ABERYSTWYTH notched a thoroughly deserved 20-10 home win over Llanelli Wanderers, in a game that they had dominated for long periods, with a workmanlike and fully committed performance at Plascrug.

Their only regret perhaps was that they failed to score a fourth bonus point try, which their overall domination deserved.

This could be partly excused by the deteriorating conditions, with the recent rain giving a heavy pitch which cut up slightly during the course of the game.

Referee Steffan Edwards officiated with empathy and consistency, which was appreciated by the players and supporters of both sides.

Aber took advantage of a knock-on from the kick-off to establish a foot-hold in the Wanderers’ half, and with the visitors penned back in their own half they only managed to venture out on only two or three occasions during the first half.

Steff Rees opened the scoring for Aber with a penalty, making amends for an earlier miss when his standing foot slipped on the wet surface and was unable to make solid contact with the ball.

Despite the underfoot conditions, Aber scored a fine try next, when after a series of drives down the right flank the ball was moved across the backs for winger Adam Carvell to speed over in the corner.

Aber were unlucky not to score again when Ian Ellis gathered a beautifully judged cross-field kick-pass by Steff Rees, but was tackled by the covering defence.

There was no further scoring in the first half, and Aber’s supporters were wondering whether the failure to convert possession and position into points would come back to bite them in the second half.

The Wanderers upped their game after the break, and opened their account with a penalty from full-back Jones for 8-3.

Aber could consider themselves to be slightly fortunate to score next when Ian Ellis intercepted a long Wanderers pass and raced in from the 10m line to score.

There was nothing fortunate about the next score for Aber, however, as Llyr Thomas marked a speculative kick in his 22, looked up and saw the attacking opportunity before him. He took the tap quickly and passed to Mathew Hughes, who made good ground up the left, before inter-passing with Adam Carvell to take the pass and score wide on the left.

This was a classic piece of heads-up rugby from the hosts, and much credit must go to all three players involved.

The Wanderers scrum, which was one of their strengths, enabled them to score their only try of the game, with No 8 Taffetsaufer credited with the touch-down after they drove Aber back over their line.

The try was converted by full-back Jones to make the final scoreline 20 -10.

He also unfortunately missed an opportunity to secure a losing bonus point for the Wanderers with an unsuccessful long range penalty attempt right at the end.

Despite getting back to winning ways, Aber will feel disappointed that they weren’t able to turn their domination of possession and field position into points.

Nevertheless, they should take great heart from the positive attitude and whole-hearted commitment shown.