This was a great way to end the season, not just because Narberth won but for the feast of free-flowing rugby it produced against a touring side from the Brecon area.

In fact, until half-time this could have been anyone’s game as both sides failed to find a way to the tryline in the first period.

Nevertheless it was a fast exciting game in which both sides had a chance to show their running skills. Narberth had the lion’s share of territory and possession but often the last pass went astray or the Gwernyfed defence were just too determined to keep their scoresheet clean.

Tomas Webb, who has impressed recently with his running skills, was among those enjoying some sparkling passages, along with the likes of Rhys, Ifan and Thomas Twose.

Griff and Dafydd led the hard graft section of the team backed by Archie, Kaleb and Talfan.

In the second half Narberth turned on the screws early and with a little more patience could have scored as overlaps out wide went begging.

But the pressure finally told when that man Griff collected a wayward kick from the Gwernyfed defence and fell over the line to score.

And that seemed to be the signal for the visitors to fall apart as Narberth suddenly believed in themselves.

Jordan, making a welcome return after injury, pounced on loose ball from a Gwernyfed scrum to score.

Talfan was next in line as he finished off a good period of pressure with a quick pick-up and charge to the line.

Narberth’s harrying and eagerness to get the ball was having its effect and after Rhys made a good break, Griff spoiled the Gwernyfed possession and Cai nipped in for the touchdown.

Harri capped a solid game with all four conversions.

Narberth picked Gwernyfed pacy no 22 Gareth for player of the match, while the visitors plumped for Kaleb for the second game in a row.

Two teams from Cardiff provided tough opposition on consecutive weeks.

Against Llanharan Narberth managed to secure a 14-14 draw but paid a heavy price by losing captain Dafydd with an injured wrist.

The following week it was Llanishen’s turn and the Otters had their work cut out against a big and capable side which boasted three Wales players.

There were some gutsy performances from Narberth with big tackling from the boys – the likes of Talfan and Jack were again prominent in that role. But Cai and Harri both showed that even the smallest guys on the pitch can floor players almost twice their size.

Newcomer Archie showed he’s going to be a useful addition to the set-up with some good runs.

Despite conceding seven tries, it wasn’t all one-way. Narberth managed to create some opportunities and they were unlucky not to come away with some points after both Jack and Griff came close.

At the end of the day however, Llanhishen were just too streetwise, excellent in following up tackles and inventive running off the ball.

The visitors awarded Kaleb the player of the match award.

Narberth got a chance to put some of their defensive training into practice in this friendly run-out against an Irish touring side – and it all went to plan.

Despite fielding a number of well-built boys Birr took the field less than fresh after their coach journey from Cardiff. They had the added challenge of a late night the previous evening and a slight mis-match in age ranges because of a January cut-off date for their under-11s.

The young Otters were committed at the tackle and very quick up on the Birr attack. The result was that the visitors were harried on their own ball and very often lost possession at the breakdown.

After coming close twice in the opening period Harri finally made the break which put Tomas Webb through to score. Harri added the conversion.

Birr were denied any space to move their own ball and a break by Griff led to a number of phases. Bruce went close before Ifan scored. Harri added the conversion.

It was a quickly-taken penalty which led to try number three as Rhys beat his man and Bruce beat another two to score. Harri again converted.

Birr were again in disarray as Griff burst through to score from turnover ball and Harri converted.

Jordan was taken off injured but from the restart the ball flowed through the phases and Cai beat the last man with a neat step inside to score. Harri converted.

It was left to Rhys to finish off with a fine solo effort which Harri again converted.

Second Game

Narberth 21 Birr 7

Talfan and Jack joined their Irish visitors for part two of the rugby contest and the result was a much more balanced affair.

After a sustained period of pressure Birr were unlucky to come away with no reward and a breakawy try by Rhys added to the pain. Harri converted.

Narberth showed off some great passing skills but try number two came from loose ball as Griff pounced to claim possession and the try. Harri converted.

Next it was Harri’s turn to go it alone for a try which Ifan converted.

Birr finally got their just desserts for a lot of hard work and a creditable display with a late converted try.

And they got a further pat on the back when the young Otters awarded the Birr player of the match award to Ronan.

