Cardigan 7 Glynneath 3

Cardigan skipper Barry John scored his seventh try of the season as he crossed for a first half score which, allied to some superb defence, proved just enough to beat a very strong and robust Glynneath side at the King George Vth Ground.

The Teifisiders showed a commitment that will have pleased coach Stan Liptrot because Glynneath relish the wet conditions that allow them to utilise their pack power - but their only score was an early penalty by full back Simon Knoyle after a bout of pressure.

Knoyle also missed two other penalty chances in the first 30 minutes as his side remained camped in the Cardigan 22 - and the visitors were made to pay for not taking chances as the Cardis broke out and scored the only try from their first real sortie into Glynneath territory after 31 minutes.

Outside half Chris Liptrot kicked the homesters onto the attack and from a second phase situation it was skipper John who received the ball in midfield, brushed off his marker and raced under the posts for Chris Liptrot to add the extra points.

As conditions worsened so the match became more and more confined to the packs as scrum half Dave Harrett tried to keep the visitors going and Cardigan No 9 Eurig Lloyd worked well with his pack and No 8 Andrew Togo Phillips in particular.

The Cardigan scrummage was strong as Chris Gale, Wyn Thomas and the evergreen Eurfyl Davies anchored it well, hooker Thomas also earning the man of the match tag for his contribution in the close exchanges.

Kevin Hurley and Darren Morgan made sure of good lineout ball on their own throw-in and flanker Chris Jones tackled everything that moved. The Cardigan backs also defended well as Gareth Davies was strong under the high ball and was well covered by Steve Liptrot, Mike Grota and Alun Williams so that Glynneath danger man John Niedza was kept fairly quiet.

Both teams had half chances but there was no further scoring and the Teifisiders pouched three welcome league points - and worked really hard to gain them.

Cardigan: Gareth Davies: Mike Grota; Barry John; Steve Liptrot; Alun Williams: Chris Liptrot; Eurig Lloyd: Eurfyl Davies; Wyn Thomas; Charles Gale: Darren Morgan; Kevin Hurley: Chris Jones; David Welsh; Andrew Phillips. Replacements: Martin Edwards; William Kerr; Ricky Evans; Huw Davies.