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Machynlleth RFC 2nds 17 – v – 19 Aberystwyth RFC Athletic

On Saturday Aberystwyth Athletic travelled to Machynlleth for their final game before their Scarlets Plate Cup Final v Newcastle Emlyn 2nds on the 7th  May at Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli.

 Playing into a strong wind the Athletic forwards took the game to the hosts with several strong drives from Llewellyn Evans and Robert Bryan pressuring the home defence.  

However, against the run of play, the home side counter attacked from within their own half and after some sick handling amongst their backs the home team crossed for a 5-0 lead. Playing against a strong wind, the Athletic soon started to up their game and with the elements. Through a series of strong pick and goes the Athletic pack reached the home team try line where no 8 Llewellyn Evans crashed over to level the scores at 5-5 at the interval.

Playing with the wind at their backs in the second half the Athletic failed to use the elements to their benefit at first and the home team took advantage to race into a 10-5 lead. This spurred the visitors into action and outside half Sam Davies used the wind to pin the home side into their own half, where, after some excellent  line out work from the outstanding Dorian Jones, the Athletic pack drove over the try line for Llewellyn Evans to claim his second try of the game. The try was converted by Sam Davies to give the Athletic a 12-10 lead. 

Failing to continue to use the elements to their advantage the Athletic were soon under pressure again and after the home side’s back line moved the ball swiftly they breached the Athletic's defences to race into a 17-15 lead. With only minutes remaining the Athletic's never say die attitude came to the fore, and after the forwards took control with some huge efforts by captain Sion Evans and prop Dylan Jones, second row Robert Bryan crashed over to level the scores at 17-17. Outside half Sam Davies then coolly converted to give the Athletic a 19-17 victory against a very strong Machynlleth team. 

This stern, competitive match was good preparation for Aber’s new Athletic squad’s biggest test of their inaugural season on 7^th May. Coaches Craig Turner and Andy Davies hope that club members and supporters’ will turn up in their hundreds to give the vociferous support that will enable their squad to bring home some silverware from this prestigious venue.