This ding-dong battle was one worth watching as two evenly matched teams put on a good show of rugby.

For a while it looked as if it might be a drubbing for the home team as they leaked three converted tries in quick succession.

The first came when they were penalised for not listening to the referee’s instructions at the breakdown and Llangwm’s backs enjoyed showing off their creative passing and running skills to go over in the corner.

The fightback finally came with Kaleb leading the charge and quick hands and quick thinking from Jordan probing the gaps.

As always the commitment from the front five brought the all-important possession and Jack got the reward as he took route one to the try line.

By half-time things were looking more respectable with another try on the scoreboard, again a result of quick possession and this time Rhys provided Jordan with the scoring pass.

In the second half Narberth learned the value of patience and protecting hard-won possession. After a period of sustained pressure finally Jack was able to give the scoring pass to Ifan. Tomas Webb converted.

With the young Otters within four points, Llangwm rediscovered a sense of urgency but Narberth managed to break through their defence again after a penalty mis-move which let Jack carve his way through for his second try. Lewis converted.

Suddenly it was anyone’s game and both sides produced some great rugby. For Narberth Lewis created well and went looking for work but it was Llangwm who had the last word with an unconverted score.

Player of the match: Harry Coombe for a solid performance which saw him fill several gaps from prop to wing!

Hopes were high for the young Otters after a string of good results since their last meeting with Crymych, but it was clear the visitors hadn’t been resting on their laurels in the meantime either.

The difference between the teams was the ability to win possession and in those crucial areas Crymych were sharper and more determined.

Narberth’s ability to put width into their game – which has brought them such success this season – was cancelled out by a defensive line who were very quickly up in their faces.

So despite a gutsy performance by Narberth, with committed tackling and intelligent play, Crymych put on five converted tries without reply by half-time.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though. Narberth enjoyed a period of sustained pressure late on with Lewis and Jordan both going close and were unlucky not to score – and even more unlucky when Crymych snatched a breakaway interception.

Narberth had their injury problems as well. Already without their captain Dafydd and front row terrier Jack, Griff, Ifan and Max were among the match casualties but it was good to see other members of the team step up to the mark.

Narberth came out fighting in the second half with Griff, Kaleb, Lewis and Jordan all thinking on their feet and showing total commitment. They were rewarded with a try in the corner for Bruce, which Harri converted.

Again Narberth turned on the pressure and were unlucky not to get more reward for their efforts – as so often in these situations Crymych took their chances on the break and caught their opponents fully committed to attack and with no defence at home.

Narberth  U11’s  40 – Whitland   14

The young Otters claimed a notable scalp as their run of success continued. Their combination of committed cleaning out by the forwards, fluid passing and strong unselfish running by the backs is making for attractive rugby – and the results are reflecting it.

Ifan started the scoring after a typically good build-up and a number of phases and Harri added the conversion.

At the breakdown Talfan and Jack were prominent with the likes of Griff and Dafydd always on hand. Among the backs centres Ifan and Tomas W enjoyed some barnstorming runs with Rhys and Lewis both linking well.

The sustained pressure inevitably brought a try for Jordan, ever the livewire, and Lewis converted.

Narberth were quick to snuff out any hopes of a Whitland comeback with aggressive defending and once more the pressure paid off, this time for Rhys and Tomas converted.

As the half drew to a close Whitland finally got out of their own half and with the bit firmly between their teeth made the Otters pay as they carved through the defense to score.

Narberth opened the second half in determined mood and answered in the best possible way. Ifan punched some holes in the defense, Talfan and Kaleb won the possession and Jack went over.

Whitland’s skilful no 10 took the Otters by surprise with an interception and a stunning solo try which took him the length of the field. he added the conversion.

And as the game became more open Ifan took advantage of the extra spaces to add a second try to his tally, which Harri converted.

Final try came from Griff Evans and was converted by Lewis.

Narberth’s Man of the match was Jordan James

Written by Eifion James

Written by Eifion Jenkins

In this one-half warm-up to the main event, Narberth were caught napping early on. After good build-up work by Griff and Talfan, the Blues pounced on an interception and ran the length of the field for the opening score.

The Otters replied in the best way possible with a couple of phases of fluid moves and good recycling of the possession. Ifan’s strong break found Griff once more in support and Tomas took the score in the corner.

