ABERYSTWYTH lost 31-39 to Dunvant RFC in their WRU Admiral National Championship West match at Cae Plascrug on Saturday, writes Graham Harris.

A confident and clinical display by Dunvant punished Aberystwyth for some basic errors that cost the home side possession at key stages. Dunvant's solid scrum and quality handling in the backs proved too much for Aber's defence in a high scoring game. Aber continued to press valiantly throughout the second half to gain a four-try bonus point.

Dunvant kicked off and quickly won possession back and were awarded a penalty 30 metres out which full back Ryan Davies converted into points.

An Aber lineout won on the visitors’ 10-metre line released Aber's backs and good rucking allowed Dylan Benjamin, making his 100th appearance for the club, to break the gain line and flanker Sion Evans, backing up well, score a solo unconverted try with a battling, rampant run.

Aber did not field the restart well and a penalty and lineout saw the visitors push up to the home side's try line. Constant pressure resulted in Dunvant's hooker Cian Norman scoring a try converted by Davies.

Aber lost possession on the restart with Dunvant winning their scrum on half way and quickly spreading the ball out wide for full back Davies to score a try which he also converted.

Aber were soon back in the game winning a lineout on half way and releasing their backs with Jac Jones breaking free and good follow-up play saw Steffan Jones score an unconverted try.

Again a mistake on the restart by Aber put play back in their red zone, and quick Dunvant handling saw winger Harry Jones score an unconverted try.

A determined Aber came out after the half time team talk and a home side penalty kick to the corner and a good lineout and maul allowed lock Bryn Jones to score a try converted by Benjamin.

An Aber 22 metre clearing drop-kick was returned with slick handling and Dunvant's scum half Tomos Davies scored a converted try.

Aber tried to exert to exert pressure on Dunvant's try line with lineouts and rolling mauls, but penalties conceded resulted in clearing kicks by the visitors.

A Dunvant lineout 30 metres out from Aber's line saw confident ball handling and the visitor's centre Harvey James scoring a good individual try converted by Davies. Dunvant increased their lead with a penalty kick from half way.

A break in midfield by Aber's three-quarters resulted in an Aber penalty that was kicked to the corner. The lineout and maul on the visitor's try line resulted in Aber being awarded a penalty try.

Aber were now tapping penalties and good handling by their forwards saw a line break and excellent support play resulted in Aber centre Jac Jones scoring a try converted by Benjamin.

Aber lost possession and control of the game with some basic errors at key times in the first half.

The visitors were confident with ball in hand and had a strong scum providing a solid platform for their backs. Aber showed great character, coming back strongly in the second half and continuing to play open attractive rugby.

Next match for the 1st XV - WRU Championship Cup away at Tondu on 3 October, 2.30pm kick off.