Fixture

Aberystwyth Youth 34  v  17 Maesteg Youth.

Plascrug was the wet and windy setting for this difficult third round Welsh Bowl Competition contest between Aber Youth and a formidable Maesteg Youth team on Saturday. The winners would go into to the draw for the last eight in the competition, with the final due to be played at the Principality Stadium late in the season.

Aber’s play in the early stages of the game was indisciplined as they gave away too many penalties. Maesteg converted one of these to take an early 0 – 3 lead. Aber then sorted themselves out and responded quickly from the restart taking play deep into the Maesteg half and scoring a try in the corner. From this improved and encouraging start they never looked back and led for the remainder of the game.

Maesteg, however, were difficult and determined opponents and Aber had to be at their best to stay ahead. By half time the home side had built a comfortable lead of 17 – 6.

The second half started with Aber continuing their impressive display of close interpassing involving backs and forwards and scored a further three tries in the second period to double their score by the final whistle. Try scorers for the hosts were Tommy Sandford, Ryan Gilmour, Ryan Humphries, William Caron Lewis, Lewis Williams and Mason Jones. Austin Ellis-Jones and Mason Jones converted two of these tries. A very sporting Maesteg team replied with a try and four penalties.

The fact that six different try scorers were involved shows that this was a real team effort from Aber and their whole squad can be very proud of this fine and unexpected win. Particular congratulations are due to their hard-working coach, Wayne Thomas. 

Also during the weekend, Aber’s under 13s travelled to Llandybie to play their u13s, where they ran out winners by 7 - 41. Aber under 14s beat Dolgellau u-14s at home 24 - 12