Once more good pressure at the breakdown enabled Lewis to bundle over for a try before the Blues’ pacy centre left Narberth’s defence standing and scores were once again all equal at 10-10.

But Narberth had found their shape and from here on in they began to dominate. Jordan got a reward for his quick thinking and quick hands with a try and soon afterwards Kaleb pounced on loose ball to add his name to the scoresheet.

Rhys finished off the scoring and Harri added three conversions.

Second game

Narberth 45 Haverfordwest 7

The scoreline pretty much tells the story of this entertaining match under floodlights. Narberth have worked hard on developing an attractive open playing style which worked well in the wide spaces of the senior ground.

Rhys enjoyed a purple patch in this game and began as he meant to continue with a try in the corner after a flowing backs move. He also added the conversion.

Jordan’s turnover ball soon after led to another good running move which put Rhys over for his second which Tomas converted.

The Otters by this time were playing an exciting passing game which was regularly stretching the Blues defence and led to a score for Ifan. Harri’s jinking runs were also becoming a feature and he got a deserved try to finish the half which Ifan converted.

It was more of the same in the second half with Jack and Talfan taking it on to set it up for a score by Jordan.

Haverfordwest’s talented no 13 gave the home side a shock on more than one occasion with some skilful runs and the Blues replied with a well-worked try which they converted.

But it wasn’t long before Narberth found a way through once more. This time a lightning pick-up brought a score for Harry Coombe which Rhys converted. Rhys rounded off the game with his hat-trick, which he also converted.

Players of the match: Jack for his hard tackling and distribution and Thomas Twose for his hard work in all areas.

Arberth 31 Hwlffordd 10

CAFODD Arberth eu dal yn gynnar yn y gêm fer hon i aros y prif bryd. Wedi gwaith adeiladu da gan Griff a Talfan, neidiodd y Gleision ar gyfle i ryngipio  gan redeg hyd y cae i sgorio gyntaf.

Atebodd y Dyfrgwn yn y ffordd orau bosib gyda chwpl o symudiadau llyfn gan ailgylchu’r bêl yn dda. Wrth i Ifan dorri’n gryf roedd Griff wrth law a Tomas Webb a goronodd y cwbl yn y gornel.

Unwaith eto rhoddodd pwysau cyson ar y llawr y cyfle i Lewis hyrddio ei ffordd drosodd am gais cyn i ganolwr chwim Hwlffordd adael amddiffyn Arberth yn stond ac roedd popeth yn gyfartal eto ar 10-10.

Ond cadwodd Arberth eu siâp ac o hyn ymlaen dechreuon nhw ddod i’r brig. Jordan gafodd y wobr o gais am ei feddwl a dwylo medrus ac yn fuan wedi hynny llyncodd Kaleb  pêl rydd i ychwanegu ei enw at y daflen sgorio.

Coronodd Rhys y cwbl gyda chais a chafodd Harri dri throsiad.

Arberth 45 Hwlffordd 7

Mwy na dim mae’r sgôr yn dweud stori’r gêm gyffrous hon o dan y llifoleuadau. Mae Arberth wedi gweithio’n galed ar ddatblygu arddull agored atyniadol o chwarae oedd yn gweithio’n dda ar gae mawr y tîm cyntaf.

Roedd Rhys ar ben ei gêm a dechreuodd yn yr un modd ag y gorffennodd gyda chais yn y gornel yn dilyn cyfnod a chwarae llyfn gan yr olwyr. Yntau hefyd ychwanegodd y trosiad.

Ar ôl i Jordan ennill meddiant symudiad da arall roddodd ei ail i Rhys gyda Tomas yn trosi.

Erbyn hyn roedd y Dyfrgwn yn chwarae gêm wych o redeg a phasio oedd yn ymestyn amddiffyn y Gleision yn gyson ac arweiniodd at gais i Ifan. Roedd rhediadau twyllodrus Harri yn ffactor hefyd a sgoriodd cais haeddiannol i orffen yr hanner, gyda’r trosiad gan Ifan.

Yr un  oedd y stori yn yr ail hanner gyda Jack a Talfan yn mynd â’r bêl ymlaen i osod cais i Jordan.

