Fishguard and Goodwick 16 Aberystwyth 19

Aberystwyth made their expected progress in the Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup but not before they had been pushed all the way by a determined Fishguard and Goodwick side from two divisions lower.

Indeed, Fishguard came very close to snatching victory in the final moments when they were awarded a penalty that was eminently kickable but since it would only have earned them a draw, they opted to kick to the corner in an attempt at scoring a try.

They duly won the lineout but their forward drive to the line was halted — and the referee blew the final whistle, despite the fact that the Seagulls felt they might have been awarded a second penalty for collapsing the maul.

Aberystwyth played with the strong wind in the first half at The Moors and took a 13-6 lead as outstanding No 8 Lee Glover and prop Arwel Lloyd scored tries to go with a penalty by outside half Jamie Rees.

Fishguard responded with two penalties from outside half Mark Lennard but they played well. Forwards Gwilym Evans, Thomas Ilaisa, Mike Mitchell, Randall Williams and Mark George tackled well, while the front row, Gerwyn Davies, Mark James and Richard Cook scrimmaged well.

Jamie Rees added two further penalties for Aber in the second period but Fishguard managed a good try from replacement prop Andrew Morrillo. Lennard converted it, alongside a third penalty, to set up a grandstand finale, but Aber held out and that final chance for Fishguard went a-begging.

Fishguard coach Alan Phillips was quick to praise his entire squad for their efforts and there is no doubt that when Aber made their long journey back to mid Wales, they knew that they had been in a real contest!

Fishguard: Gareth Adamson: Matthew Reynolds, Rhys Williams; Steve Jenkins; Matthew George: Mark Lennard; Alun George: Gerwyn Davies; Mark James; Richard Cook: Gwilym Evans; Thomas Ilaisa: Mike Mitchell; Mark George; Randall Williams. Replacements: Huw Evans; Gavin Walsh; Andrew Morrillo; Carwyn Thomas; Gareth Owen; Richard Hunter.