Fixture

Aberaero 28 NCE 2nds 17

The curtain came down on Parc Drefach for the season as Aberaeron claimed a third victory in the Division 3C Cup competition to book their place in the final at Parc y Scalets in mid May. After a disappointing league campaign the cup has provided a welcome fillip and the Seagulls can now look forward to an unexpected end of season climax. Newcastle Emlyn have played their part throughout the season with a mixture of youth and mature personnel and this encounter was no exception as Aberaeron had to endure a potential shock having been in control for much of the first half. An early Rhodri Jenkins penalty was cancelled out by Crwys Rees, but the Aberaeron forwards then took control with tries from Tudur Jenkins, Sean Stephens and Gethin Hughes, and a conversion by Jenkins creating a 17 point advantage. With half time approaching Emlyn raised hope, capitalising on some indifferent play by the hosts and Gareth Patterson capitalised with a long range effort with Rees adding the conversion. The second half was far more evenly matched as both sides strove for supremacy and it was scrum half Gareth James who restored the lead for the hosts after a period of pressure. Not to be outdone the visitors stormed back and another Patterson effort and Rees conversion reduced the deficit, With the clock ticking down, a Jenkins penalty opened up a never to be challenged advantage and the final whistle brought a huge cheer in what has been encouraging campaign under coach Justin Lloyd.and whatever the output in the final, Aberaeron can look forward to next season with much expectation.