Whitland 18 Cross Keys 11

A superb all-round team effort gave Whitland another vital victory in their quest for a place in the top section next season as they beat fellow contenders Cross Keys at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn.

It was a tense, hard-fought encounter where the Borderers had to call upon all their reserves of energy and steel - and this was especially so after they had been given first use of the breeze but found themselves just a single point ahead at the interval.

In the second period the Borderers grabbed two further penalties from in-form place kicker Daniel Griffiths and tackled like demons to make sure that every threat posed by former Welsh international Andrew Gibbs and Co was snuffed out at its source.

Every Whitland player gave total commitment to the cause but the back row of Phil Morgan, Johnny Kaloi and Randal Williams was outstanding in supplying cover - and with Randal Williams in particular catching the eye of opposing coach Simon King.

With so much at stake it was perhaps inevitable that there should be errors aplenty, with Whitland making the brighter start so that Griffiths was able to land his first penalty after five minutes and adding another after opposite number Gethin Worgan has slotted another simple kick when the Borderers pack got offside.

Two further penalties by Griffiths restored Whitland's advantage but in the final ten minutes of the period Cross Keys hit back with a vengeance as Worgan added a second penalty and they grabbed a last-gasp try as good work by centre Movete Oto'Ota and prop Daniel Evans set the platform for Gibbs to put winger Dai Price over in the corner.

Keys started the second half strongly but Worgan missed a long-range penalty and after eight minutes Whitland finally broke the stranglehold and in their first incursion into opposing territory Griffiths notched his fifth penalty.

Even worse for Cross Keys was the fact that they had lock Paul Watkins yellow-carded soon afterwards and good work by Andrew Jenkins earned the Borderers a chance for Griffiths to extend the home lead to 18-11.

Steve Butchers and Daniel Rogers went close to a try for Whitland and with Fakataha Molitika, Dai Jones, Gareth Williams and especially Anthony Jakeman all winning good ball it was difficult for Keys to maintain any periods of pressure, even when they were back to 15 men.

Worgan was wide from 45 metres when it seemed silly to seek three points with just four minutes left, and Whitland's delight and relief was evident at the end since this was indeed a very important win - and thoroughly deserved as reward for the Borderers' never-say-die spirit!

The match was sponsored by Bysiau Cwm Taf Valley Coaches, with the match balls sponsored by Wyn Griffiths, Carpenter, Llanddewi Velfrey; Idris Jones, Auto Electrical Specialist, Bancffosfelen; Paul Webb; Tavernspite Garden Centre; Martin Williams, Garage and Industrial Doors, Whitland; Swansea Daf Truck Centre; Ron Mounsey, MacDonalds.

Whitland: Wayne Lewis: Daniel Rogers; Steve Butchers; Mike Buckingham; Lee Glanville: Daniel Griffiths; Andrew Jenkins: Gareth Williams; Jason Evans; Dai Jones: Anthony Jakeman; Fakataha Molitika: Johnny Kaloi; Phil Morgan; Randal Williams. Replacements: Steve Gerrard; Tristan Mabbutt; Tristan Bowen; Graham Richards; Scott Penney; Lee Banfield.