St Clears: Mark Pickersgill: Aled Lewis; Colin Reynolds; Richard Sharpe-Williams; Rob Frame; Chris Rodenhurst; Nick Price; Aled Thomas; Andrew Davies; Luke Hannah; Ed Caesar; Daniel Jones: Andrew Deacon; Tom Hopkins; Aled Mason.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Rhodri Thomas: Gareth Adamson; Mike Jenkins; Dan Harries; Dai Evans; James Griffiths; Alun George; Andrew Morrillo; Gavin Walsh; Gerwyn Davies; Nathan Jenkins; Gwilym Evans; Steve Jenkins (Capt); Rhys Morgan; Mark George. Replacements: Romeo Colella; Mark James; Richard Hunter; Matthew George.
REPORT BILL CARNE