The first of many Ceredigion derby matches in Division Three West this season proved to be one that supporters will quickly forget as neither side displayed the craft or guile necessary to cross for a try last weekend, writes Andrew Clarke.
Lampeter deserved their win, and enjoyed the greater share of possession through their more powerful and streetwise pack. The hosts spent most of the opening half camped in opposition territory, but they could not find a way past a resilient and well-organised Cardigan defence.
The home side, under the leadership of new captain Gary Davies, started strongly against a very youthful looking Cardigan side, ably led by their captain and number eight Colin Davies.
The insistence of the visitors to give the ball away at the tackle area, and on their own throw into the line outs, meant that they were forced to live off scraps most of the game, and these are crucial areas for coaches Adrian Varney and Derek Burton to work on in the next few months.
To their credit, Cardigan were without four of their best players from last season, in scrum half Dylan Rees, outside half Phil Leighton, burly prop Barry Davies and tearaway flanker Dylan Davies, and indeed they were sorely missed.
The hosts were without playmaker Huw Thomas, but standoff Jon Evans did as fine job running the show behind the pack that provided an excellent platform for inside half Llyr Jones.
In complete contrast, visiting scrum half Mike Diggle was given a torrid time and his afternoon was rounded off miserably when he was shown the red card for kicking out at an opponent.
This came on the hour, and at a time when the Cardis had just been awarded a penalty within range of the posts, following one of their best spells of the game. Diggle strolled off with his head down and with the disapproval of the coaches ringing in his ears. With him went any chance of a come back and an unlikely win.
Lampeter opened their account after 12 minutes when outside half Evans chipped over a drop goal after a period of sustained pressure, and further points followed as Cardigan were forced to concede penalties under pressure.
Evans kicked two penalties to take Lampeter ahead by 9-0, and the home side went very close to scoring a couple of tries, through winger Lee Lloyd and back rower Aled Thomas.
The second half followed a similar pattern, although Cardigan came back with breaks by skipper and outstanding Number 8 Davies, open side Nigel Kurys and winger Marcus Heighton.
However, their chances of stealing the match were put to bed when Diggle was sent packing to the changing room for a moment of madness, and despite a very brave effort by Cardigan, Lampeter never looked in any real danger.
Lampeter were reasonably happy, with an encouraging display by second row Chris Walters, and an assured performance by Jonathan Evans in his less accustomed position of fly half.
As for the visitors, on the evidence of this performance, they have the ability, character and know how to ensure they should have a successful campaign in Division Three West, providing some of their key players keep free of injury.
Lampeter can now look forward to another one of those other mouth-watering games, when they entertain Aberystwyth at home on Saturday, whilst Cardigan will also entertain familiar opposition when they take on Llanybydder.

Report kindly written by John 'Harlech' Jones