Neyland 0 Aberaeron 27
Despite the earlier set back in September at Parc Drefach it was a case a of sweet sweet revenge as the Seagulls posted a real threat to the rest of the league with a comprehensive defeat of a very much frustrated Neyland outfit. The development over the last few months has added much impetus to expectation and the impact of the younger element especially in the backline has indeed raised hope and ambition with promotion albeit still a dream remaining a possibility if current momentum is maintained. Coming to a renowned aggressive venue as Neyland, it is all credit that to the visitors that the hosts failed to score a single point and this despite an unacceptable period of thuggery late in the game that saw the referee justifiably award two red cards. By that time Aberaeron were home and dry, having made the most of the wind advantage in the first half to gain a comfortable cushion at the break. A combination of youth and experience in midfield resulted in an early advantage as centre Dylan Evans converted a penalty from midfield and this was supplemented with a close range score by flanker Adam Jones again superbly converted from the touchline by Evans. It was important to take a majority advantage in the opening period and Aberaeron complimented the early domination with another score, this time from burly prop Deiniol Evans despite not being fully fit. The addition of the conversion by Evans not only raised expectation but gave a comfortable cushion going in to the second half with an expected barrage of high balls likely to be the main threat to the first half supremacy. However a combination of dour defence coupled with a distinct lack of ambition and guile within the home ranks never really threatened the advantage and it was Aberaeron who always looked the likely benefactors as they carved the home defence to pieces time and again resulting in a further two tries for the backline the first coming the way of young centre Owen Williams and the second crowning a secure afternoon and indeed an impressive season for Tom Taylor at full back. Impressive defence in the face of intimitory aggression unfortunately resulted in the flurry of red cards and it is hoped that the host club will indeed take all necessary action to prevent any repeat of the unsavoury activities of a few individuals to avoid any further embarrassment. Coach Alwyn Davies will be quietly satisfied with the development of the team both at forward where domination at the set pieces is giving a real buzz to the squad whilst the young backline is showing real ambition and talent reminiscent of yesteryear.
Next up for Aberaeron is the real test of their new found confidence with table topping Furnace the visitors to Parc Drefach on Saturday.