St Clears 8 Aberaeron 17
A superb defensive second half display ensured the Seagulls maintain their unbeaten run at the expense of fellow high flyers St Clears. After three landslide victories against the lesser teams, scoring points very much at will, this one proved to be a real heavyweight clash, with Aberaeron showing true resilience in the face of considerable pressure in the second period, and coming away with plaudits ringing in their ears in arguably their most impressive performance in a long while.

A strong wind blowing the length of the pitch was to play a crucial part in the day’s proceedings, Aberaeron choosing to play with the elements in the first period, a dubious decision at the time but proved correct at the end. It was important therefore to gain as much advantage as possible before the break but dour defence by he home side was to restrict scoring opportunities and in the end it was slender four point advantage going into the second period. Aberaeron’s points came from the boot of Dylan Evans, the outside half producing an assured kicking display with four well struck penalties. The bulkier home side were always in contention though and they were rewarded with a close range try and a penalty to give captain Tudur Jenkins and his side real cause for concern as they entered the second half facing the increasing wind. The opening minutes after the break proved to be a real test with the Saints encamped in the visitors half but the forays were continually repelled, with the whole side playing their part, with Downes, Flynn and Wozencroft at the front standing up well to the considerable aggression. Scrum half Dylan Willams, looking forward to fatherhood, was effectively another forward aiding the hard working Adam Jones and Neil Snowdon at the back of the set pieces, the major possession though coming from the hands of Leighton Daniel and Alistair Severs in the lineout. Having weathered the storm the pressure was finally relieved when full back Llyr Davies broke from deep, and this resulted in Aberaeron’s best period of the second half. Considerable pressure on the home line finally bore fruit, prop Downes just getting the glory to open up a decisive advantage, which was never really threatened in the closing minutes.

The euphoria at the final whistle especially from coach Alwyn Davies and the travelling support summed up the whole afternoon, with Aberaeron having come through a real test of character. It is however early days and it will need very much more of the same to maintain the push for elevation to a higher level.