ABERYSTWYTH’s thrilling 19-20 win at Llangennech proved an excellent result, given that their opponents were lying third in Division One West with seven wins from nine matches, including a 20-13 win at Plascrug earlier in the season.

Aber had arrived with a depleted squad of only 17 players, but they produced one of their best performances of the season so far, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying seconds of the game.

On a fine, dry, still afternoon Aber kicked off with the advantage of a slight slope, and it took the home side nearly 10 minutes to get out of their own half.

Llangennech moved the ball smoothly, and their forwards linked well to threaten Aber’s defence - but they were kept out by some determined and effective tackling and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 30 minutes from a scrum 15 metres out.

A huge shove from the Aber eight gave scrum half Llyr Thomas time and space to feed outside half Steffan Rees. He found centre Carwyn Evans storming up outside of him to cross for the opening try, and Rees converted for a 7-0 advantage.

Llangennech hit back on the stroke of half-time with a number of well supported breaks up the left wing. Carwyn Evans put in an excellent try-saving tackle, but then the hosts won the ensuing ruck.

Outside half Phillips put in a very accurate cross-field kick for winger Tom Davies to catch and score, and Taylor Phillips converted to make it all square.

Both sides had been generous in giving away penalties in the first half, and territory and possession was evenly shared, with the exchanges being very physical.

Aber regained the lead when Llyr Thomas took a quick tap penalty to feed his backs. Dan Binks, lurking at outside centre, ran powerfully, but was stopped illegally 30 metres out, and Steffan Rees put over the penalty kick to make it 7-10.

Aber continued to throw the ball around and both wingers saw plenty of attacking action. Left winger Adam Carvell made ground with a meandering run upfield and across the field, leading to a series of rucks in which Aber retained possession.

As they moved nearer to the line, Carwyn Evans again burst through for his and Aber’s second try. Rees converted to make it 7-17 with 20 minutes left to play.

Llangennech upped their tempo and put Aber under increasing pressure, but the visitors responded with some fine relieving kicks from their defence by Ian Ellis, Llyr Thomas and Steffan Rees.

Despite Aber’s strong defence, however, the hosts finally found a way through for Hopkins to score. Crucially, the try went unconverted, and Aber seemed to have done enough at 12-17 to seal a win.

Llangennech continued to exert pressure from the kick-off, and gradually made ground against a tiring Aber side. Eventually, hooker Jenkins broke through some weak tackling from 10 metres out, and his try was converted by Phillips to put the hosts ahead by 19-17,with less than five minutes left to play.

Aber, however, then found the energy to launch one last attack, and they forced a scrum 30 metres out - and with only a minute left, were awarded a penalty.

The tension and importance of the kick put a lot of pressure on Steffan Rees, but he struck the ball well and watched as it hit a post and - much to the delight of Aber’s players and supporters - it went over to clinch a well-earned 19-20 away win.

Aberystwyth had showed great competitiveness, skill and determination to win this match. Arwel Lloyd led the team by example and by motivation, and Carwyn Evans was the pick of the backs - although there were too many other fine performances to mention individually.