Division Three (West):

 

Congratulations Aberaeron!

 

Aberaeron RFC are old friends of PembrokeshireSport.co.uk and we were delighted to hear the good news of their dramatic win at Tumble to edge their opponents out, not only on the day but with regard to gaining a promotion place into Division Two.
 
We regard Aberaeron as very much part of our District H set-up who contribute so much after the basis had been laid by old stalwarts like Glyndwr and Parry Evans.  It was Parry who wrote his usual match report and we are delighted to print it today, along with the excellent wide-angle photograph from Rhys Hafod of the squad, coaches, officers and large group of supporters who cheered them on.
 
Through no fault of their own, the club has been denied the chance to stage this season’s Pembrokeshire KO Cup – and we are sure this will more than make up for that disappointment!
 
 

Parry Evans’ match report:

 

Tumble 31 - Aberaeron 33

 
 
“Excitement and jubilation were in abundance after the final whistle at Parc Y Mynydd Mawr as Aberaeron clinched promotion to Division Two (West).
 
In a ‘must win’ encounter for both teams, with only a point separating the sides at start of play, the huge crowd witnessed a fluctuating encounter with Aberaeron recovering from a dismal first quarter to claim the honours at the final whistle.
 
Tumble were quickest out of the blocks and they subjected the visitors to heavy pressure from the outset and they were rewarded with three close range tries, two converted against a single penalty from Rhodri Jenkins to lead 19-3.
 
The signs were ominous at that point but Aberaeron finally found cohesion and control and another Jenkins’ penalty settled early nerves as they then went on to enjoy a purple patch, with the front eight dousing the early  pressure, and they were rewarded with two close range tries by No 8 Lee Evans, with Jenkins converting both – so after a dreadful start Aberaeron remarkably found themselves with a point advantage at the break, with renewed expectancy for the huge travelling support.
 
However, that advantage was wiped out early in the second half as they conceded another close-range try and it was now the hosts who were looking likely winners.
 
It took until the final quarter for Aberaeron to recover the deficit and much will be owed to Jenkins as an impeccable and faultless kicking display crowned a fine afternoon with a further two penalties, the second from near halfway to bring the scores level.
 
The visitors again found themselves in the driving seat, with the clock ticking down, and not to be outdone, Dafydd Llewelyn, who had been restricted with earlier attempts finally found a chink of space and the scrum half outpaced the home defence to cross in the corner.
 
Jenkins converted from the touchline to regain the lead, and despite a late Tumble unconverted try, where Aberaeron supporters held their collective breath, it was time up and the start of uncontrolled celebrations after a long and hard season  Aberaeron can now look forward to a new challenge with much optimism.”