Penygroes 8 Aberaeron 10

Despite an indifferent performance from the referee, another victory on their travels elevated the Seagulls back to joint leadership of Division 5 West. The match report would normally reflect on team performance and entertainment value but such was the influence of the whistle and baffling decisions throughout the game that as a spectacle this became a non event. Aberaeron would therefore be pleased to return to Parc Drefach with another four points in their battle for elevation and hope that they will not need to endure such frustration again this term.
Aberaeron’s big success this term has been the performance of the front eight and despite missing Eilir Evans, replacement hooker Rhydian Harries gave a fine performance, complimented in no little terms by Dan Downes, Carwyn Davies and sub Deiniol Evans in the front row. The platform was set from the start with the home pack on the backfoot throughout the game, but despite the supremacy at forward the spoiling tactics and dour defence of the hosts prevented any real scoring chances for the Aber backline. The scoreboard remained untroubled for half an hour, but following indiscretion in the home defence, outside half Dylan Evans slotted over the penalty to give his side the lead. This remained intact until minutes from half time when the score was levelled by a drop goal form the Penygroes counterpart.
It was much of the same for the second half with good positions gained by the visitors not resulting in deserved points on the board. But this was to change mid way through when a concerted drive from the pack gave number eight Tudur Jenkins(pictured) the touch down to regain the lead. The conversion from near the touchline by Evans eventually proved to be crucial and the difference in the final scorline, as Penygroes managed to reduce the lead with an interception at the base of the visitors scrum to narrow the advantage again but without the added conversion. And despite the odd scare near the end the Aber defence were able to repel some desperate attacks from the home side to hang on to the victory and secure the points.
This game could have proved a stumbling block in Aber’s season’s ambitions, but the spirit and determination shown on the day ensured a perfect end to a testing afternoon. Next up is an intriguing confrontation at Parc Drefach against fellow high flyers Cefneithin on Saturday week.

15 Iestyn Thomas(Aled Davies), 14 Rhodri Tomas, 13 Owen Williams, 12 Euryl Rees, 11 Cerith Jones, 10 Dylan Evans, 9 Dylan Williams (c), 8 Tudur Jenkins, 7 Adam Jones, 6 Elgan Jones( Yws ap Dylan), 5 Nathan Best, 4 Leighton Daniels, 3 Dan Downes(Deiniol Evans), 2 Rhydian Harries, 1 Carwyn Davies