Aberaeron 78 New Dock Stars 10

Despite the emphatic scoreline, there was a slight sense of disappointment at the final whistle, such is the expectation nowadays at Parc Drefach. Having disposed of close rivals Fishguard in style the previous week, this was very much a stuttering affair and although the try count tallied a round dozen the hosts hardly moved into top gear and in the end were content to settle for the five points to further consolidate second place in Division 5 West. The victory however came at a cost with real concerns surrounding the fitness of number eight Ywain ap Dylan, lock Alistair Severs and prop Carwyn Davies, injuries which could seriously disrupt the momentum for the final five games. To their credit the Stars battled to the very end and twice took advantage of some loose play to register their points. The result however was never in doubt as Abaeraeron had registered the all important bonus point within half and hour and with the home backs cutting through at will, the visitors were thirty three points adrift at the halfway stage. Whilst the forwards again proved masters in both tight and loose play, the midfield trio of Llyr Davies, Tom Taylor and Owen Williams provided the real thrust and eleven of the scores came from the backline, outside half Davies grabbing the first of the afternoon, centre Taylor helping himself to another, whilst man of the match Williams was devastating with a four try haul. Returning wing Gethin Morgan also grabbed part of the glory , and there were lively displays from wing Rhodri Thomas and brother Iestyn(pictured) at full back, both coming away with a two try haul with the latter also adding eighteen points from the boot. On the day the front eight had to be content with a solo effort from captain Leighton Daniel, but their cause was not helped by the visitors having to resort to uncontested scrums, which also had a negative effect on the game as a spectacle. From being second best in the scrums from the first whistle New Dock suddenly gained parity, an element which is sadly becoming far too familiar in the modern game, and invariably presenting the weakened side with a welcome bonus. Nevertheless Aberaeron continued to look dangerous and were justifiably rewarded with a flurry of tries in the final quarter. In the end it was a job well done, but with obvious concern for the injured personnel. With five games left Aberaeron’s destiny is in their own hands and next up is the reverse encounter in Llanelli on Saturday.