Aberaeron extended their unbeaten record to 12 games as they overcame a determined Llanybydder in a closely-fought 20-27 win at OJ Park.

Despite being under strength, the Seagulls managed to withstand a late flourish from the hosts, after a dominant first quarter where they stormed into a 13 point lead, exerting pressure from the kick-off.

The first points came the way of reliable outside half Rhodri Jenkins with a comfortable penalty, and virtually from the restart, with Llanybydder trying to break from their own half, an interception gave Aaron Lewis a clear opening, resulting in the flanker crossing for a try unopposed, with a simple conversion for Jenkins.

With the supply from the line-out continuous by Tudur Jenkins and Richard Francis, and the scrum solid, pressure resulted in further scoring opportunities. Aberaeron passed up another penalty opportunity which could have proved crucial, but Jenkins once again came to the fore with an excellent touchline effortSlight complacency was always a likely issue and an unenforced error within Aberaeron’s half gave the hosts the chance to raise their game, and from being despondent they grabbed the opportunity with impressive No 8 Ricky Davies on hand to reduce the deficit, with the conversion by Steff Richards closing the gap.

The setback, however, proved temporary as Aberaeron set about re-establishing the advantage, and an infringement by the hosts resulted in another penalty. An attempt at goal would normally be the obvious option, but quick-thinking Rhodri Thomas had other ideas and a quick tap took the defence by surprise and the fullback crossed the whitewash, with Jenkins again adding the extras.

The second half proved to be a more evenly contested period, with Llanybydder having the slope advantage, and the hosts quickly reduced the deficit with two close range penalties by Richards.

With nerves starting to jangle amongst the considerable visiting support, Aberaeron then produced the highlight of the game. A loose ball on halfway was collected and distributed through several hands, eventually finding Dyfrig Dafis on the break, before handing the scoring pass to Lewis to crown a fine afternoon’s work from the flanker. The touchline conversion again emphasised the importance of Jenkins’ boot.

Despite determined late pressure from the home side, when they were rewarded with a try and conversion by outside half Steff Richards, Aberaeron resisted any chance of an unlikely comeback to record an excellent success on their travels.