A late try from pacy winger Scott Candler helped Haverfordwest gain a narrow 22-20 win at home to Cardigan, who at least had a losing bonus point to take back over the Preselis as reward for their hard work.

To be fair to both teams there was clear evidence of ring rustiness after so many weeks of inactivity but coaches Simon Lepetit (Haverfordwest) and Colin Davies (Cardigan) must have been relieved to see their teams back in action.

It was Cardigan who made the early running when good work by Dafydd Watkins and Marcus Castle in midfield allowed winger Sion Hughes to race over for an unconverted try.

But The Blues soon bounced back as Lee Summons, Liam Mainwaring and Ross McKenzie created enough space for Gareth Owen to dive over for another unconverted try which levelled matters.

The Teifisiders bounced back with a well-worked try for No 10 Tom Dunne which skipper John Lumb, playing at full back, converted and then added a penalty to put his team 15-5 to the good.

Home full back Rhys Baker looked solid in defence but also showed his attacking prowess as he reduced the deficit with a try which youth team replacement Jake Williams, on for Summons at scrum half, converted.

Baker added his second try to haul The Blues ahead for the first time but as fortunes ebbed and flowed the Cardis fought back with a try from prop Ben Hughes in the 75th minute.

It looked as though Haverfordwest would have to settle for a losing bonus point but right on time Candler struck – and although the conversion hit the post and bounced out it mattered little because Haverfordwest were able to claim victory – and the luxury of a bonus point for scoring four tries.