IT must have felt like a very long trip home to Monmouthshire for Usk after they threw away a chance of securing their place in the fourth round of the Swalec Bowl with a 10-7 defeat at Cardigan last weekend.

Luke Rogers slotted a 77th minute conversion from wide out that saw the hosts level at full time - and the Teifisiders’ outside half added a penalty at the start of extra time that ultimately sealed success.

With just a few minutes of extra time to go, Usk’s outside half John Green looked to have levelled the scores when his penalty sailed through the posts for a score of 10-10, but one of his colleagues walked in front of him just before he put his foot through the ball, and it was ruled out.

The Cardigan ranks had been reduced to 13 men for the second week in succession, but once again it proved to be a lucky number for them as they hung on for the win, just as they did against St Clears.

The opening hour of this game was as grey and drab as the weather, with the official in charge the only man who stood out with his over-use of the whistle.

The match went from scrum to penalty, to scrum again, but the match finally livened up on 65 minutes when the visitors’ second row John Pegginton drove over for a try, which was converted by John Green.

This kicked the Cardis into action and with just a few minutes left skipper Llyr Griffiths powered over for a try, and impressive half back Luke Rogers converted from the touchline to set up extra time.

Cardigan did have one glorious chance to win the game in normal time when replacement scrum half Aaron Evans broke down the blind side, with the line at his mercy, but the official in charge got in his way and the final whistle was blown.

There were few scoring opportunities in extra time, with most of the play taking place in and around the half way line, but it was the home team who took the lead when Rogers slotted over a penalty kick.

Usk were given a chance to level matters just a few minutes before the end when John Green was presented with a penalty in front of the posts, but his successful attempt was ruled out when one of his players walked in front as he kicked the ball.

Cardigan were reduced to 13 men in the closing stages when replacement hooker Aled Phillips and centre Emyr Harries were both yellow-carded, but managed to hang on for a place in the next round.