In the end it was the home side, Aberaeron, who came out on top 19-7 as they avenged their 29-24 defeat at the same venue by Haverfordwest last season. It was a victory that moved Aberaeron up into second place behind Cardigan.
Haverfordwest travelled with a six-match undefeated record to protect, and buoyed by their recent 20-18 win at Cardigan, but they couldn’t get the better of their hosts resolute defence and opportunism.
Taking first use of the strong wind, Aberaeron led 16-7 at the break and then defended as if their lives depended on in in the second half. They soaked up huge pressure applied by The Blues and managed to add an extra penalty to their score to seal the deal.
Aberaeron were first off the mark with two penalties from centre Rhodri Jenkins, but the first try of the game came from visiting flanker Mattie Phillips. Archie Thomas added the extras.
Rhodri Jenkins and Dyfrig Dafis attempt to deny Haverfordwest with quick ball (Pic: Rhys Hafod)
Inspirational home skipper Morgan Llewellyn then notched the crucial score with a weaving run to the line that left Jenkins with an easy conversion to make it 13-7. A further Jenkins penalty – he ended with 14 points in the match – made it a nine-point lead at the break.
Jenkins stretched the lead with another penalty in the second half – the only score of a gritty final 40 minutes.
Top of the table Cardigan enjoyed a 41-0 home triumph over Pembroke Dock Harlequins to stay three points clear. The home side were 19 points to the good by the break and then piled on the points in the second half as they ended with seven tries.
Scrum half Llyr Jones, centre John Lumb and winger Iwan John crossed in the first half, two of them converted by full back Shaun Leonard, before No 8 Tom Taylor, prop Nathan Bowen, winger Jack Taylor, and prop Luke Palmer-Davies following suit after the break.
Leonard ended up with six points with three out of seven conversions, but it matted little to the Teifisiders, who were in control throughout.
The Quins now host Aberaeron this weekend, while Cardigan host Llangym. Haverfordwest will welcome Pembroke.
