IT was a late, late show at Parc Drefach as Aberaeron broke the Cardis hearts with a last-gasp penalty to gain the season’s double over their Ceredigion rivals with an 8-6 home win.

On a heavy pitch the result could have gone either way as Cardigan held the advantage for a long period with a brace of penalties by outside half Llyr Jones.

Contrary to the earlier encounter, which Aberaeron won comfortably, this was an even contest with defences to the fore.

The hosts had taken an early lead following a period of pressure on the visitors’ defence, with the try eventually coming from full back Morgan Llewelyn.

Further opportunities came and went, before Cardigan came into the match, and from there on there were limited chances to influence the scoreboard.

Aberaeron were glad to see the return of the regular props Danton and Wozencroft, and together with Oliver James in the front row, the home scrum were more than a match in the set piece.

Conditions were not conducive to open play and the result was more than likely to be determined by an indiscretion.

Cardigan were the first to benefit as Jones stroked his first penalty to reduce the deficit, before the half-time interval.

Their best period of the match came after the turnaround, with a series of breaks from their own half, which Aberaeron did well to repel.

They were rewarded for their efforts, with their second penalty to take the lead, and for the remaining half an hour looked likely to take the honours.

Aberaeron saw a couple of attempts go wide, with the normally dead eye Rhodri Jenkins off target, but the outside half turned redeemer at the death with a penalty from wide out to start a period of celebration with the final whistle blown.

Cardigan will feel it was a case of the one that got away, but they will be buoyed by a promising display ahead of the trip to face Haverfordwest on Saturday.

Justin Lloyd and his coaching staff at Aberaeron will just be glad to get back onto the pitch after a period of inactivity, and they can now look forward to a busy end of season, with the long trip to Pembroke Dock next on the agenda.