Division 3 West play off
Abergavenny 18
Cardigan 3
It proved a bridge too far for the Cardis in the Division 3 promotion play-off against a well drilled and bigger Abergavenny outfit, but Colin Davies and Co could hold their heads high after a performance brimming with pride and passion in front of a sizeable crowd at Loughor.
The Teifisiders applied pressure for lengthy periods and during the final quarter were camped in their opponents half, but the Division 3 East runners-up defended resolutely.
Cardigan were left to rue a second half error by centre Carwyn Thomas who inadvertently lost possession while going over the try line while impressive right winger Rob Davies was bundled into touch near the corner flag.
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It was the Monmouthshire side that made the early running with outside half Steve Lang putting in huge touch finders and was just wide with a penalty attempt from 45 yards.
Aber looked certain to score when scrum-half James Harries whipped out a quick pass to Lang but the ball was knocked forward.
From the resulting scrum Cardigan infringed and Lang easily slotted the ball between the uprights to put his side ahead.
The advantage was increased after 18 minutes when from a scrum near the Cardigan line openside flanker Steve Harper crashed over wide out. The conversion attempt by Lang was just wide.
All too often the Cardis kicked away possession and the nearest they came to putting points on the board during the opening half hour was when backrower and skipper Colin Davies was just off target with a long range penalty.
Aber were superior up front although Cardigan could not be faulted for effort and one surging run by lock Chris Jones nearly bore fruit.
A rare wayward kick out of defence by Huw Davies went straight to James Williams who looked certain to score but winger Robert Davies put in a superb tackle.
Centre Aled Jones also made a try-saving tackle as Aber turned the screw in the run up to half time.
Cardigan's only points came five minutes into the second period when Aber were caught offside in front of the posts and Colin Davies landed the penalty.
Aber were soon back on the attack and opened up a ten point lead with a cracking try. No. 8 Williams made the initial break before offloading to centre Stuart Davies who went over wide out.
The game was put out of Cardigan's reach when Aber took a quick penalty and James Padgett crashed over for a try with barely two minutes remaining.
Praising both sides Swansea referee Alan Jenkins said afterwards: "That was the best game I've been involved in for a very long time with the smallest penalty count I can remember."
Cardigan head coach Derek Burton missed the showdown as he and wife Cindy were on their way to Australia for a month's holiday.
Speaking exclusively to the Tivy-Side from Hong Kong after the game Burton said: "We didn't quite make it but the lads gave their all and you can't ask for more than that.
"It has been a tremendous effort by them throughout the season and I can assure you we will be back stronger than ever next season.
"I would also like to say a big thank you to the hundreds of supporters who cheered us all the way," he said.
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