DUE to the condition of the home pitch, the game was switched to the Vicarage Fields - but this in no way unsettled Aberystwyth, who put in a dominant, disciplined display to beat Tenby 24-10.

Aber’s scrummage was dominant, with the front row in particular putting in a sterling shift, which enabled them to play on the front foot and dictate the pace and pattern of the game for long periods.

Tenby had initial possession and kicked for territory, but the Aber back three coped very well and the kicks were returned with interest.

Tenby looked dangerous when they attacked with the ball in hand, but Aber’s scramble defence coped very efficiently with any threat.

Conditions dictated that there would be handling errors and Aber benefitted greatly from the numerous penalties that Tenby conceded at the subsequent scrummages.

Aber were now dominating the territory and following a good handling movement across the backs they freed Ian Ellis - making a welcome return to the team - who made a powerful run down the right wing. Tenby nullified the initial threat, but after a couple of quick rucks Mathew Hughes came powering in from full-back to score a fine try which went unconverted.

Aber continued to pressurise Tenby and following another scrum penalty Aber kicked deep into the 22, and from the line-out they moved the ball left and right, with some disciplined quick rucks a flat long pass found captain Lee Evans, who strode over unopposed to score an excellent team try.

Aber were very lucky a few minutes later when, following a kick charge-down and a hack through, the Tenby outside-half knocked the ball on with the line at his mercy.

Aber were unlucky not to score next, when following a strong tackle in midfield they turned over possession and moved the ball wide, but a handling error spoilt it.

Nevertheless, they continued to dominate proceedings and following three dominant scrums in the Tenby 22 the referee had no hesitation in awarding Aber a penalty try to increase the home lead 17-0.

With only two minutes of the half remaining, Aber conceded a penalty during a rare Tenby attack, which Johnny Morgan kicked to make the half-time score 17-3.

Aber fully deserved their lead, mainly through their dominant scrum, and the pack’s aggressive rucking, generating quick ball and allowing outside-half Llyr Thomas to vary his options intelligently and keep Aber on the front foot.

Aber continued in the same vein in the second half and the Tenby defence did well to contain some very potent attacks. Eventually the pressure told when flanker Tom Evans put in winger Ian Ellis to score the bonus-point try in the corner, which was magnificently converted by Llyr Thomas for 24-3.

Tenby, playing with a lot of pride, came back into the game and scored a converted try when second row Jack Clancy burrowed over from a maul on the Aber line. This ended the scoring, and the game petered out with Aber continuing to attack.

This was a fine performance by Aber, with their pack being dominant right from the off. The front row with Geraint Rowlands in particular had a great time, while both second rows worked tirelessly.

The back row, with Bryn Shepherd in particular, carried strongly, supported the backs in attack and put in telling tackles in defence.

The backs all looked dangerous in attack, with Llyr Thomas varying his tactics intelligently to keep Aber going forward, despite the conditions, in what was a fine, aggressive, dominant performance..