Konica Minolta Cup Round 1        27th October  2007

Aberystwyth 88pts Deri Broncos 3

 

Given the difference in League statures between the two sides there was always a danger that this Cup tie would be a mismatch of the kind that early rounds of the Konica Minolta Cup are prone to throw up, The Deri Broncos outfit have recently celebrated their half-centenary and the arrival of their entourage with plenty of supporters in tow is symptomatic of a thriving South Wales Club where the rugby HQ is the heart of the community. Their side, a mixture of youth and seniority, were also enthusiastic throughout, despite coming up against opponents a clear two divisions their better. It is true that the home side have not been at their best so far this term, but they took advantage of the situation to visibly increase in confidence as the afternoon developed, playing moves and scoring with some regularity. It was a disappointment that so many of the regular Plascrug faithful seemed to prefer the rival attraction of televised regional rugby thereby missing the early stages of a hoped for return to full form but those who were present witnessed some scintillating scores.

Five first half tries were followed by another seven in the second as the scoreboard operator was kept busy, the home side opening their account in just the fifth minute when Gwilym Evans, playing on the right wing on Saturday, slotted a wide 35 metre penalty. Two minutes later full back Dorian Lloyd created a defensive gap and rounded to score under the posts. From a mid field maul that resulted from the restart Aber swung the ball wide and left wing Matthew Green did not need a second invitation to show his pace on the flank scoring in the farthest corner from the Clubhouse. Evans converted both tries impeccably in a display that saw him slot between the posts 13 times for a 28 point personal haul. At 17 points up in eighteen minutes Aberystwyth seemed to be coasting, but the spirited Deri side gave it their all and made their way into the Aber 22; when the home side were penalised in front of the posts scrum half Mark John successfully took the kick that gave his side their only points of the afternoon.

Half way through the first period Evans shaded a long range penalty attempt wide but his team mates took full advantage of the territorial gain and from a melee near the left corner fly half Gary Williams surged over for the third try, Evans making amends with the fine conversion.. Ten minutes later clever inter-passing by the Aber threequarters saw the ball move swiftly from one touchline to the other, Green impressively taking the final pass low down to score 5 metres in from touch, Evans matching the skill with the subsequent two points. Five minutes from the interval centre Jason Rees exhibited his skills and turn of pace as he tore up the left touchline, Dorian Lloyd claiming his brace with his side’s fifth try.  The half ended with another 38 metre Evans penalty clocking up a 39-3 interval advantage.

Throughout the second half Aber’s confidence grew steadily as they showed glimpses of the form of the last couple of years. An early attack gave Aber a scrum five metres out and a quick feed from captain Gwion James allowed his half back partner Williams to carve a gap through and score near the corner. Deri continued to try, but Aber were ruthless at the breakdown. In the inevitable flashes of indiscipline, their hooker was yellow carded for bringing down an Aber lineout jumper after the ball had been won and with a one man advantage Aber’s advance to the Deri line was also inevitable. On the season’s form thus far, it was perhaps surprising that Aber had already scored six tries without centre Stubbs featuring on the scoresheet, but the erstwhile Paul made amends by scoring the next two . For his first, he took the ball 10 metres out and showed his skill in wrong-footing the opposition, carving his way over to score 10 metres out. Five minutes later he appeared in a similar position again, but with four Deri defenders in close proximity. This time he used his immense strength as well to make it to the line.

As Aber brought on their replacements, they too joined the scoring, Barrie Thomas adding the next try in the right corner. In the 66th minute replacement prop Geraint Rowlands powered his way from 15 metres only to be brought down, but his play exemplified the growing Aber team spirit by rolling onto his back and feeding the supporting lock Arwel Lloyd to touch down. Arwel emulated his brother Dorian two minutes latter by claiming his brace, and Rees deservedly got onto the scoresheet exhibiting his speed again with an individual 50 metre weave for his side’s twelfth try.  Evans successfully converted all seven tries in the first 34 minutes of the second half. That last kick however signalled the end as Haverfordwest referee Adrian Slade relieved Deri’s misery blowing for no side, the home side by this time 88-3 to the good.

It will be back down to earth next Saturday with the visit to Plascrug of Laugharne whose eye-catching results this season have placed them well. The chance to play together in this fashion will however have been a tremendous tonic and boost to the light and dark blues. They are desperately in need of a string of impressive performances as well as, and perhaps more importantly, a string of consistency in the makeup of those that take the field each week. They have set up the platform.

Alan Jones