Garndiffaith RFC - 52

AN injury plagued Abergavenny failed to find a cure for the crippling disease of defeat when they chalked up their sixth straight loss in a row at the home of Garndiffaith.

Sitting second in Division Three East, the 'Garn' are gunning for promotion and were well up for the game.

Steve Coles began at prop shifting from the second row with Alex Gethin and Rhys Willard at lock. Young John Paxton began at scrum half and Stuart Davies started at number ten.

Another new centre partnership of Ed Davies and Nathan Byrne started with a back three of Andy Watson and Ryan Williams on the wings and Sandy Aitken at full back.

The game began at pace on a bone hard pitch with handling mistakes from both sides frustrating supporters.

Although Garn drew first blood with a penalty, Aber bounced back soon after the restart when the ball was shipped out to Stuart Davies who cut back inside and then sprinted over in the corner to take the lead (3-5).

Davies was back in action again when he chipped the ball into the Garn's 22. A favourable bounce and an excellent chase by Paxton saw the ball fall into his hands as he ran in unopposed for a try converted by Ryan Williams (3-12).

Aber were now buoyant and had the home side on the back foot as they continued to attack from all angles. Aitken made a mazy run from deep linking with Paxton who was brought down short of the line.

The Garn reduced the deficit from a first phase attack through a line-out to score in the corner (8-12).

This seemed to rally the home side who grew in confidence and began to play with more urgency.

As a result the Garn scored a further two tries before half time, mainly due to their giant inside centre Alan Scammell who gave the visiting defence a torrid time.

A resurgent Garn began the second half on top and a penalty kick consolidated their lead (25-12).

Aber's woe grew further when their talisman Stuart Davies fell awkwardly in a collapsed maul and sustained what was feared to be a serious neck injury.

The game was suspended until medical help arrived in the form the Air Ambulance who air lifted Davies to The Heath Hospital. He has since been discharged, fortunately without serious injury. Credit must go to the dedication and expertise of Aber's qualified paramedic Des Hughes, for his rapid response and appraisal of the situation.

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, Josh Hitchman was moved out to the centre and Ryan Williams filled in at outside half but the loss of their vice captain took the wind out of Aber's sails and the Garn scored immediately after the restart (30-12).

Aber steadied the ship briefly and Aitken ran the ball again from the 22 to the halfway line to set up an attack. The forwards took up the challenge and through a line out and succession of rucks, Frank James burrowed over (30-17).

This try however signalled the end of Aber's resistance and the opening of the flood gates as the Garn scored four more tries to ensure a crushing final score of 53-17.

With three games remaining and a point of pride to salvage, Aber entertain Newport HSOB next Saturday at Bailey Park with a 2.30pm kick-off.