ABERGAVENNY RFC's pre-season friendly against Gwernyfed at Bailey Park ended with a promising 27-15 victory for the home team.

Three thirds of 30 minutes were played, and the opening period saw Aber apply early pressure in the visitors' half.

However, slowly but surely the visitors secured a foothold in the game which culminated in a series of rucks and their first try from three yards out.

Straight from the restart a confident Gwernyfed fed through the hands for a well worked try and it remained 0-10 until the break.

The second period saw a complete change of personnel and Abergavenny resembled the side that finished last season. Some returning players in the shape of James 'Jivo' Harris at scrum half and Will Williams at wing added to the pace and experience.

Openside Tom Rees looked very lively around the park and Nick Gethin looked solid at tight head.

In a copy of Gwernyfed's first score, the pack laid the foundations on the try line before putting Will Williams over for a try.

After fine scavenging work at the breakdown, Tom Rees turned the ball over and fed Stuart Davies who burst upfield and weaved his way to the try line from 50 yards out to level the scores.

Aber's third try was a long range effort from Will Wlliams, who sprinted in from half way to make it 15-10.

The final portion of play saw Coach Mark Fleet gave all the boys a run out.

Aber extended their lead with a try after a loose ball was gathered by Stuart Davies, who ran in 75 yards unopposed.

The visitors bounced back and set up camp in Aber's 22. They were rewarded with a try following a mighty effort by the forwards.

In the last play of the game James Harris beat two defenders, and from a tackle five yards from the line, popped a pass to Tom Rees whose try was converted by Jack Flower for a 27-15 final score-line.

This Saturday Aber's First XV begin their Division Three East campaign in earnest with an away fixture at the home of Newport HSOB.

Meanwhile the Quins entertain Pill Harriers in the Newport and Pontypool District League.