NEYLAND held on for their second win in League 3 West A on Saturday (Jan 22) as a missed Aberaeron penalty saw them claim a 20-17 victory.
It was an entertaining tussle but after the opening exchanges it was Aberaeron who got the first points on the board.
They gradually got themselves on top and scrum half Gareth James spotted the gap to score the first try of the game.
Rhodri Jenkins converted and then added a penalty soon after to give the visitors a 0-10 lead.
There was then an altercation on the field with all players involved in a brawl. After it had all calmed down the referee issued a red card to a player from each side.
A yellow for each side soon followed as the game simmered in the aftermath of the brawl.
When the rugby resumed Neyland got themselves back in the game as Iestyn Evans went over for the try and Ollie Rotheroe added the extras.
It brought the score to 7-10 at half time but Neyland levelled soon after the break as Rotheroe landed a penalty.
Aberaeron then went ahead again as Morgan Llewelyn beat several players to touch the ball down and the conversion put them seven points in front.
However, Aber were caught napping at the restart as they failed to gather the ball and Neyland’s forward momentum took them towards the line.
Ben Williams went over for the try and Rotheroe again added the extras to bring the scores level once more.
The visitors hit back though and went close to scoring on a couple of occasions with Tudur Jenkins falling just short of the line.
An Aber clearance then resulted in an indiscretion and Neyland opted to kick at goal. Rotheroe added his second penalty of the game to put his side ahead for the first time.
That came on 70 minutes and Aber continued to look for a way through but were continually thwarted by some excellent Neyland defence.
An infringement from Neyland then gave the visitors a chance. Rather than kick to touch though they opted to kick at goal which would have only earned a draw.
The kick though fell just wide and Neyland celebrated the win.
On Saturday, January 29, Neyland travel to Cardigan while Aberaeron will look to bounce back against Laugharne.
