WRU National Bowl
Cardigan 16
Milford Haven 6
CARDIGAN are through to the semi-finals of the WRU National Bowl after they beat Milford Haven 16-6 on Saturday, February 18.
For both clubs it was their biggest ever game with a place in the last four up for grabs but it was Cardigan who came out on top.
They can now look forward to a semi-final tie with the winner travelling to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for the final.
On Saturday, it was Cardigan who drew first blood when Llyr Jones sent a penalty through the posts.
Milford levelled the scores soon after with a penalty of their own from Craig Barnett.
However, Cardigan ensured they would hold a lead at the break as Daf Watkins raced over for a try but the conversion was missed as the ball bounced off the post.
That gave the home side a slender 8-3 lead at the break and the game was very much still in the balance.
In the second half the Tiefisiders continued to put the pressure on and they were rewarded when John Lumb scored Cardigan’s second try of the match. Jones missed with the conversion.
The lead was increased further when Jones scored a second penalty giving the home side a 16-3 lead.
Milford’s task was made even harder soon after as they were reduced to 14 men when they had a man red carded for a high tackle on Garerth Clifford.
Cardigan’s Emyr Harries was then also sent off as he was given a second yellow for a late tackle making it 14v14 for the remainder of the game.
Milford looked to mount a response and Barnett reduced the gap with another penalty to make it 16-6.
They were still in with a chance of claiming victory but Cardigan had other ideas and their defence held out to stop the Mariners from scoring.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration amongst the home players and supporters while Milford were left to reflect on what might have been.
Cardigan posted on their Facebook page after the match: “Great performance and result by the boys today! Fantastic atmosphere! Thank you to everyone that came and supported!”
Both sides now return to league action with their next fixture coming on Saturday, March 4, as Milford travel to Laugharne and Cardigan travel to Pembroke Dock Quins.
The draw for the last four was made on Tuesday, February 21, with Cardigan being drawn against Amman United.
That tie will take place on Saturday, March 25, at a neutral venue still to be arranged.
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