Treherbert - 3

ABERGAVENNY returned to Bailey Park for the first time this year on Saturday, and also for the first time this year they finally recorded a much-needed result.

Coach Gary Lawrence revealed, "Our match against Treherbert was always going to be one of those must-win encounters. They're the rock-bottom side in Division Two East who have yet to record a win, and we definitely didn't want our scalp to be the first one they claimed this season.

"Losing to Treherbet would definitely not have spelt an end to our tenure in Division Two, but it would have applied the pressure and knocked our confidence quite badly going into the Six Nations lay-off.

"As it is, we won, and a few other results also went our way on Saturday, to move us safely above the relegation zone and give us a little bit of breathing space until we return to league action later this month."

In an incident filled 80 minutes, cynics would say the referee deserved the man of the match award for his impact on a game that saw an incredible 48 penalties awarded, and four Abergavenny players yellow carded.

However, in a scrappy stop and start affair Aber made sure of the win by scoring all 18 points in the first-half and standing resolute in defence throughout the second.

Lawrence told the Chronicle, "The game as a whole was definitely spoilt by the actions of the ref, who I would say was the worst I have ever seen in all my years of rugby. He gave a total of 28 penalties against us, and it wasn't because he was biased, it was just a case of him not being up to the job.

"In the last 40 minutes he pretty much ruined the game. It seemed throughout the first-half he was just getting up to speed, and come the second he really excelled himself and hit his stride."

Despite the advantage of playing with an extra man for the majority of the game, and having the lion's share of possession in the second-half, Treherbet failed to capitalise and couldn't add any points to their opening penalty kick.

In a solid team performance, Aber's points came from two penalties by Steve Lang, an unconverted try by winger Stuart Davies, who successfully ripped the ball from a Treherbet wing on the halfway line, and a try by forwards coach Gareth Taylor, converted by Lang.

Lawrence said, "Overall it was a good performance from all of the boys. I wouldn't say Treherbet played as a poor side, because for 30 minutes in the second-half they really came at us, but despite all their possession they never really looked like scoring. Our defence were really up for it on the day.

"My only regret is that we failed to build on our first-half lead and run away with the game, but I think the ref had other ideas at the time."

The Aber coach added, "I think special mention must also be made of forwards coach Gareth Taylor, who laced his boots up to give us some extra grit and provide an edge - which he did above and beyond the call of duty.

"Grant Harty, who is still not fully fit, had another great half-of-a-game at full-back. Our centres Stuart Davies and Jessie Nowers were also in fine form, and their partnership allowed Paul Cornock to move back from centre to number eight where he played really well."

An optimistic Lawrence concluded, "Saturday's win was just the tonic going into the break. Our next game is on February 21, away to a promotion chasing Llantrisant side, and after our result on Saturday and looking at the other results throught the division, in particular Brynmawr's shock 48-7 defeat at the hands of Abercynon who are lower than us in the league, you have to realise that with ten games to go and 50 points up for grabs anything is possible."