Fixture

Newtown 7 Aberaeron 23

In an enthralling encounter Aberaeron came through to progress to the next round of this year's Bowl competition after a testing afternoon against Division 2 North Newtown. Although the final result was never really in doubt, the visitors did have to delve deep into their defensive strengths to repel the forward bulk of the opposing front eight. And once again they were indebted to another faultless display by outside half Rhodri Jenkins who amassed 18 points for the afternoon and ensured that Newtown were always chasing the cause. Early pressure on the home defence resulted in the first of Jenkins 3 penalties and within minutes he had glided through for a try which he also converted. Newtown continued with their forward obsession which resulted in reasonable success in the scrums but the lineouts went the way of Aberaeron with Llyr Davies, the returning Richard Francis and Tudur Jenkins gaining more than their share of possession. Jenkins soon added his second penalty and although subjected to increasing defensive duties, a swift break from defence with the Slinger brothers and Ollie Sawyer involved gave the opening for full back Rhodri Thomas to crown a fine afternoon with his first try of the campaign with the conversion again successful. Newtown's best period came either side of half time with continuous rolling mauls by their giant pack causing a considerable threat and they gained a hold on the game with a converted penalty try. But try as they might that was their only success and they were fortunate to survive as strong carrying by back rowers Lewis Tomlins and Aaron Lewis threatened but coming up short. One such attack was illegally held up, resulting in a yellow card and leaving Jenkins to complete his tally of points. Aberaeron could easily have added to the advantage but several clear cut openings went astray with the final pass delayed and with the try line beckoning, The final whistle came with a wide grin by player coach Justin Lloyd ably deputising at scrum half who will now be hoping for a home draw in the next round.