WRU Bowl Fourth RoundABERAERON 22 CAERAU ELY 7WITH Wales’ second row Alun Wyn Jones in line for the Sports Personality of the Year, it was fitting that Aberaeron had their own version plying their way to the quarter finals of the Bowl competition.

The unknown can always present a challenge, and with Caerau Ely flying high in their respective league, it needed an inspiration to overcome any doubt.

That came in the form of young Bleddyn Thomas, who at a crucial stage was inspirational in contributing to the win.

It never looked that way in the early stages as Caerau played an expansive game, with full back Healy causing more than a little concern - and they were rewarded for enterprise with a try by centre Harley, who added the conversion.

Aberaeron’s cause was not helped by early injuries to centre Iwan Evans and No 8 Lewis Tomlins, and it needed a response from a reorganised squad, superbly led by player coach Justin Lloyd.

The reward came after a period of relentless pressure on the visitors’ line, which resulted in a quick release giving Thomas a clear path to the line and giving Rhodri Jenkins the conversion, to bring the scores level at the interval.

With the Seagulls in the ascendancy after the turnaround, and the Slinger wing brothers threatening to expose the visitors’ defence, Jenkins put his side ahead when he slotted over a penalty kick.

The next score would have brought much pleasure to the front eight as Caerau were unable to repel a rolling maul from virtually half way, with evergreen prop Owain Wozencraft the beneficiary in crossing the whitewash.

The result at this stage was still very much in the balance, and with the visitors becoming more than a little frustrated, more so with a lenient referee, the final reckoning was confirmed when Thomas demonstrated some exquisite skills.

Taking robbed possession by Tudur Jenkins, he gave the second row a path to the line, and despite being tackled, a deft pass gave centre Dyfrig Dafis the try.

Jenkins duly converted, and the dying minutes saw the frustrated visitors fortunate to retain their full compliment with the final whistle beckoning, but it was to be elation for the vast home support.

Aberaeron hope for a another home encounter at Parc Drefach in the last eight.

Meanwhile a final flourish saw the Aberaeron youth squad dominate Fishguard by 32-10, to complete a perfect afternoon.

PENYCRAIG 24 LLANYBYDDER 20

LLANYBYDDER’s interest in the WRU Bowl ended with a closely-fought 24-20 defeat to Penycraig in their fourth round match at Graig Park in the Rhondda Valley.

The home side were well organised in the set-pieces, and their speedy backs always looked dangerous on their wide pitch. It was Penygraig who scored first, after a loose clearance was picked up by the home backs, with slick passing releasing centre Sam Berbillion to cross for a try, converted by Owain Davies.

Llanybydder dominated the next 15 minutes, with Llyr Tobias using the breeze in kicking well into the home 22. The forwards recycled possession well, and after several phases centre Bleddyn Jones crossed over under the posts. Tobias converted.

Shortly afterwards, further good build-up play led to the visitors pressurising the home line, but crucially the home side defended all efforts, and cleared their line.

A penalty each by the respective fly-halves led to a half-time scoreline of 10-10 after an even opening half.

Penygraig had the elements behind them in the second half, and early pressure led to two tries for pacy winger Cory Coomber, both converted by Davies for a 24-10 lead.

The visitors never gave up and were rewarded with a try for flanker Aled Evans, who sprinted 40 yards to cross for a try in the corner.

Further pressure was thwarted by an excellent home defence, until skipper Ricky Davies took a quick tap penalty and crossed with the last move of the match.

The difficult conversion into the wind was missed, giving Penygraig a deserved victory and a passage into the last eight of the Bowl. Llanybydder deserve full praise for their efforts and commitment in an excellent cup match. On Saturday, Llanybydder are back in Division Three action and travel to Tregaron .