Fixture

ABERYSTWYTH 27 – 32 NEWBRIDGE

Division 1 East high-flyers Newbridge were the opposition in this Round 3 Specsavers Plate encounter. This was an enthralling full-bloodied contest with the result being in doubt right up to the final whistle. This was in no small way down to referee John Darcy who was firm, fair and let the game flow.

Aber started the game full of purpose and intent and dominated early proceedings. Steff Rees back in his usual position of fly half hit the post with an early penalty attempt but made amends a few minutes later with a penalty won by a dominant Aber scrum. They were dominating both possession and position during this time and following a series of strong carries and rucks they moved the ball smartly across the backs for Mathew Hughes to chip through the defence for Ian Ellis to win the race for the touch- down. Steff Rees converted to make the score 10-0 to Aber. Newbridge shook off their early lethargy and mounted attacks of their own. The Aber scramble defence contained these forays but conceded a penalty for off-side. Full back Rees converted to register Newbridge’s first points. Aber came storming back with a prolonged attack featuring some strong carries deep in the Newbridge 22 and eventually skipper Arwel Lloyd forced his way over to score by the posts for Steff Rees to convert comfortably to make the score 17-3. Newbridge then enjoyed a dominant spell in the game and scored a fine try through left winger Grabhon who came off his wing in support and burst through to score. Aber then lost the services of scrum- half Thomas to a yellow card which Newbridge exploited to score a try converted by full back Rees. The Aber scrum had been dominant during the first half and they won yet another penalty for Steff Rees to convert to make the score 20-15. This had been a very competitive half of rugby with Aber dominating the early exchanges but Newbridge were certainly back in the game with their back three looking dangerous in possession and having an increasing influence on the game.

Aber started the second half full of purpose and intent and following an impressive sweeping attack from deep they were unlucky not to score when Ian Ellis was held up over the Newbridge try line. Newbridge not to be outdone scores next with a fine long range try finished off by scrum half Mathew Davies and converted by Rees to take the lead at 20-22.They went further ahead when following a seemingly controlled Aber line-out drive Newbridge managed to steal the ball and move it quickly out to the right winger Hudd who ran strongly to score a fine try which was converted by Rees. Aber with over 10 minutes remaining were still in the game and attacked purposefully. The Newbridge number 8 was then yellow carded and Aber took full advantage and opted for a scrum. They drove the Newbridge pack back over their line for Lee Gower to ground the ball. Steff Rees converted to bring Aber back to within two points. Aber continued to push for the win but were undone again when Newbridge stole the ball from an Aber maul and moved the ball quickly up-field. The Aber scramble defence coped initially but conceded a penalty eventually on their 22. Full back Rees stepped up to kick the penalty to complete the scoring at 27-32. The result of this game was in doubt right up to the final whistle which was testimony to the attitude and endeavours showed by both teams. Aber will feel slightly aggrieved to lose but will surely be heartened by their commitment and application which was of the highest order.