St Davids 3 Aberaeron 25

Never an easy hunting ground, and with the Saints showing much improved form this year, this could potentially have been the proverbial banana skin for Aberaeron. The final scoreline on the other hand shows a comfortable success but this was only achieved in the final quarter when the visitors found another gear with a quickfire brace of converted tries for a somewhat flattering look. Indeed there was a sense of disappointment at the end with the opportunity of gaining the all important bonus point tantalisingly going astray. Not underestimating the opposition who had won six of their previous seven games, Aberaeron were in total control in the first period, but the lack of ruthless finishing and dour defence from the Saints kept the scoreline blank until minutes from the break when outside half Aled Sweeney finally broke the deadlock with a well taken solo effort. The home pack in the first half were subjected to considerable pressure and the efforts of Flynn, Danton and Wozencroft in the front row was immense, the latter’s input resulting in two of the Saints front row being brandished with yellow cards. Unfortunately Aberaeron were unable to make the most of the numerical advantage and turned around with only a slender lead. Much was expected in the second period but it needed Sweeney with two penalties to keeping the scoreline ticking over as the hosts raised their game and briefly threatened an unlikely comeback. Aberaeron also suffered the indignity of suffering two yellow cards of their own, but with a quirky twist of fate this beckoned the start of the purple patch as the depleted side finally displayed an attacking edge lacking for much of the game. Loose kicking by the Saints time and again provided Tom Taylor at full back several opportunities to counter attack, finally bearing fruit with the late flourish. Quick interplay between centres Tomos Evans and Bleddyn Henson and a series of exchanges release Rhodri Severs to gain his first try of the season after a long injury layoff. A virtually identical move minutes later this time saw captain Tudur Jenkins in the unaccustomed wing position but with the same final result and from thereon in it was a matter of beating the clock for the fourth try. This was however was not to be and Aberaeron may well rue the missed opportunity at the final call. Nevertheless this was a much welcomed success before the enforced break and will give much confidence for the next league encounter in three weeks time.