ABERGAVENNY brought a memorable season to a spectacular climax by lifting the Ben Francis Cup after beating a spirited Tredegar Ironsides at Blackwood RFC. Ironsides, who will be rubbing shoulders with Aber next year after winning promotion from Division Four East, came out with all guns blazing in the opening minutes. But it was the experience and extra cutting edge of the Bailey Park men that proved the deciding factor, and Aber eventually claimed a comfortable victory. Outside-half James Didcote slotted over a 15th minute penalty to give Aber the lead, and five minutes later he hit a further penalty to extend the advantage. The claret and ambers began to exert their authority on the match, but against the run of play the Ironsides clawed their way back with a fortunate try on 27 minutes. Aber were penalised after attempting to counter attack from deep, and a chip ahead bounced kindly into the hands of Ironsides centre Lewis Protheroe who sent the jubilant Tredegar fans into raptures. But Aber were not prepared to be the victims of a cup shock and scrum half Rob McCormack used his guile to snipe through a gap in the defence and cross for the score, converted by Didcote, to give Aber a 13-5 lead at the interval. The second half burst into life as both teams sniffed glory, and the intensity of the match moved up another level. Ironsides were not going down without a fight and two penalties by centre Ryan Hill reduced the deficit to just two points with half an hour remaining. But entering the final quarter, it was the extra power of the Aber pack that began to take its toll on the younger Ironsides eight. The marauding back row, particularly the outstanding Steve Hamer, started to enjoy themselves as the game became stretched. Didcote added a couple of penalties to put Aber in the driving seat, and with 15 minutes left Aber finally extinguished Ironsides' fire when former Wales international Kenny Waters stormed over from close range. Didcote capped a man of the match performance with a sweetly struck drop goal late on to clinch victory and secure Aber's fourth Ben Francis Cup triumph. Team manager Richard Dixon said: "The players got their just rewards after working very hard this season and just missing out on promotion. Hopefully we can now build on this success next season. "We are happy with the current squad but are looking to attract some former players back to the club, and also develop players from the youth and the Quins." Aber have appointed powerhouse number eight Tony Edwards as the new forwards coach, and would be grateful for any help in running the Quins, assisting Mike Preedy. Abergavenny RFC has agreed a deal with 'Keepers Fit' fitness centre based at the back of Nevill Hall, and will be holding an open day on June 5 for all members of the club and their families from 4.30-6.30 pm. Members can join at reduced rates and the club will use the gym twice a week during the summer.