Neyland 20 Aberaeron 9

Despite a brave if somewhat rearguard performance it was a case of one game too far for Aberaeron as they succumbed to fellow high flyers Neyland and in the process relinquishing the last unbeaten record in the division. A depleted squad were always on the backfoot against an abrasive home unit whose bulk and determination were the deciding factors under difficult conditions, resulting in an uphill challenge for the visitors which they never really threatened to overcome. Aberaeron had in fact taken the lead in the opening minutes with early pressure on the home line giving Aled Sweeney the chance to stroke over a penalty, but virtually from the restart Neyland gained control with a defensive lapse allowing the home number eight to cross unopposed for an easy conversion to follow. To their credit Aberaeron defended manfully and were given renewed hope when hooker Gareth Flynn stepped up for the first of his two penalties for the afternoon to reduce the deficit to one point at the break. The slope across the pitch and the persistent drizzle were to prove the deciding factors in the second period as several promising opportunities for the visitors failed to bear fruit with the hosts taking advantage of the conditions to relieve the pressure time and again. As it was any aspirations of success were thwarted when some loose tackling allowed the home centre to cross for a second try and from thereon in it was a case of keeping the scoreboard ticking over with a further two penalties against the sole reply from Flynn. On the positive side there were welcome returns to the side for Rhodri Severs and Nathan Best after long layoffs due to injury and their presence will add greater depth to the squad with some interesting tests to come in the coming weeks. Pontyates at home next Saturday now becomes an important hurdle and anything less than maximum points will severely dent any prospects of success this term.