Neyland 38 Aberaeron 10
Two tries by pacy young winger Lee Perkins helped Neyland gain a deserved win against Aberaeron at the Athletic Ground, although the final margin didnt really show the effort put in by the Mid Wales side as the All Blacks somehow managed to score tries at vital times after periods of pressure by Aberaeron, as did fly half Nicky Greggain from an interception score in the second half.
All Blacks team manager Martin Rees was quick to praise both teams for the way that they tried to play running rugby and it was his side who made a flying start, playing up the slope, after a try-saving tackle by Colin Picton had stopped Aber taking the lead.
The ball was quickly transferred to the other end by Chris Busbys pack and an error in the visitors defence allowed the powerful Picton to pick up and cross at the posts, Greggain adding the extra points.
Play was even for the rest of the half and Aber missed two penalties by full back Euryl Rees as Greggain was also off target with one effort for the All Blacks - who added another five points right on half time as another Aber move broke down under pressure from Mark Smith, Richard Banner and Jamie Dalton, looking very sharp from his time at Swansea.
Veteran centre Steve Evans swooped to claim the ball and flicked it up for the equally venerable Mathew Williams to charge up the touchline on a 40-metre drive for the touchdown.
Aberaeron started the second half well and they pouched seven points when outstanding flanker Paul Mahoney drove up the middle and did well to reach the line, Rees slotting the conversion.
But Neyland were soon back on the offensive as Scott Gregory and Chris Busby did well in the linesout and Dalton, Williams and Picton were always to the fore so that scrum half Mark Riley was able to control play along with Greggain.
This pair set Martin Tamilia on a run and when the All Black pocket battleship was halted he flicked the ball up to the ever-present Williams, who supplied winger Paul Power with the scoring pass.
This score stimulated the All Blacks and they scored the best try of the game shortly afterwards as Busby won quality lineout ball, Ben Lloyd and Scott Gregory took it on and play was switched in both directions before Perkins was released wide out, Greggain converting with a good kick.
At this stage Euryl Rees landed a penalty after missing another sitter and Aber also went close through Mahoney before Picton and Evans effected a turnover that allowed Neyland to break out of defence - and score a try as Aber tried to run the ball back and the canny Greggain pounced to intercept a floated pass, racing to the posts and also adding the conversion.
This try killed off any lingering Aberaeron hopes and the All Blacks rounded off the scoring as Dalton pounced on a loose ball and burst through, finding Perkins at his elbow so that the winger could shrug off the tackle and score a try which Greggain converted.
Neyland: Greg Miller: Lee Perkins; Martin Tamilia; Steve Evans; Paul Power: Nicky Greggain; Mark Riley: Ben Lloyd; Richard Banner; Mark Smith: Scott Gregory; Chris Busby: Jamie Dalton; Mathew Williams; Colin Picton.
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