Division 3 West B:

St Davids 3-74 Laugharne

IT was a difficult opening to the season for St Davids as they conceded 12 tries to visitors Laugharne in a game played in front of Rick O’Shea and the Scrum V cameras.

There was a two division gap between the teams last season, but ironically it was The Saints who made the brighter start after kicking off with a strong wind at their backs.

Home full back Craig Challonder missed an early chance to open the scoring when he was off target with a penalty, before The Cockleman were forced to repel a series of close range scrums and line-outs.

But after weathering the early storm, Laugharne took control as second row Gary Jones and inside centre Jon Owen both rounded off good moves to score.

Full back Ross Michael landed a conversion and then also added the extras after impressive scrum half Aled Rees sniped through a gap from close range.

St Davids did get off the mark when Challonder kicked a penalty from 35 metres, but visiting winger Tom Thomas sped over out wide and outside half Owain Thomas jinked his way under the posts.

Michael converted the latter try to make it 31-3 at the break.

And with the elements in their favour in the second half, The Cockleman cut loose with Michael and outside centre Anthony John both crossing for converted tries.

Second row Alex Richmond was sin binned for The Saints, although they went close to an elusive try when flanker Carl Evans was tackled just short, before fellow back row player Scott Riches was hauled down by the cover defence after breaking through in midfield.

But the day belonged to Laugharne, who in a one sided final quarter added further tries from centre John, replacement No 8 Carwyn Evans, flanker Mike Williams (2) and then Michael again.

The full back converted two of those for a personal haul of 24 points, helping seal a comfortable win for The Cocklemen.

Highlights of the game will be shown on Scrum V Sunday on BBC 2, 6.45pm.