Pembrokeshire Cup Quarter Final
Fishguard & Goodwick 15 Aberystwyth 27
Aberystwyth warmed up nicely for their division one clash with Crymych this weekend when they overcame the challenge of Fishguard & Goodwick in the quarter final of the Pembrokeshire Cup.
It has been a very difficult time for the North Ceredigion outfit who have been left devastated by the loss of former number eight and club stalwart Eifion Gwynne, who was knocked over and killed whilst attending a funeral in Spain a few weeks ago.
The blue and blacks were forced to work hard against the division two side who led this game on two occasions but who conceded a trio of tries in the second half and despite a late rally they never really recovered.
The Seagulls who led 13-10 in the second half enjoyed the edge up front but a crucial turning point came when the visitors were unable to provide a prop replacement and game had to be played out with uncontested scrums which came as a hammer blow for the hosts.
The home team made a very bright start and they deservedly took the lead when outstanding number eight Simon James powered his way over for a try which was converted by outside half Kial Keane.
Aber responded with a penalty from Llyr Thomas and they took the lead just before the break when hard running number eight Lee Evans barged his way over from a line out drive.
Fishguard regained the lead after the turn around when Keane slotted over a penalty and he and his team enjoyed a number of chances but they were thwarted by some resilient defending from the Ceredigion men.
scuppered the seagulls
The introduction of passive scrums took the wind out of the sails of the hosts who were unable to gather any real momentum and they were hit by a two try volley created by a couple of moments of brilliance from Aber scrum half Gruff Jones. Winger Adam Carvell crossed for the first of these when he gathered a super kick from Jones and the same player added another soon afterwards when he raced in from close range after Jones had made the initial burst which was converted by Thomas.
Full back Thomas added another try to seal the victory before Fishguard hit back with a late consolation try through prop Owen Rowlands.
Aberystwyth will now take their place in the last four along with Ceredigion rivals Cardigan who beat Neyland recently.
This weekend the seagulls entertain division two leaders Hendy, a side that boast a hundred per cent record with seven wins from as many games.
Pictures kindly supplied by AJB Sporting Pics.
