Lampeter entertained their neighbours from Ceredigion Newcastle Emlyn in what was expected to be a keenly contested local derby for the first game of the new campaign with the day being Sponsored by the outgoing President Gwyn “ Carpets “ Lewis.

This is Lampeters fourth year now at this level and following last Seasons poor start to the season when they lost their first six games of the season, the home supporters were looking forward to hopefully a brighter start to this campaign.

Well, they were not to be disappointed, with Lampeter creating some form of history in defeating their opponents.

Firstly, it is the first time they have defeated Newcastle Emlyn in a league encounter having lost both games last Season, and secondly it is the first time in over 4 years since Lampeter have managed to secure an opening day victory in the league, the last one being against Loughor who are now riding high in Division one.

The home side started strongly with the pack in exceptional form, looking strong and powerful up front.They won four strikes against the head in the early exchanges and this pressure paid off when Huw Thomas slotted over a penalty from close range.

The visitors slowly found their way in to the game and looked threatening when their backs had the ball, but the well organised Lampeter defence were up to the task and were able to stifle any threatening attacks.

Thomas then extended the home sides advantage with another penalty before kicking a superb drop goal just before the interval to give his side a deserved nine point lead at the interval.

The visitors now playing with the help of the cross wind started the second half brightly and had it not been for a try saving tackle by full back Jason Thomas on his own line then they would have reduced the deficit to just four points.

This was to prove a crucial moment in the game for not only did they manage to clear their lines but they then extended their lead when again Fly half Thomas kicked a penalty.

Emlyns player coach, Huw Evans did reduce the deficit with a penalty of his own but the turning point of the afternoon came when an attempted drop goal by Lampeters Huw Thomas hit the upright and bounced towards the advancing Aled Morgan on the far wing.

The winger looked as if he was about to control the ball over the Emlyn try line only to be pulled back by his opposing winger and referee Phil Evans had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which Thomas converted.

With almost a quarter of the game still to go, Lampeter were scenting victory.What was also clear for everyone to see that the pre season training campaign under the coaching team of Neil Evans, Keith Thomas, and fitness Coach Paul Jones, seemed to be paying dividends with the home side looking the stronger.

In the past, Lampeter have been guilty of losing games late in to the game and this is certainly an aspect of play the squad have been working on in the close season.

Whilst Lampeters domination in the scrums had been stemmed by replacements off the Emlyn bench, they continued to press forward and following a clever kick forward by fly half Thomas, they were awarded a five yard scrum.

From the ensuing scrum, it was scrum half Joe Thomas, making a very welcome return to first team duty who scored from close range, again ensuring a comfortable conversion.

The final score of the game, which gave his side a 29-3 victory fittingly went to the home fly half, Huw Thomas, who bagged nineteen points on the day to cap an all round excellent display by this youngster who seems to be improving each season.

The front five under the captaincy this season of Prop John Rhys Jones were outstanding, all afternoon with the average age being approx 24.Whilst the back row of Aled Thomas, Llion Russell and Dylan Davies had a quiet game in the loose, their tackling and work on the floor was superb.

Captain John Rhys was full of praise for his side and commented “ I am delighted with this win and it is just reward for all the hard work that has gone on since the end of last season.I am really looking forward to the year ahead especially with the youngsters that are now coming through who are full of enthusiasm and potential”

As for the visitors from Newcastle Emlyn, they were well beaten on the day but I am sure they will bounce back strongly as the season progresses.They certainly have the capability in the squad to bounce back from this early defeat.