Aberystwyth show promise in cup defeat at Tondu

ABERYSTWYTH lost 28 - 31 to Tondu RFC in their WRU Championship Cup game at Pandy Park on Saturday, writes Graham Harris.

Aberystwyth showed great character to push Tondu all the way with a spirited second half performance that left them just short of clinching an away victory in the cup. The first half belonged to Tondu who dominated possession and territory scoring four tries.

On a warm, sunny day, Tondu kicked off and were quickly awarded a penalty on Aber's 10 metre line which they failed to convert.

Aber gained a foothold in the game with good scrummaging and line breaks by the forwards.

Loose play and penalties conceded by Aber allowed the home side to relieve pressure.

A Tondu lineout on half way was won well and quick ball along their three-quarters saw winger Sam Tatchell score a try converted by Jake Murphy.

Aber won good lineout ball on Tondu's 22 metre line and a break by centre Jac Jones released hooker Iestyn Thomas to score a try on his 100th appearance which was converted by Dylan Benjamin.

Aber were holding their own in set plays and sniping runs by their backs and forwards pushed play deep into Tondu's half.

The visitors put pressure on the home side's defence with penalties kicked to the corner and solid lineout work.

A good Aber scrum 10 metres out allowed number 8 Lewis Ellis-Jones to pick up and power over for a try converted by Benjamin.

A penalty conceded on the restart resulted in a Tondu lineout close to Aber's try line.

A Tondu rolling maul saw hooker Jake Lewis score an unconverted try. The home side continued to exert pressure and penalties pinned Aber back to their try line.

Another Tondu maul was not defended well and flanker Joe Thomas score a converted try. Tondu repeated the scenario a few minutes later mauling a lineout and Jake Lewis scoring an unconverted try.

Aber's half time team talk resulted in much more physicality in rucks and line breaks.

Tondu managed to hold play in midfield. Aber were performing well at set pieces but they could not fully control or dictate the game. Both sides were cancelling each other out with well fielded box kicks, even scrums, and well contested rucks.

Tondu were a threat when they quickly moved the ball out wide and eventually scored a converted try with centre Sam Grabham crossing the line.

Aber showed great resilience and tenacity, tapping penalties and injecting pace into the game through their backs. A series of well won Aber rucks from a tapped penalty resulted in winger Ifor Evans scoring a try in the corner, well converted by Benjamin.

A determined Aber kept pressing in scrums and rucks. Concerted Aber play saw the ball held up over Tondu's try line. The goal line drop kick resulted in a quickly tapped Aber penalty and Jayden Erasmus crossing for a try converted by Benjamin, the last action of the game.

Aber acquitted themselves well, and a strong second half performance saw the team fall just short of winning this cup tie on the road. There were very positive, encouraging signs of resilience and determination in the whole squad and coaching team.

Charles Thomas and Iestyn Thomas made their 100th appearances.

Next Championship West match : Newcastle Emlyn away on 10 October, 2.30pm.