Division One West: Whitland 18-10 Kidwelly

Whitland came from behind to seal a hard-fought victory against bottom of the table Kidwelly at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn.

The visitors are still awaiting their first win of the season and if Gareth Rees had his kicking boots on this final result could have told a different story.

In cold, wet conditions Rees only landed one penalty from five attempts, but the Borderers dug deep to deservedly pick up their fifth victory of the campaign.

Kidwelly were good value for their 10-5 lead at half time, Rees landed an early close range three pointer, and a few minutes later left winger Alan Squires was bundled into touch only a metre short of the line. Rees missed with two long range penalty attempts as he failed to punish the Borderers’ poor discipline.

Midway through the first period and the visitors grabbed a well-worked try, after going through several phases, patience paid off, when scrum half Alex Hales darted over from close range for Rees to convert and it gave his side a comfortable 10-0 cushion.

On the 30 minute mark the Borderers worked the ball up field and some cracking driving play by the pack through Marc Jones, Raff Williams, Aaron Mayne and Jimmy Buirds who were all prominent, set up a try from close range for outstanding flanker Ryan Morgan.

Outside half Nico Setaro was off target with the conversion as the Borderers trailed by five points at the interval.

Whitland came out firing on all cylinders in the second period with strong running centres Josh Thomas and Gino Setaro punching holes in the visitors’ midfield.

Inside the visitors’ 22 Marc Jones took a crucial strike against the head, and the pack surged forward as the Kidwelly forwards crumbled, and referee Rhodri Morgan awarded a penalty try which gave Whitland a slender 12-10 advantage.

The home team finished strongly as Setaro sealed victory by kicking two late successful penalties and coaches Gareth Bennett and Dan Mason will be proud of their side for grafting hard to get the all-important winning points.

Whitland: Rhys Schiavone, Liam Price, Gino Setaro, Josh Thomas, Llyr Ebsworth, Nico Setaro, Josh Thomas, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Jimmy Buirds, Raff Williams, Jamie Thomas, Scott Buirds, Ryan Morgan, Jack Mason. Replacements: Gethin Lewis, Michael Ryan, Courtney Bowman, Ben Kirk, Adam Davies.