Dangosodd rhif 13 dawnus Hwlffordd pâr o sodlau glan i’r tîm cartref fwy nag unwaith ac atebodd y Gleision gyda chais hyfryd a throsiad.

Ond doedd e ddim yn hir cyn i Arberth ddarganfod ffordd drwodd unwaith eto. Y tro hwn,  dwylo chwim a rhediad da gan Harry Coombe ddaeth â chais iddo gyda’r trosiad gan Rhys.

Rhys goronodd y dathliadau gyda’i drydydd gais a throsiad arall.

Chwaraewyr y gêm: Jack am ei daclo cadarn a dosbarthu da a Thomas Twose am ei waith diflin.

THE young Otters ended the year on a high as they continued their winning run with a comfortable victory over Neyland.

They set out their stall early on with Kaleb making the initial break which set up good second phase ball. Lewis threw it wide and Dafydd was in the line to take the scoring pass. Neither side took conversions for this game.

Although Neyland were short on numbers and had to borrow a few of Narberth’s players, they had some good strong running forwards. They leveled the scores soon after with on-loan Jordan also being prominent in the move.

It was some time before Narberth built their next scores and it was that man Griff on both occasions who added the points.

In the second half the Otters clocked up the tries regularly. And once again their success was built on good teamwork with the forwards contributing the hard important graft.

They opened the half in style with a fluid backs move involving Rhys and Jordan, now back on Narberth’s side, and Dafydd finished it off.

A great break by Harri found Ifan in support for another score and Griff got his hat-trick after a period of good team pressure. Another great passing move gave Griff his fourth.

Harri took a nasty knock to the head but bounced back with a determined break. When the tackle came Jordan was on hand to whip the ball away and score.

Next it was Rhys’s turn to take advantage of another jinking run by Harri – and again it was Rhys’s straight running which brought his second soon afterwards.

It was a purple patch for him as he completed a hat-trick with a well-worked team try.

Player of the match: Rhys for a fine comeback performance (for both sides!) after a spell out.

Neyland 5 Arberth 55

DAETH diweddglo boddhaol iawn i flwyddyn y Dyfrgwn ifanc wrth iddyn nhw barhau i ennill gyda buddugoliaeth gyfforddus dros Neyland.

Gwnaethon nhw eu bwriad yn glir o’r dechrau gyda Kaleb yn bylchu’n gynnar i osod llwyfan i feddiant da. Taflodd Lewis y bêl yn llydan ac roedd Dafydd yn y llinell i sgorio.

Doedd dim trosiadau i’r gêm hon.

Er bod Neyland yn brin o chwaraewyr ac roedd rhaid iddyn nhw fenthyg ambell un gan Arberth, roedd ganddyn nhw flaenwyr cryf a allai redeg yn dda. Daethon nhw â’r sgôr yn gyfartal yn fuan gyda Jordan, oedd ar fenthyg, yn amlwg yn y symudiad.

Aeth peth amser heibio cyn i Arberth adeilada eu ceisiau nesaf a Griff oedd y dyn amdani ar y ddau achlysur.

Yn yr ail hanner ychwanegodd y Dyfrgwn geisiau yn rheolaidd. Ac unwaith eto sail eu llwyddiant oedd gwaith tîm da gyda’r blaenwyr yn cyfrannu’r gwaith caled holl bwysig.

Agoron nhw’r hanner gyda symudiad llyfn gan yr olwyr yn cynnwys Rhys a Jordan, yn ôl erbyn hyn ar ochr Arberth, a Dafydd goronodd y cwbl gyda chais.

Bylchiad gwych gan Harri arweiniodd at gais i Ifan oedd yn cefnogi’n dda a chyflawnodd Griff ei drithro wedi cyfnod o bwysau da gan yr holl dîm.

Derbyniodd Griff ei bedwerydd gais wedi symudiad pasio da.

Cafodd Harri glatchen i’w ben ond sbonciodd yn ôl gyda bylchiad penderfynol. Pan ddaeth y tacl roedd Jordan wrth law i chwipio’r bêl i ffwrdd a sgorio.

