With Hailey Park better suited to local ducks than a game of rugby, the match was moved to the 3G pitch at the University Fields - and on a wide artificial surface the Warriors made an immediate impression.

Luca opened the scoring early with a fine try, Jay adding the conversion, and the wide pitch was already suiting the Warriors' game. Charlie crossed next, Jay converting again, and Whitchurch went into the break 14-0 ahead and looking in control. Aberdare, though, were far from done.

The second half was a different game entirely. Aberdare came out with real intensity - their forwards dominated the scrum and their backs ran with purpose - and they turned the match on its head in devastating fashion, reeling off four tries in quick succession to lead 24-14. Whitchurch looked out of sorts: forwards not working in pods, ball barely reaching the backs, and the Warriors chasing shadows they'd spent the first half creating.

But they kept fighting. Ollie P crashed over to make it 19-24, then Luca scored his second to flip the lead back to Whitchurch at 26-24. Aberdare hit back immediately with a converted try to go back in front at 31-26, and with the clock running down it looked like the game was gone.

It wasn't. With the last play of the match Whitchurch won a scrum, moved the ball, and Luca completed his hat-trick right under the posts. Jacob - cool as you like - stepped up and slotted the conversion to seal a very scrappy but very hard-earned 33-31 win.

Massive thanks to Aberdare for a brilliant game - we look forward to the next one. 🖤🤍