Aberaeron 8 Neyland 15

Newly relegated Neyland showed they have no intention of staying too long in Division 5 with this opening day success at Parc Drefach. Under testing conditions with a strong gale blowing across the pitch, it was the Pembrokeshire outfit who adapted better on the day , demonstrating a determination that the Seagulls were unable to combat. The home side would have been relatively content with a half time deficit of only ten points after facing the elements in the opening period, with Neyland not taking full advantage of the wind and having to settle for a converted try and a penalty right on the break. The Aberaeron forwards, although a much lighter outfit, again showed that technique can overcome brawn , competitive in the loose and comfortable in the set pieces, even taking a couple of scrums against the head. The young front row of Carwyn Davies, Rhydian Harries and man of the match Alex Danton never took a backward step, taking the game to the opposition at every opportunity. The possession however did not bear fruit with the visitors defence holding firm at crucial times, and the inability to release the wide men with young Dafydd Roberts making his debut on the wing, meant that the midfield was very congested.
After the turnaround, it was the turn of Neyland to keep ball in hand and they demonstrated considerable skill and confidence in keeping the ball away from the opposition, Aberaeron this time failing to take advantage of the elements and they suffered a further setback as the visitors scrambled over for their second try to enter the comfort zone. The home crowd had to wait until mid way through the half for a glimmer of hope as a concerted drive finally brought a deserved try for Neil Snowdon, but despite a late penalty from Dylan Evans, Aberaeron were unable to overcome the deficit and Neyland ran out deserved winners. With several new faces in the home lineup it is not totally surprising that there was a lack of fluency on the day but the introduction of the youth will give coach Alwyn Davies much optimism for the future.