Tro Rhys ddaeth nesaf pan fanteisiodd ar rediad twyllodrus gan Harri – ac eto rhedeg yn syth gan Rhys ddaeth â’i ail gais yn fuan wedi hynny.

Hwn oedd cyfnod gwych iddo a chwblhaodd ei drithro gyda chais yn dilyn gwaith tîm da.

Chwaraewr y gêm: Rhys am berfformiad arbennig (i’r ddwy ochr!) wrth iddo ddychweled wedi cyfnod allan.

Carmarthen Quins 7 – Narberth 38

Don’t be fooled by the score line – this was no walk in the park. The young Otters had to fight hard for this victory against a gutsy Quins side – and they did it in a way which will have made their coaches proud.

When it came to picking a player of the match there was no shortage of candidates. This was a real 12-man team performance featuring hard tackling, aggressive ball-winning and good handling moves, and they all deserve a mention.

Jack, Talfan, Ifan and Griff were among the players sticking their heads above the parapet in the early stages and putting in some good runs. From a resulting penalty Dafydd made the break and gave the scoring pass to Griff.

Jordan and Jack were prominent as Narberth kept up the pressure and this time Jack’s persistence paid off with a score which Ifan converted.

The Quins dug in for the rest of the half and it was here that the Narberth team character really showed as they worked together, making the hard yards and putting in the hard tackles.

George, Harri, Yoshan, Bruce, Tomas Webb and Thomas Twose all added their names to the roll of honour.

In the second half the Quins had the slope advantage and their number 9 opened their account early on with a break which left Narberth looking a little stunned.

But the determined Otters pushed their way upfield. Tomas Webb led the way with an electric break to set up a good attack and found himself on the end of the scoring pass as his reward. Harri converted.

It was something of a turning point, and the ever-hungry Griff pounced on Quins’ possession with an interception which led to a fine solo try which Ifan converted.

It was Jordan’s turn next after more good team work – a well-deserved try after his total commitment and constant harassing around the breakdown. Tomas converted this time.

Some quick-thinking by Dafydd from a penalty left the Quins’ defence in disarray and Griff was on his shoulder to take it all the way. He also converted.

Player of the match: Tomas Webb, for his hard tackling and his best game to date which was crowned by his try.

Cwins Caerfyrddin 7 Arberth 38

Dyw’r sgôr ddim yn dweud y gwir stori – doedd pethau ddim mor hawdd o bell ffordd.

Roedd rhaid i’r Dyfrgwn ifanc frwydro’n galed am eu buddugoliaeth yn erbyn tîm dewr y Cwins. A bydd eu hyfforddwyr yn falch iawn o’u perfformiad.

Doedd dim prinder posibiliadau wrth enwi chwaraewr y gêm. Perfformiad tîm o 12 dyn oedd hwn, yn dangos taclo cadarn, ennill meddiant ffyrnig a symudiadau llyfn wrth drafod y bêl – ac mae pob un yn haeddu clod.

Roedd Jack, Talfan, Ifan a Griff ymysg y rhai yn dangos eu sgiliau yn gynnar gan wneud rhediadau da. Bylchodd Dafydd wedi cic cosb gan roi’r pas terfynol i Griff i sgorio.

Roedd Jack a Jordan yn amlwg wrth i Arberth godi’r pwysau a’r tro hyn ymrwymiad Jack a dalodd ffordd gyda chais wedi’i drosi gan Ifan.

Ond safai’r Cwins yn gadarn am weddill yr hanner a dyma’r cyfnod pan welwyd cymeriad tîm Arberth wrth iddynt weithio gyda’i gilydd, brwydro am dir a thaclo’n gryf.

Ychwanegodd George, Harri, Yoshan, Bruce, Tomas Webb a Thomas Twose eu henwau at y rhestr anrhydedd.

Yn yr ail hanner roedd mantais y llethr gyda’r Cwins a’u rhif 9 agorodd y sgorio gyda bylchiad a syfrdanodd Arberth braidd.

Ond diolch i benderfyniad y Dyfrgwn, ail-enillon nhw dir. Tomas Webb oedd ar y blaen gyda bylchiad trydanol a sefydlodd ymosodiad da – ac fel gwobr, fe oedd yn derbyn y pas terfynol i sgorio. Trosodd Harri.

