IN IDEAL conditions, and on a pristine pitch at Plascrug, Aberystwyth started their league programme with a repeat of last season’s opening fixture against Penclawdd, but it was to end in a frustrating 16-12 defeat.

Before kick-off, both teams and supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of Rhydian ‘Bish’ Hughes, a former player and coach, who sadly passed away recently.

Aberystwyth started the game strongly and dominated the early exchanges, but were met with some strong defence by Penclawdd.

Full-back Mathew Hughes fielded a speculative kick and made a fine break, before linking with centre Steff Rees, who outstripped the defence down the left wing to score a fine opening try in the corner.

A few minutes later Steff Rees was heavily involved again, this time in a defensive capacity when he tracked back and intercepted an inside pass from the Penclawdd left wing to thwart a very promising attack and save a certain try.

Penclawdd continued to attack, but some resolute defence by Aber held out a series of close drives.

There followed a couple of yellow cards, one for each side, with Penclawdd having slightly better of the play, with centre Dan Guaneri converting a penalty to make it 5-3.

Aber then unfortunately lost full-back Mathew Hughes to a rather dubious tackle, but they finished the half strongly and were unlucky not to score after a very promising attack down the right flank.

It was quite an evenly contested opening half of rugby, with some notable individual contributions, but an inability to look after the ball in contact meant that Aber could not maintain pressure and some promising attacks came to naught.

Penclawdd opened the second half full of intent, and they took full advantage of another yellow card for Aber, with centre Guaneri kicking a penalty to take the lead at 5-6.

They increased the lead a few minutes later when right winger Jack Porter burst through to score a try, converted by Guaneri for 5-13.

Aber then came back into the game, with backs and forwards linking well in attack, and scored a lovely try by centre Carwyn Evans.

From a scrum on the Penclawdd 22 he cut back on the angle and ran through untouched to score near the posts. It was converted by outside half Steff Rees to make it 12-13.

One facet of the game which the referee had been keen to punish offenders was killing the ball and Aber transgressed quite late on for Guaneri to kick another penalty and seal a 12-16 win for Penclawdd.

It had been a disappointing performance from Aberystwyth, which lacked urgency and accuracy. Their scrummage dominated periodically but not consistently, whilst line-out work was shoddy.

Penclawdd meantime, through man-of-the-match second row Will Guaneri, secured their line-out ball comfortably throughout the game, and fully deserved the victory.

For full match reports from all the senior rugby clubs in Ceredigion, see this week’s South edition of the Cambrian News.