Wizards hold on to cast cup spell over city slickers

Feb 18 2008 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

Aberavon 30-23 Cardiff

ABERAVON completed a memorable double by knocking out last season’s runners-up, having eliminated the holders Llandovery in the previous round.

Before the match, Aberavon coach Simon King had stated, “To progress in any cup competition at some time you have to play against the top sides. This is no different.”

And, after winning, he added, “Cardiff are a good side, but work ethic and guts took us through. We also showed our intent to play an open style.”

Cardiff coach Justin Burnell admitted that Aberavon is not a happy hunting ground for his club.

“We are still at the point of measuring just where we are at,” he said.

“We are bitterly disappointed with the result, but, despite injuries and absences, you have to put up with it and go out and win.”

Cardiff led 8-5 after 19 minutes, but the result hardly looked in doubt as it was 13-13 at the interval.

When Wizards wing Steve Davies notched his second, and Aberavon’s fourth, try in the 78th minute it was 30-16 and seemingly game over.

But referee Hugh Watkins then found 10 minutes of injury time, in which Cardiff hooker Ross Johnston scored and Davies became the third player sin-binned. But the Wizards stood firm.

Aberavon: Tries – S Davies (2), C Davies, C Morgans; cons – J Davies (2); pens – J Davies (2)

Cardiff: Tries – D Welch, R Davies, R Johnston; con – C Evans; pens – Evans (2)