St Clears 8 Aberaeron 15
In conditions reminiscent of mid winter, Aberaeron took the honours in this hard fought encounter. A strong gale and periods of driving rain served to spoil the game as a spectacle but a dour defensive display coupled with two opportunistic scores in the first half was enough to take the spoils for the visitors. St Clears with the wind at their backs in the first half were quickest from the blocks and put Aberaeron under early pressure but will rue the early penalty opportunities that went astray. They eventually take the lead mid way through the half with a close range effort and went further ahead minutes later with a well taken try in the corner. The turning point of the whole game came in the closing minutes of the half as Aberaeron finally showed some signs of composure and after being under the cosh found themselves with a half time advantage. The main benefactor was outside half Llyr Davies, firstly taking full advantage of a defensive slip in the home defence for the first try and then showing a clean pair of heels from deep in his own half with an interception effort. A successful conversion from centre Dylan Evans compiled the misery for the Saints as they prepared to face the elements in the second period, Aberaeron on the other hand looking to capitalise on their good fortune. Unfortunately the much hoped for scoring spree did not materialise, as both forwards and backs cancelled out each other in the tight and open play. One of the day’s highlights was a masterful lineout display from the visitors, Leighton Daniel and Neil Snowdon taking opposition ball on a regular basis but despite the probing of captain Tudur Jenkins and Alistair Severs, the only reward was a well struck penalty from Evans. Considerable pressure late in the game proved fruitless with indiscretion at crucial times ruining good opportunities and the final whistle brought to an end a frustrating afternoon but with the points safe in the bag. And so the final curtain beckons for the Seagulls with an away trip to St Davids on Mayday, again reflecting on a rather disappointing season when promise and hope for elevation to a higher level has failed to materialise. Nevertheless the introduction of several youngsters during the campaign has provided a real boost and the experience gained will be invaluable as we look forward in eager anticipation to next season.