Aberaeron 5 - 14 Burry Port.
Burry Port RFC
In atrocious weather conditions Burry Port RFC took the long trip to Aberaeron in what was to be a challenging but thoroughly entertaining encounter. Winning the toss, the home team elected to play into driving rain and wind that was recorded at over 40 mph and it was these conditions that turned the game into a forward battle.
The Blacks used the wind advantage to set up an attacking line out and with Bryn Jenkins dominating the line out and securing good ball it set up a drive up field and saw Gareth Gravell crash over for the opening score. Ben Williams converted. Aberaeron held onto the ball and it was an achievement for them to get good territory and put the Blacks under pressure. Gareth Gravell was alleged to stop a drive illegally and was yellow carded. Aberaeron eventually scored a try just before half time to make it Aberaeron 5 – 7 Burry Port.
With the conditions worsening it was Burry Port who now had to keep hold of the ball and the pack showed their steely edge in defence and attack to shut out the home team in the second period. Oliver Dunleavy was also shown a yellow card after an altercation with ex Wales back rower Hemi Taylor and it was credit to the players who dug deep controlled the ball and employed the pick and go effectively.
The travelling supporters who braved the conditions were given plenty of heart and were delighted when strong running centre Steff Roberts gathered his own kick and charged over under the posts. Ben Williams converted to make it 5 - 14 and the last quarter saw Burry Port finish strongly and deny the home team a score. Final score Aberaeron 5 - 14 Burry Port.
The atrocious conditions ruined any chance of open running rugby and it was a frustrating day for the outside backs who did not get an opportunity to play their expansive way, however, if the Blacks are to remain top of this division, it will take a combined effort and the forwards showed courage and maturity to play the conditions well. This could have easily been a banana skin game but the manner of victory was summed up by Life Member Nic Evans who said “I haven’t seen a Burry Port pack play like that for years, today’s performance has made an old man proud!”
Burry Port remain top and will hope to extend their unbeaten run in their next match at home to Llandeilo on Saturday 21st November.
