THE much-anticipated clash between the top two clubs in Division Two West brought a large crowd to Plascrug on Saturday, and they were treated to a classic encounter - totally enthralling from start to finish, and a superb advertisement for second division rugby.

It was Aber who came away with a 25-18 victory, and they now find themselves at the top of the table, with a game in hand - whilst Penclawdd’s losing bonus point ensures that they are just a point behind.

Aber had suffered a 24-7 defeat in Penclawdd in November and were up for revenge. It was clear also that the visitors were taking this match very seriously, and their army of supporters anticipated celebration by the end of this encounter.

The afternoon started in sombre fashion however as all present took a minute to reflect on the tragic losses borne by Bleddyn Jones, one of the most loyal of former players, with over 25 years’ experience.Aberystwyth showed great urgency from the start, and the visitors were forced to defend inside their own 22 for most of the opening 10 minutes. The Penclawdd forwards seemed to struggle against their opponents, and from a lineout five metres out the home pack grouped in classic pose to go for the try line, where flanker Lee Evans claimed the touchdown.

The visitors responded by patiently putting together a multi-phase sequence, keeping possession until eventually a gap opened to take play to the Aber line. Threequarter Kris Corbisiero was tackled just short, but with good skill he reached out to get his side’s opening try, levelling the scores at the end of the first quarter.

Aber went at the visitors from the restart and just four minutes later forced Penclawdd to concede a penalty for handling in a ruck 35 metres out. The angle was not in his favour, but a majestic kick from skipper Jason Rees earned an 8-5 lead.

Barely two minutes on, Aber conceded a penalty 8 metres from their own line, and scrum half Lee Gunnell took a quick penalty and passed for prop Dan Tucker to get Penclawdd’s second try. Fly half Dan Guarneri converted to put them 8-12 up.

Aber’s restart sailed out of play, conceding a scrum on halfway. But they spoiled Penclawdd possession and powered their way upfield, deep into the visitors’ half.

It was almost a repeat of the recipe that gave them their first try that gave them their second, Evans again touching down.

Rees struck another fine kick to convert the try and his side were 15-12 ahead after 34 minutes - and the scoreboard remained inactive for the remainder of the half.

The opening minutes of the second half saw play contained between the 22s, but when Aber were penalised for holding on some 30 metres from their own line the scores were levelled again, as Guarneri’s kick just about crept over the crossbar.

The home side took possession from the restart and when the ball was fed out to Rees some 25 metres out the skipper dropped a very neat goal for a 18-15 lead.

There followed a period of just under half an hour when neither side scored, even though both tried their very best.

In the 65th minute Aberystwyth broke away from their own 22, but the visitors forced them to kick ahead and chase, and their defenders got to the line first.

Injuries forced Aber to call on their replacements, and Penclawdd took full advantage of the time it took for their opponents to regroup and settle down again.

Penclawdd were desperately close to the Aber line, but they were deftly kept out.

Unfortunately, however, Aber conceded a penalty near the posts and Penclwadd opted for the points. Guarneri’s successful kick tied the scores yet again at 18-18.

Penclawdd were caught on the hop at the restart and when Aber spread the ball a hole appeared, and centre Paul Stubbs glided through to the line and scored under the posts. Rees converted to go 25-18 up, with five minutes of proper time left.

This spurred the visitors into a frantic attempt to score and they seemed destined to get there along the left touchline, but a try saving tackle from centre Myles Hamilton ended the move five metres short.

Penclawdd retained possession, but when they lost the ball, Aber’s clearance failed to find touch and the visitors came at them again for a full three minutes until they were penalised for holding on - and Aber cleared to secure a famous victory.