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KO Cup Final:

Seagulls’ yeoman efforts in vain

Fishguard & Goodwick 11 - Aberystwyth 40

Referee: Andrew Miles.

Aberystwyth eased into the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup final with a clinical display against Fishguard, setting up a tantalising finale to the Pembrokeshire Rugby season against high-flying Crymych.
The Seagulls enjoyed plenty of territory and possession, but had no answer to the pace of the visitors who were ruthless in punishing any mistakes from the home side.
However, it was Fishguard who made the brighter start when outside half Huw Evans kicked a penalty - and home skipper Steven Jenkins powerfully broke through several tackles only to be denied by a superb cover tackle from Aber second row Rhys Jones.

Dominant spell earns three tries

But the away side then enjoyed a dominant 15 minute spell that yielded three tries. Centre Richard Reed crossed from close range, before Aber were awarded a penalty try. Left wing Matthew Greene hacked a loose ball towards the line but was impeded by Evans, and referee Andrew Miles had no hesitation in going under the posts to signal the score.
Scrum half Ifan Thomas, outstanding throughout, then scored Aber's third when he sniped over from a ruck 20 metres out. Outside half Gwion Phillips added two conversions to make it 3-19.

Cruel blows for Seagulls

Evans landed a second penalty before the visitors struck a cruel blow near half time. Second row Richard Hunter was held up over the Aber line, but from the resultant Seagulls five metre scrum Mark Leonard spilt a pass and the away side raced the length of the field before Phillips set up Reed for his second try.
Fishguard brought on Nathan Jenkins and Romeo Colella at half time as they pressed for an early score, but it was Aber who effectively sealed the game with a try from full back Rhodri Richards. Home scrum half Alun George sliced his clearance kick and Richards showed superb pace to finish from half way - Phillips again adding the extras to make it 6-33.

Seagulls score deserved try

Fishguard were finally rewarded for a spell of pressure when replacement scrum half Graham Davies made a half break, and when he was hauled down short skipper Jenkins picked up and powered over from close range.
However, it was Aber who fittingly had the final word when right wing Rhys Richards rounded off some good handling for another converted score - and the division two outfit will now face Crymych in what promises to be an intriguing final.

Fishguard: Rhodri Thomas, Steve Evans, Gareth Adamson, Mark Leonard, Matthew Reynolds, Huw Evans, Alun George, Gerwyn Davies, Mark James, Andrew Morrillo, Richard Hunter, Gwilym Evans, Steven Jenkins, Emyr Hughes, Mark George. Replacements: Romeo Colella, Gavin Walsh, Nathan Jenkins, Graham Davies, Ben Davies, James George, Peter Prescott.
Aberystwyth: Rhodri Richards, Rhys Richards, Richard Reed, Gareth Flynn, Matthew Greene, Gwion Phillips, Ifan Thomas, Preece Lewis, Rhydian Harries, Deiniol Evans, Steffan Nutting, Gethin Hughes, Rhys Jones, Lee Evans, Carwyn Jones. Replacements: Mark Evans, Ifan Thomas, Eifion Hughes, Ray Morgan, Huw Jones.

PHOTOS ABOVE: Steve Jenkins looks to pick up and crash through.

Huw Evans is hauled down just short of the line.