WRU Division Three West A
Haverfordwest 12
Cardigan 9
CARDIGAN missed out on the Division Three West A title as they fell to an agonising three-point defeat in the winner-takes-all clash against Haverfordwest.
The Blues claimed the cut glass trophy and the promotion spot to Division Two for the next campaign thanks to four penalties by outside half Mikey Jones to three from Cardigan centre Iestyn Crompton in a tense match in which neither side threatened the try line with both sides defences firmly on top.
The Pembrokeshire side shaded the set piece but with the Teifisiders thriving at the breakdown they managed to take an early lead as their pressure forced the home side into making an error. Crompton notched the first of his penalties for an early lead.
This was short-lived however as Haverfordwest responded through the boot of Jones after some good work from captain Jon Mason.
Jones then put his side ahead after good work from Mike Griffiths and Richard Walters, but they were countered by strong play from the Cardi backrow of Gethin Jones, Kieran Hurley and skipper Llyr Griffiths, which gave another opportunity for Crompton to level the scores.
The second half followed a similar pattern as both teams failed to take half chances and again Jones put Haverfordwest in front with a three-pointer before Crompton slotted his third kick on target – and both kickers also missed from longer range.
In the end it was Haverfordwest’s better use of the bench that paid dividends as the fresh legs drove them home in what was an absorbing clash which kept the large crowd on edge throughout, with neither side willing to concede any ground.
So Cardigan missed out on the title but it has been a fantastic campaign and they will hope to take the momentum and experience they have gained into next season’s competition.
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