Pembs KO Cup semi final:

Whitland 10-13 Tenby United

OUTSIDE half Scott James scored all his side’s points as Tenby United beat Whitland at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn to a secure a place in the KO Cup final for the third time in four years last night (Wednesday).

Remarkably, the victory was The Seasiders’ first competitive win this season, after receiving two byes into the semi final following a dismal Division One West campaign that saw them lose all 22 league matches.

The visitors led 10-0 at half time through a James try, conversion, and penalty – before Whitland, who had second row Dai Ebsworth red carded before the break, fought back in the second half through a Liam Price try and Nico Setaro conversion.

But James added another penalty, and although Setaro responded with a three pointer for Whitland late on, Tenby hung on to set up a final clash with Crymych.

It was The Borderers who threatened first as flankers Dewi Williams and James Thomas combined in midfield – and the latter’s charge to the line was only halted by a great cover tackle from Tenby No 8 Rob Weston.

And then it was Tenby who struck, as winger Jordan Asparassa attacked from deep, before charges from Weston and prop Rob Clark took them into the Borderers’ 22 and set up clean ball for James - who jinked past two tackles to score a try he then converted.

The home side suffered a further blow when prop Ryan Rees was yellow carded for foul play, and James put over the subsequent 35 metre penalty.

Whitland missed a chance to pull three points back when Setaro hit the post with a wide angled effort after the Tenby backline and been penalised for offside – before Asparassa again threatened for the Seasiders as he broke down the left wing, but centre Matthew Flemming was unable to hold onto his offload.

And then before half time came a big moment, as James launched an up and under from deep that was caught by Whitland veteran Ebsworth – but as the No 10 followed up his kick, he was caught in the face as the second row led with his elbow.

There were few complaints as referee Peter Evans showed Ebsworth a straight red card, leaving The Borderers facing a mountain to climb.

Early in the second half James, who returned to the field after needing treatment for blood, pulled a penalty wide after the home side were penalised at a scrum – but then Whitland appeared to have got back into it as replacement fullback Scott Newton cut through in midfield, and fed centre Rhys Schiavone who appeared to score in the corner.

But after consulting his assistant, referee Evans deemed Schiavone to have knocked on over the line under pressure from Asparassa.

But on the 60 minute mark, The Borderers did strike when Setaro’s grubber kick was fumbled by away full back Dan Colley, and replacement winger Price pounced on the loose ball to score. Setaro converted from out wide.

Another James break then set up a spell of Tenby pressure that culminated in the youngster kicking a penalty in front of the posts to extend his side’s lead to 13-7.

But Setaro instantly responded with three points for Whitland – before James pushed another penalty chance wide late on.

It meant Whitland had time for one last attack, and after the visitors were penalised at the breakdown, referee Evans marched them back 10 metres for dissent, bringing the penalty to within Setaro’s range.

But from nearly 50 metres, the No 10’s effort drifted just wide – and The Seasiders hung on to book their place in the final with The Preseli Men.

That game will take place next Wednesday, May 25th at Haverfordwest RFC, 7pm kick off.

Whitland: Will Davies, Carwyn Thomas, Connor Edwards, Rhys Schiavone, Aled Jones, Nico Setaro, Adam Davies, Nathan price, Shane Webster, Ryan Rees, Dai Ebsworth, Raff Williams (captain), James Thomas, Dewi Williams, Zac France-Miller.

Replacements: Alan Proctor, Gethin Lewis, Gethin Benjamin, Scott Newton, Jacob Dewhurst, Danny Evans, Liam Price.

Tenby United: Dan Colley, Connor Ennis, Matthew Fleming, Jack Guerreiro, Jordan Asparassa, Scott James, Alex Thomas (scrum half), Rob Clark, Wesley Bonser, Ethan Morgan, Luke Dedman, Alex Thomas (second row), Timoci Kaumaitotoya, Luke Hansford (captain), Rob Weston.

Replacements: Dan Allen, Ieuan Rowell, Gareth Jones, Wyndham Williams, Jim Davies, Luke Conbeer, Richard Rossitter.

Referee: Peter Evans.