Aberaeron 18 Furnace 17

Despite not being at their best, Aberaeron remain unbeaten after this difficult encounter against one of the promotion favourites. Furnace finished last term in style and nearly gained promotion, so this always promised to be an interesting affair and in fairness the spoils could gave gone either way. As it was, the hosts recovered from being two scores behind to snatch victory at the death after the visitors had seemed home and dry mid way through the second half.
This was indeed a game of fluctuating fortunes, with Aberaeron quicker from the blocks , subjecting their opponents to heavy pressure and being duly rewarded with a try from number eight Neil Snowdon, followed soon after by a successful penalty from outside half Dylan Evans. During this period the home eight were dominating with Wozencroft, Flynn and Danton in the front row exerting considerable pressure on their opponents. But from being in the driving seat and looking to the pressure into points, Furnace gradually gained parity in the set pieces and found a weakness in the home ranks by claiming territory through clever use of the boot. Two identical forays resulted in tries in the right corner of the field, and from being under the cosh, they turned around with a two point advantage.
Furnace gained in confidence as the second half developed and they were again rewarded, although fortuously, with their third try, duly converted to open up a nine point gap. But finally Aberaeron regained their earlier composure, and it was a case of whether they could recover in the remaining time and overturn the deficit. A couple of substitutions brought an added edge to the home eight and Tudur Jenkins was first to capitalise, the captain grounding after another period of sustained pressure. Evans duly converted and a deft pass by the outside half finding lock Leighton Daniel nearly brought reward, only failing at the final hurdle. Furnace were happy to absorb pressure at this stage but defensive indiscretion finally gave the home side the opportunity they had craved and full back Aled Sweeney stroked over the all important penalty, which was to win the match. There was indeed a sense of relief at the final whistle, with the result being in the balance right up until the final whistle.
Who knows the importance of this success at the end of the season but fortune often plays a part and this success could have considerable significance when the honours are awarded.