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WRU National League Division 2 West

ATHLETIC 5 ST CLEARS 11

A sizeable crowd attended this local derby anticipating another competitive match between these close neighbours. They were not to be disappointed but the underfoot conditions were not conducive to free flowing rugby. Athletic dominated much of the possesion and territory but found themselves constantly halted in their tracks by some resolute Saints tackling. The first half threw up a couple of try scoring chances for the home side. A race for a touch down, and a defensive hand was deemed to get there first, a second opportunity was squandered by the Red & Blacks with a clear overlap available.

The home side had a chance to take the lead with a penalty attempt but Karl Williams pulled his effort wide of the uprights. The rest of the half remained scoreless until a late penalty by Liam Price gave the visitors a 0-3 interval lead.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Athletic chasing the game. St Clears winger Will Davies pounced to intercept a loose pass to race away for a vital score. The try went unconverted but just five minutes later, James Davies added a final nail in the Athletic coffin with a well struck penalty to take the Saints eleven clear. The final quarter saw the home side turn up the pressure to desperately seek some return for their efforts. After ten minutes camped in the visitors 22, full back Robbie Thomas crossed wide out for a well deserved try. From the restart the play was again taken into the Saints 22 where the Red & Blacks managed to cross the try line on two occasions, however referee Mr Joseff Rees judged that both efforts had been held up. The final whistle brought relief to St Clears who had been camped on their own line for a long period.

Athletic will rue basic errors such as missing a number of penalty touchline kicks, but every credit to the visitors for their dour defensive display which was enough to secure the points.

Scarlets Youth League - West Carms

ATHLETIC YOUTH 5 NEWCASTLE EMLYN YOUTH 5

A hard fought match saw both sides share the spoils with a try apiece.