ABERYSTWYTH were crowned champions of the SSE Swalec Division Two West after they completed their superb campaign with a convincing 34-10 win over Mumbles at Underhill Park last Saturday.

The midweek performance at Pontyberem four days earlier had very properly resulted in the Aber selectors naming an unchanged starting line-up, and anticipation was high, knowing that a straight victory would give them the Championship title.

There was some disappointment before the start, when the hosts announced that they had suffered several injuries during two games in the previous week, and were unable to field a front row, meaning scrums were uncontested from the start.

Aberystwyth’s mighty pack have been a major part of their success this season and losing the chance to exercise their skills one last time weakened their armoury. But there was still a job to be done and they set about it in a professional fashion.

The first score came in the seventh minute of play; Mumbles were penalised inside the Aber 22 and a good touchfinder gave the visitors a lineout way upfield. Number eight Lee Gower took the ball and initiated a classic one-two with Gower, touching down near the left corner.

The middle period of the first half was a nervous affair, frequent blasting of the referee’s whistle breaking the flow of the game. There was an exchange of penalties during this period, scrum half Andrew Evans landing a 35 metre kick for the home side, Aber skipper Jason Rees duly retaliating with a 45 metre effort to make the score 3-8 in the visitors’ favour.

A yellow card reduced the visitors to 14 men on the half hour, and similarly Mumbles were down to 14 just before the break.

Four minutes into the second half an Aber attack ended with a knock-on; the Mumbles clearance was charged down, and wing Carwyn Evans gathered, tearing towards the line when the skipper himself was in support to score the second try.

With Aber getting on top, an upfield streak from Adam Carvell in the 47th minute led to the winger looking round for support and finding the ever-present Paul Stubbs, who suffered a muscular injury going for the line - but demonstrated acrobatic skills in reaching for the try.

It was the end of Stubbs’ game, but he left the field a happy man as his captain’s conversion had put them 3-20 ahead.

Aber only needed a win to claim the title but a fourth try in the 58th minute added icing to the cake with the bonus point as a very spirited attack led to a score for lock Lee Evans, which Rees again converted.

A fifth try was scored in the 70th minute when centre Rhodri Richards flew out a long overhead pass to replacement centre Myles Hamilton, the Kiwi skilfully taking the ball and finishing off. Full back Llyr Thomas then converted to make it 10-34.

Mumbles did not give up however and they were rewarded with a consolation try for centre Stuart Fletcher just before the end, converted by full back Matt Hughes.

The final whistle came and the Aberystwyth contingent burst into congratulatory mode, the playing and coaching squads clearly euphoric in their achievement.

The Division Two West Trophy Bowl was presented to Aberystwyth skipper Jason Rees by WRU District Director Phil Thomas, and the champagne spray began.