Whitland RFC Seconds are again playing their rugby in the Pembrokeshire Junior Union League this season.

The start of their campaign involved a tough trip up to Cardigan, the game being played last Friday night.

Whitland, who fielded a mix of young and experienced players, started the brighter, with a well-worked try, centre Connor Bowen giving a scoring pass to his brother Jack, playing at full back, who outsprinted the defence to score. (The try would certainly have brought a smile to their grandfather, Whitland stalwart Tony Bowen).

Cardigan hit back with an excellent individual try from the Cardigan outside-half, who ran from his own half to touchdown and take the score to five-all.

Whitland outside-half and captain Shane Morgan organised the side well, ensuring they had most of the play and territory for the first 35 minutes. However, another great run gave the home side an attacking five-metre scrum, from which the powerful Cardigan pack drove over for a try, which was converted to take the score to 12-5.

This score seemed to unsettle Whitland and some basic errors from the restart saw Cardigan grab their third try of the game, taking the half-time score to 17-5.

Whitland, now playing against the wind, but with the advantage of the slope, started well with a try from the kick-off when right wing Ollie Morgan was put in the clear to score in the corner, 17-12.

With the game now being evenly contested, it was anybody’s match.

Cardigan used the wind to their advantage and only good defence from young flankers Dewi Davies, Tom Kirk and fullback Sam Jackson kept them out.

The home side eventually broke through after a powerful run from their number eight which led to an easy touchdown. The try was converted, taking the score to 24- 12.

Whitland had the last word with a team try. After the forwards carried well, led by second row Louis Price and number eight Tom Kirk, the backs moved the ball into space and into the Cardigan 22 metre area. When the move broke down, the visiting forwards were again on hand to quickly recycle and carry the ball, where the outstanding open-side Jamie Harris popped up to score an important try that allowed Whitland to at least claim a losing bonus point.

The referee Erian Edwards, who contributed to a very enjoyable open game of rugby, then brought proceedings to an end, with the final score 24-17 to Cardigan.

The Whitland Seconds team is an ideal opportunity for players who cannot find the time to commit to the first team or simply want to play rugby for the fun. Also it is ideal for young players leaving youth who want game time and the experience of senior rugby that will give them the confidence to challenge for higher honours in future.

It is the mix of young and experienced players that gives second team rugby the social aspect of the game that has led to lifelong friendships among the Pembrokeshire league structure.

Whitland RFC would welcome any potential players, who must be over the age of 18, to join them for the forthcoming season. The training sessions take place on Wednesday night at 7 pm where safety, game management and skills take precedent.

Please contact Arwyn Thomas 07974 433295 or Phill Bowen 07815668608.