Aberaeron 24 Llandybie 18

A close encounter at Parc Drefach saw the Seagulls just manage to gain the spoils against a gutsy Llandybie side in the opening game of the season. The never say attitude of the visitors resulted in an exciting finish with Aber more than relieved to hear the final whistle. What looked like a comfortable success for much of the first half became a frustrating second period for the home side as numerous stoppages from dubious injuries in the Llandybie ranks slowed the game and upset the pattern of play with the official incredibly lenient on more than one occasion.
With the squad strengthened for the campaign Aber gave debuts to Leighton Daniels(right) at lock and Iestyn Thomas on the wing and both showed much promise for the future. Daniels was involved in much of the good play in the first half which saw Aber gain a 16 point lead. Returning outside half Dylan Evans had opened the scoring with two well struck penalties, and wing Rhodri Thomas did well to cross in the corner to open his account for the season. Things got even better minutes later when the Aber eight gave the perfect platform for Daniels to gain the score to cap a fine afternoon. But rather than capitalise on the advantage the home side gave the visitors hope for the second period with a converted try right on the whistle. This was increased soon after the break with a successful penalty to reduce the arrears to six points and the game became a far more even contest. The next score was inevitably crucial and it was debutant Thomas who beat the covering defence to open his account. Llandybie again fought back and a penalty was followed by another try to close the gap to three points and it took some excellent defence to repel the raids at this stage. The pressure was relieved when Evans struck another penalty to lift his team but it took a concerted effort in the closing minutes to ensure victory was achieved. This was very much a hard fought win and coach Alwyn Davies will be pleased to get off to a good start and also the form of the newcomers, but will also realise that there is some way to go to achieve the ultimate goal at season’s end.
Sponsors for the match were Command Fuels and Swan rugby with the match ball being donated byHuw Thomas.