National League Rugby - Division Three (West) A:

 
 

Haverfordwest 36 - Aberaeron 8

 
Haverfordwest made it ten wins from ten starts as they comfortably beat Aberaeron  to ensure they finish top of the section table and now have to meet neighbours Llangwm to finish on a high with a 100% record and the chance to retain The Bishop Cup competed for annually by these old rivals.
 
They led 22-3 at half time as reward for controlling play but once Aberaeron shook the stiffness out of a long trek down the Cardigan Bay coastline they battled hard and just about held a territorial edge in the second half – and deserved every credit for fulfilling their obligations in midweek.
 
But The Blues defended well to limit Aber to a single try by pacy centre Dyfrig Dafis after good work by Ieuan Rees,  Stephan James, Hefin Williams, Osian Davies and Gethin Dafis – and managed to create another two scores as reward for the pace of Craig Barnett, Matthew John and Johnny White alongside a powerful pack.



 

Blues dominant in first half

 
And it was that rampaging eight, led by a front row of Terry Lovell, Jamie Zambas-Adams and Tom Carrington that established a ball-winning platform alongside Jack Clancy and Karl Busch so that Will Blackburn, Lewis Tingay and skipper Matthew Phillips could supply ample possession for Lee Summons to set his backs in motion.
 
The Blues took the lead when quick hands by Jack Codd, Archie Thomas and Johnny White allowed Jack Codd to cross in the left corner – and Thomas was again involved before skipper Phillips supplied Tingay with the scoring pass.
 
Will Blackburn powered over from a well-worked line-out catch and drive, converted by Craig Barnett and Jack Codd sliced through from a short crash-ball pass - and all Aberaeron could offer in terms of scoring was a penalty from outside half Rhodri Jenkins.




 

Aber fight back after conceding interception try

 
Haverfordwest also started the second half well as Craig Barnett, who looked the fastest player on the pitch, intercepted near half way and sped to the posts for a try which he also converted – but then The Blues seemed to take their foot off the pedal and after Dyfrig Dafis had claimed an unconverted try they went close on several other occasions but some good defence which also involved replacements Josh Thomas, Gareth John, Jon Clout and Dan Berry saw them fail to increase their points total – and The Blues rounded things off from a clever kick to the corner by White and a careless throw-in by Aber which gave Tingay the chance of a second score, which he gratefully accepted before Barnett converted, far the far post!




 
And finally, a quick word for referee Alex Yau, who had a good game and was thanked by both teams afterwards!
 
Haverfordwest: Archie Thomas: Jack Evans; Matthew John; Jack Codd; Johnny White: Craig Barnett; Lee Summons:  Terry Lovell; Jamie Zambas-Adams; Tom Carrington: Karl Busch; Jack Clancy: Will Blackburn; Matty Phillips (Capt); Lewis Tingay. Replacements: Dan Berry; Jon Clout; Josh Thomas; Gareth John; Adam Williams.
 
Aberaeron: Ieuan Rhys:  Bedwyr Davies; Dyfrig Dafis; Stephan James; Ross Holder:  Rhodri Jenkins; Sion Evans: Owain Wozencroft; Cen Davies; Rhys James: Gethin Hughes; Stephan Dale: Hefin Williams; Gethin Dafis; Osian Davies. Replacements: Sam Vaux; Matt Roberts; Ifan Lewis; Rhodri Ellis-James; Daniel Williams.
 
Referee: Alex Yau (Rhydowen)