Abergavenny RFC - 17

Pontypool United RFC - 14

IN the wake of a dispiriting string of games, Abergavenny bounced back at Bailey Park with a spring in their step and produced a gutsy defensive performance to secure a confidence boosting win over Pontypool United.

Their front row of Frank James (loose-head) Owen Staphnil (hooker) and Brian Wright (tight-head), who returned after half a season off with an Achilles injury, laid the foundations for a solid Aber performance against their heavier and more experienced counterparts.

In a much improved defensive display, Aber thwarted the ball carriers of the visitors, and used this as a platform to ensure strike runners ran at spaces not faces.

Aber opened their account three minutes in when speedster Will Williams gathered in midfield and attacked the visitors broken defensive line. The young dynamo stepped past the first two defenders and then burst through midfield to release captain Stuart Davies in support on the outside, who cantered in to score, 5-0.

United reduced the deficit to two points soon after with a penalty from the 22 yard line.

Aber continued to attack with a well worked try after a good forward drive took play deep into the visitors 22. James Harris at scrum half sprayed the ball to the narrow side and Stuart Davies fed Frank James who popped up on the wing to cross from five yards into the corner, 10-3.

A reshuffled pack saw Dean Thomas at open-side replacing injured Tom Rees (torn bicep). Jack Flower was at outside half with New Zealand import Caleb Gray at inside centre inside Captain Davies. Joe Powell and Will Williams were wingers with Ryan Williams Full Back.

United clawed back another three points from a penalty, 10-6, before a fine individual try from Davies extended the lead further. Receiving the ball midfield on the visitors 10 yard line he burst through the defence like a bull and out paced the the initial would be tacklers. Covering defenders caught him five yards short but he had the strength to carry them over with him for a try converted by James Harris, for a half time score of 17-6.

The visitors began the second half with vigor and driving play through their pack yielded another penalty, 17-9.

Despite having the majority of possession and territory, Aber found it difficult to score the elusive fourth try which could have given them a bonus point victory.

United also lost a forward to the sin bin for indiscipline and still Aber could not capitalise as the game became rather scrappy.

In the final quarter Aber lost substitute flanker Jonathan Hockey who was pinged for not releasing. This spurred the visitors on and they increased their efforts on the home try line significantly and were eventually rewarded with a try in the corner, 17-14.

Aber held on to earn a much welcomed victory and move slowly up the table as a result.

Next Saturday Aber travel to Risca with a 2.30pm kick-off.

Elsewhere, Aber's Youth team registered a 40-20 home victory against Rhymney on the weekend and look forward to the first round of the Welsh Youth Web Ellis cup at Bailey Park on Saturday , October 29 when they entertain Mumbles Youth.

This is the first occasion the club's Youth side have qualified for the tournament in 15 years and will be looking for plenty of support on the day. So make sure you're there in time for the 2.30pm kick-off. There will be a Karaoke at the clubhouse post match for players and supporters.