Crymych retained the Gareth Edwards Memorial Shield for the fourth season in succession with a hard fought win over Narberth in what has become the annual Boxing Day bank holiday fixture between the two clubs. Before the match started, there was a minute's silence in memory of Mr. Cyril Phillips, the father of former club chairman, Dorian Phillips. Considering the difficult conditions, the players of both teams produced some entertaining rugby which was much appreciated by the large bank holiday crowd. The visitors opened the scoring after 14 minutes when flanker Andrew Morris crossed for a try converted by outside-half Emyr Williams. The move had started with a lineout on the halfway line and the ball had been taken on to the 22. When the ball was recycled, outside-half Emyr Williams was instrumental in starting the move which ended when Morris sprinted over in the left corner. Ten minutes later, Emyr Williams got on the scoresheet again when he found a gap in the Narberth defence to cross for an unconverted try. After the interval, Crymych increased their lead to 17 points when winger Rhodri Thomas ran in for an unconverted try. Narberth made a number of replacements in the second half and the players with fresh legs made an impact. In the closing stages of the match, Narberth winger David Thomas went over for a try converted by Scott Penney. The move had started from the Narberth 22 with a terrific run by substitute prop Fifitapuku Faletau who brought the crowd to their feet. The move was halted 35 metres out, but Narberth seized the opportunity of scoring the try when a penalty was awarded, by tapping the ball quickly. Scott Penney, Andrew Bowen and Gary Denver were involved in the passing movement which ended with Thomas running in from 20 metres. Although the conditions made it very difficult for the players to play 15-man rugby, both teams played with great effort and determination. Following the match, the Gareth Edwards Memorial Shield was presented by Mrs. Dilys Edwards (mother of the late Mr. Edwards) to Crymych vice-captain, Kenneth James, in front of a packed clubhouse. Commenting after the match, Crymych coach Glyndwr Richards said: "We started the match strongly and scored a try through Andrew Morris, a former Narberth player who has been a great asset to the Crymych club. "In the last 20 minutes of the match, Narberth brought on a number of substitutes and if some of those players had started the match it would have made it much more difficult for us to win. "The conditions were very wet underfoot, but we worked hard and won the game in the first half when we established a lead of 12 points at the interval after Emyr Williams had added to the converted try by Andrew Morris. "In the second half we increased the lead with a well-worked try following good handling between the backs which was finished in style by Rhodri Thomas. "Narberth probably finished off the stronger of the teams in the last quarter and in the end we were glad to hear the final whistle. "We are delighted that it was the fourth year on the trot for us to win the shield. On a point of interest, the last Narberth captain to pick up the shield was Emyr Davies, who was playing for Crymych today in the second row. "It was an excellent game before a large crowd and it is encouraging to see that this annual fixture is beginning to establish itself as a crowd-puller, especially as the former traditional fixture between Narberth and Whitland is no longer possible because of league rugby." Narberth captain Shane Higgon said: "The conditions were very difficult after the recent heavy rainfall. Both teams tried to keep the game open, but Crymych have had more match practice of late and are a very well-drilled side. "The main difference between the teams is that Crymych managed to take their chances and we were not so successful with our finishing. "Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable game and, although extremely tiring, it was played in the right spirit. "The Narberth team are looking forward to going up to Crymych next season to have another bash at the shield." Narberth fielded: Shane Higgon (capt.), Dafydd Evans, Tom Dennis, Gary Nicholas, David Thomas, Rob Nicholas, Scott Penney, Peter Rodway, Aubrey Young, Martin Bowen, Peter Jennings, Ifan Davies, Jack Mason, Dafydd Bowen, Alex Hill. Substitutes - Andrew Bowen, Geraint Beynon, Gary Denver, Tim Plumb, Martin Davies, David Unsworth, Fifitapuku Faletau. Crymych fielded: Gareth Davies, Rhodri Thomas, Wyn Jenkins, Mathew Hill (capt.), Daniel Phillips, Emyr Williams, Gareth Bryan, Rob Davies, Gareth Davies, Dylan Morrris, Robin Davies, Emyr Davies, Richard Llewellyn, Andrew Morris, Kenneth James. Substitutes - Mark Oakman, Jason Nicholls, Martin Edwards, Carwyn Jones, Rhys Richards, Robin Davies, Rhydian George.