Betws 22 Llanelli Warriors 24

Although played in good spirit, the annual clash between Betws and Llanelli Warriors proved a competitive affair with the result only secured at the death.

The end of season run-out saw Betws hand First XV debuts to several players while the Warriors featured a new look back line to compliment a settled pack.

While the early exchanges were hardly cautious, with both teams happy to have a go from deep, neither made any headway as the game settled down.

Early nervousness and indiscipline helped maintain the stalemate although Andrew Davies dominated the line-out for the Warriors while Ian Davies kept Betws on the front foot.

The Warriors seemed over keen to drive line-outs which Betws dealt with well as the Griffiths brothers Paul and Richard did the unglamorous work.

Nathan Lawson was busy for the Warriors but the stalemate continued until late in the first half. Both sides were looking dangerous when the ball was moved, Steffan James often the catalyst for Betws and eventually sharp centre Josh Thomas found an opening and crossed.

The Warriors backs were also starting to enjoy themselves, the half-back partnership of youth scrum half Craig James and grizzled veteran Dean Gilasbey was starting to click allowing centres Chris Andrews and Nathan Murphy to test the Betws defences.

It was Gilasbey that evened things up when he capitalised on good work from the pack and scuttled over.

With all square at the break, the second half was a close affair.

Jamie Evans all but scored for Betws and Gareth Ladd had some strong runs on the wing, while Ben Kitson worked hard for the visitors and Dai Carpenter impressed with his durability in what was often a very physical contest.

Betws finally got some daylight between the sides with two scores, the pick a blockbuster effort from Alun Stephens but the Warriors came back through former Betws back rower Simon Jenkins who muscled his way through several opponents to score and also kicked a penalty.

James Jeffery scorched down the wing to restore the Betws lead late in the game but with no conversion it was still all to play for.

Both teams lived off their nerves for the last few minutes but eventually the Warriors forced a scrum in the Betws 22 and Dylan Harris rounded off a sweeping move - and fine personal display - for the Warriors.

With the crucial conversion to be kicked, up stepped Simon Day who showed no hint of nerves to kick the points and win the game.

Both sides will have been pleased with their effort and will hope to meet in the Warriors 7s next Saturday in Burry Port.