Aberystwyth Athletic 3

Narberth 2nd XV 31

After a comfortable win in their mid-week, non-league game against Geltaidd, the Athletic returned to the harsh reality of Scarlets Region West League rugby on Saturday when they entertained strong, high-flying Narberth 2nds, at Plascrug.

This is a four-club league table with two strong clubs – leaders Narberth and second place Newcastle Emlyn – with Pembroke and fellow strugglers Aberystwyth Athletic who are one point behind in bottom place.

Although a number of late withdrawals due to illness and promotion to the first XV disrupted the Athletic in this difficult encounter, they started the game with determination. After early pressure they earned a penalty and went 3–0 ahead.

The visitors then hit back with two tries, one of which was converted to close the first half 3–12 ahead.

The loss of their scrumhalf further disrupted the Athletic resulting in a number of positional changes.

Poor handling and unforced errors then allowed Narberth to score three more second half tries, two of which were converted to give a final score of 3-31. The wide margin of defeat flattered the visitors as the Athletic were far more competitive than it appears and can take heart from the spirit they showed under the circumstances against well drilled opposition.

The Athletic’s next game is on 11 December against Pembroke at Plascrug.

Aberystwyth Athletic 49

UCW Geltaidd 7

Through the hard work of team managers Craig Turner and Andy Davies, Aber Athletic have developed a squad of players that is strong in numbers and strengthening in playing performance with each game.

For last Wednesday night’s game against UCW Geltaidd for example, the Athletic could have fielded two packs of eight forwards.

It was ironic therefore that the scrummages were uncontested throughout this entertaining match.

Good interplay between forwards and backs saw the ball moved around a lot.

Although this approach was entertaining, it also led to too many mistakes and too many penalties given away.

Geltaidd were spirited opposition but no match for the Athletic’s strong squad.

Five first-half tries from Celt Lewis, Sion Evans, Iestyn Thomas, Dylan Benjamin and Jac Jones put the home team up by 25-0 at half-time.

Early in the second half the Athletic were reduced to 14 men and Geltaidd took advantage by crossing for a converted try.

This galvanised the home team and, with the help of Sam Hesden and Dylan Davies’ fresh legs they regained control and took the game to the opposition.

As a result, Jac Jones scored his second try of the evening and Craig Debell, Ryan Gilmour and Sam Hesden added the remainder. Dylan Benjamin kicked two conversions to close the score at 49-7.