Roedd hwn yn rhyw fath o drobwynt a Griff, bob tro yn awchu am y bêl, a ryngipiodd feddiant gan y Cwins a arweiniodd at gais unigol da wedi’i drosi gan Ifan.

Tro Jordan ddaeth nesaf wedi rhagor o waith tîm da – a chais haeddiannol am ei ymrwymiad llwyr a brwydro cyson am feddiant ar y llawr. Trosodd Tomas.

Meddwl chwim gan Dafydd wedi cic cosb adawodd amddiffyn y Cwins yn rhacs ac roedd Griff wrth ei ysgwydd i goroni’r symudiad. Fe a drosodd hefyd.

Chwaraewr y gêm: Tomas Webb, am ei daclo cadarn a’i gêm gorau hyd yn hyn a’r wobr o’i gais ar ben.

What a turnaround from the last encounter between these two teams!

Cardigan had just finished a hard battle with hosts Crymych but Narberth showed them no mercy.  Ifan punished them almost from the kick-off with a fine individual try and Kaleb followed up with the second soon afterwards after a good build-up. Both went unconverted.

Cardigan recovered and enjoyed a good passage of play and Jack and Yoshan were among those putting in some hard tackles. Finally a burst by Griff put Narberth back in the driving seat and Ifan converted his try.

More good pressure led to a series of penalties and Thomas Toose finished off in the corner. Harri converted.

All-important possession and a classic backs move put Bruce over in the corner and Harri added the conversion.

Cardigan worked hard and scored two well-deserved tries before half-time, both of which were converted.

Narberth started the second half on fire with Dafydd and Griff joining the back line in a move which brought Griff his second. Harri converted.

Another period of sustained pressure in which Jordan, Cai and Harri were all prominent led to another try for Ifan which Harri again converted.

But Cardigan were in no mood to give up and their unstoppable no 12 added another converted score.

Narberth replied with a great run by Thomas Toose who fed Ifan who gave the scoring pass to Cai. Dafydd converted.

Once again Cardigan’s no 12 carved up the Narberth defence for a converted try before Jack finished off a great team performance with another score.

Player of the match: George – for his constantly improving performance and his best outing to date.

Aberteifi 28   Arberth 57

Am wahaniaeth i’r tro diwethaf i’r ddau dîm yma cyfarfod ei gilydd! Roedd Aberteifi newydd orffen brwydr galed yn erbyn y tîm cartref Crymych, ond roedd mantais y llethr gydag Arberth ac nid oeddent am ddangos trugaredd i’w gwrthwynebwyr.

Ifan a wnaeth iddynt dalu’r gosb ychydig funudau wedi’r dechrau gyda chais unigol ac ychwanegodd Kaleb un arall yn dilyn gwaith tîm da. Aeth y ddau heb eu trosi.

Cafodd Aberteifi gyfnod da ac roedd Jack a Yoshan ymysg y rhai oedd yn taclo’n gadarn. O’r diwedd ffrwydrodd Griff trwy’r amddiffyn a throsodd Ifan ei gais.

Arweiniodd rhagor o bwysau da at gyfres o giciau cosb gan adael i Thomas Toose goroni’r cyfan yn y gornel. Trosodd Harri.

Y meddiant hollbwysig a symudiad clasurol gan yr olwyr a rhoddodd Bruce drosodd yn y gornel ac ychwanegodd Harri’r trosiad.

Roedd Aberteifi yn ymdrechu’n galed gan lawn haeddu eu dau gais cyn hanner amser, y ddau wedi’u trosi.

Dechreuodd Arberth yr ail hanner ar dân gyda Dafydd a Griff yn ymuno â’r olwyr mewn symudiad a roddodd Griff ei ail gais a’r trosiad gan Harri.

Arweiniodd cyfnod o bwysau cyson – gyda Jordan, Cai a Harri yn amlwg, at gais arall i Ifan. Trosodd Harri.

Doedd dim arwydd fod Aberteifi yn fodlon rhoi’r gorau iddi ac ychwanegodd eu rhif 12 llithrig gais arall wedi’i drosi.

Rhediad gwych gan Thomas Toose a fwydodd Ifan a’r pas olaf yn mynd at Cai i sgorio. Trosodd Dafydd.

