ABERYSTWYTH were left to rue a disappointing, lack-lustre performance as they lost 19-14 to Gowerton, in a fixture that was eminently winnable in Swalec Division One West.

There were some significant individual contributions, but as a team they lacked cohesion and purpose.

They showed glimpses of the quality rugby that they know they can play, but inexplicably it was a case of too little too late to make any impression on the result.

Gowerton kicked off and started purposefully, but a resolute defence absorbed their early pressure.

Aber seemed to have weathered the initial storm, and at last secured some possession, and they were working their way upfield when second row Keefe intercepted a pass and cantered over unopposed to score under the posts. The try was converted by Hamer for 0-7.

Gowerton were dominating proceedings and territory and making the Aber defence work very hard.

They increased their lead shortly after when they moved the ball infield from a line-out, and after a couple of phases prop Thomas was driven over close to the posts. Hamer converted for a 14 point lead.

The only bright feature of the first half for Aber was a lovely run from full-back Mathew Hughes, which took Aber, for the first time, into the Gowerton 22 where, not for the first time, they conceded a penalty at the breakdown. Unfortunately the position was lost when, following an act of petulant indiscipline by an Aberystwyth player, the referee reversed his decision and Gowerton were able to clear their lines.

Thus the first half finished, during which Aber’s work in possession had been shoddy and lacking direction, their tackling had been determined and effective, even though the collective defensive line-speed was disappointing. Their attacking options were limited, due to in main to the slow ruck-ball that they generated, giving the Gowerton defence time to organise themselves.

The second half continued in the same vein with Gowerton penning Aber in their own half, and following a series of drives they freed up full-back Luke Jones who squeezed over in the right corner to lead 0-19.

Aber, to their credit, bucked up their ideas and following some purposeful phase-play they at last produced quick ruck ball which was moved accurately across the back line for Ieuan Wyn Rees to score in the corner. The try was magnificently converted by Llyr Thomas.

Aber were now playing well and taking the game to the tiring Gowerton pack. A very promising attack by Aber was spoiled by yet another interception, but this time Aber scrambled to nullify the threat.

Aber’s second try was a beauty as they attacked from their own line through the backs, and following some excellent linking between forwards and backs they freed up Ifan Thomas to score. A good conversion by Llyr Thomas made it 14-19.

Aber, to their credit, went looking for another score but in the end had to settle for a losing bonus point.

There were some fine individual performances by Bryn Shepherd, who secured clean line-out ball and was always available to carry the ball in attack. Meanwhile Arwel Lloyd, Lee Evans and Carwyn Thomas all carried the ball strongly, but unfortunately Aber lacked the cohesion to take advantage.

Aberystwyth had showed glimpses of fine attacking play in the second half, but left themselves too much to do after a lack-lustre below par performance in the first half.