THE traditional Boxing Day fixture between Aberystwyth and Tregaron assumed a new identity this year, with the clubs now in the same division of the Welsh national league, writes Alan Jones.

Whilst the first such encounter at Plascrug in September resulted in the home side overpowering newly-promoted Tregaron, recent improvements in form raised hopes for a far closer encounter.

Rugby in December has been heavily influenced by weather conditions, and the festive season did nothing to appease this as the home side kicked off with a strong wind behind their backs.

Unsurprisingly they kicked long and Aber’s failure to pouch the ball led to a set piece within sniffing distance of their own tryline.

Tregaron took full advantage of the initial settling down period, and hooker and ex-Aber front row man Geraint Rowlands touched down for a try under the posts. Fly half Llion Jones landed a straightforward conversion, and the hosts had a seven point lead within two minutes of the start.

Once Aberystwyth had settled into a pattern of play they soon found themselves inside Tregaron territory where, in the 11th minute a well worked passing movement found speedy wing Adam Carvell out on the right flank, and the youngster showed his skill and pace in reaching the corner for his side’s opening try.

The touchline conversion attempt from skipper Jason Rees exemplified the meteorological conditions as the goalposts seemingly created a magnetic field that repelled the ball across their face.

Ten minutes later the visitors took the lead when Carvell was once more in action; this time he wriggled away from a tackle on the right touchline just inside the Tregaron half and he engaged his extra gear to race for a second try on the same spot as the first.

Read the full report in the Aberystwyth edition