Unwaith eto dysgodd rhif 12 Aberteifi wers i amddiffyn Arberth gan sgorio cais wedi’i drosi cyn i Jack ychwanegu’r sgôr olaf i Arberth a choroni perfformiad tîm ardderchog.

 Chwaraewr y gêm: George – am wella’i berfformiad yn gyson a’i gêm gorau hyd yn hyn.

Crymych 42 Narberth 21

The glory of a win against old rivals Crymych was a real possibility for so long in this hard-fought tussle.

Despite playing straight off the back of their fierce encounter with Cardigan, Narberth went ahead in the first half and held their own when playing uphill at the start of the second. But losing captain Dafydd with a knee injury was undoubtedly a big blow to their hopes and in the end Crymych were not in the mood for losing.

Narberth’s opening minutes were sprinkled with errors and Crymych made them pay with a converted try. But the young Otters came back in style and from a burst by Griff, Jack fought his way to the try line. Ifan converted.

A similar move put Dafydd on the scoresheet and again Ifan added the conversion to put Narberth back in front.

Crymych looked rattled as Dafydd and Jordan led the way with some big hits on their runners. It was no place for the faint-hearted but in the end Crymych’s better ball-winning on the floor enabled them to draw level.

An electric burst by Rhys finished off the action and promised plenty of fireworks for the second half.

The fierce battle upfront continued in the second half but it was Crymych who added the points before cutting loose again for another converted try.

Despite losing Dafydd, Narberth replied in the best possible way with a great solo try from Griff which Ifan converted.

With the score at 28-21 there was still hope. In the event Crymych ran in two more to seal their victory but Narberth left the field with heads held high after a gutsy display which promised even better things to come. 

Player of the match: Ifan – for an all-round display of hard tackling and great breaks.

Crymych 42 Arberth 21

Roedd buddugoliaeth yn erbyn eu hen gyfeillion Crymych o fewn gafael Arberth am gyfnod hir yn y frwydr galed hon.

Er iddynt chwarae’n syth ar ôl gêm ffyrnig yn erbyn Aberteifi, aeth Arberth ar y blaen yn yr hanner cyntaf a daliodd eu tir yn yr ail wrth chwarae yn erbyn y llethr.

Ond heb os, roedd colli eu capten Dafydd yn ergyd drwm i’w gobeithion ac yn y diwedd doedd Crymych ddim yn yr hwyl am golli.

Roedd munudau agoriadol Arberth yn frith â chamgymeriadau a gwnaeth Crymych eu cosbi gyda chais wedi’i drosi. Ond daeth y Dyfrgwn ifanc yn ôl mewn steil ac wedi bylchiad gan Griff, brwydrodd Jack dros y llinell. Trosodd Ifan

Symudiad tebyg a roddodd Dafydd ar y daflen sgorio ac unwaith eto ychwanegodd Ifan y trosiad i roi Arberth ar y blaen eto.

Am unwaith roedd golwg sigledig ar Crymych wrth i Dafydd a Jordan arwain y ffordd gyda thaclo cadarn ar eu rhedwyr

Nid lle i’r rhai gwan eu calon mo hwn – ond yn y diwedd roedd llwyddiant Crymych i ennill y bêl ar y llawr yn eu galluogi i ddod yn gyfartal.

Bylchiad trydanol gan Rhys a orffennodd yr hanner gydag addewid o ddigon o dân gwyllt i ddod.

Parhaodd y frywdr ffyrnig ymysg y blaenwyr yn yr ail hanner ond Crymych a ychwanegodd y pwyntiau cyn torri’n rhydd eto am gais wedi’i drosi.

Er iddynt golli Dafydd, atebodd Arberth yn y ffordd orau bosib gyda chais unigol gwych gan Griff wedi’i drosi gan Ifan.

Gyda’r sgôr ar 28-21 roedd gobaith o hyd. Sgoriodd Crymych dau gais arall i selio’r fuddugoliaeth, ond gadawodd Arberth y cae gyda’u pennau’n uchel wedi perfformiad dewr a’r addewid o bethau gwell byth i ddod.

 Chwaraewr y gêm: Ifan – am berfformiad amryddawn o daclo cadarn a bylchu’n wych.