RUGBY matches were few and far between in West Wales on Saturday, but the Goodwick Moor ground was just playable as high-flying Aberystwyth registered a 19-7 win over Fishguard.

The Ceredigion side had won their first encounter at Plascrug, but the home side have had several impressive scorelines in this their first season at this league level.

The ground was wet and heavy, and with a gusty wind behind them, Aber were intent on building up an advantage, and the opening quarter was spent predominantly inside the Fishguard 22.

Aber crossed the Fishguard line twice in the first 10 minutes, but failed to impress Llandysul referee Jason Ludgate, who controversially concluded first that the pack had not grounded the ball after pushing over, and then that wing Carwyn Evans had slithered over the dead ball line, despite a seemingly neck high tackle.

Their momentum was so great that they twice declined attempts at goal from the shadow of the posts; and Fishguard were shown a yellow card in the 12th minute.

From that penalty Aber swung the ball right, then back left, before lock Lee Evans crossed for the opening try near the posts, which fly half Jason Rees converted.

Pressure from Aber continued, but the home side gradually got into the game and around the half hour mark they moved play nearer the centre of the field.

Aber were penalised near half way and home fly half James Griffiths guided the ball to the corner, against the wind.

It was not at all clear whether their slender lead would be enough at the turn around, but after the interval Aber soon moved play into the home 22 once more.

The second score was a bizarre affair. With the wind precluding high kicks several kicks along the ground ensued, and Rees managed to guide one through a mire of players, with centre Myles Hamilton winning the chase to touch down for a try in the corner.The conversion attempt blew back over the touchline, but Aber had a 12 point lead after 46 minutes.

The wind also took control of a penalty attempt by Griffiths five minutes later.

Aber again attacked the Fishguard line, but after another questionably high tackle Fishguard made good use of the wind to take play to the opposite end of the field; and to add salt to Aber wounds their defensive efforts earned a yellow card.

With 14 men they did remarkably well to stop ensuing attacks, pushing the home pack back a full 10 metres, but failing to relieve them of possession.When Fishguard swung the ball out, however, their numerical advantage opened a gap that hooker Gavin Walsh broke through to score a try in the corner.A majestic touchline conversion from Griffiths cut the lead to five points, with 15 minutes remaining.

Aber dug deep and kept possession well as they strove for territorial advantage.

A break from his own half by Gruff Jones saw the scrum half felled after he had kicked ahead, and at last a penalty for the late tackle took Aber within 15 metres of the try lineAn excellent, controlled scrum pushed the home pack back a full 12 metres, and with several backs adding their weight, the touch down was claimed by young-at-heart Paul Stubbs.Rees landed an impressive touchline conversion, and Aber were 19-7 up after 77 minutes.

The remaining minutes saw both sides counter each other’s efforts, but Aber could travel back home with the satisfaction of a good job done.They now take another break for the Six Nations championship, before they entertain Llanybydder on the first Saturday in March.