Fixture

Aberystwyth 12 – 13 Whitland

After a very respectful minutes silence observed by both teams and supporters the game got off to a cracking start with Aber reduced to fourteen men and 0 – 3 down within the first minute. Following a charged-down kick Mathew Hughes obstructed a Whitland chaser and was shown a yellow card and Setaro kicked the ensuing penalty to give Whitland a dream start. Aber rallied and coped well with this set-back and began to settle into the game and exert their own pressure. Aber were next to score when from broken play Ian Ellis made a fine break and fed Mathew Hughes who sped over in the right corner to score a fine try. Influential fly-half Setaro began to stamp his authority on the game by kicking very effectively and penning Aber back into their 22 time after time. Aber defended manfully but they were unlocked when Whitland moved the ball smartly out to right winger Setaro who scampered over unopposed. The try was converted by fly-half Setaro to take a 5 – 10 lead. Atook the lead shortly after and again it was the Ellis – Hughes combination which created the opportunity for Hughes to score his second try. Llyr Thomas converted to make the score 12 – 10. With both teams eager to attack at every opportunity it was Witland who regained the lead with another Setaro penalty. This had been a very competitive half of rugby with both teams going at it hammer and tongs and they deserve much credit for their efforts considering the conditions with persistent rain making for slippery conditions underfoot. The second half continued in much the same vein but deteriorating conditions led to the inevitable knock-on with neither side able to maintain pressure and create momentum over a period of time. Whitland had the edge over Aberas far as field position was concerned with Setaro penning Aber back into their own half and forcing them to play their rugby and attack from deep. There were some strong carries from Will Lewis, Arwel Lloyd and Lee Gower but weren’t able to break through some resolute Whitland tackling. The Aber back row had a fine game with some very effective tackling of their own.

This was yet another game that Aber will reflect upon as an opportunity missed but you cannot question their effort and commitment. The main difference between the two sides was that Whitland through fly-half Setaro were prepared to kick for field position and exert pressure on Aber possession whereas Aber were reluctant to kick and chose to handle the ball in difficult conditions. Aber need to win more of these close games especially at home to consolidate a mid-table position in the league but the question asked by supporters after the game was, to achieve this, are we using our playing resources to their best effect? Discuss!!