Rhymney RFC - 27

Abergavenny RFC - 3

ABERGAVENNY started their new season in Division Three East with a whimper rather than a bang as they were duly dispatched by an unrelenting Rhymney.

Starting the game with an unconventional line-up due to the departure of key personnel in the summer, Aber played Ryan Williams at outside half and Stuart Davies at full back. Veteran Leighton Thomas had been pressed into service at outside centre. In the pack coach Tony Edwards started at Prop and Steve Coles on permit from Nantyglo began at lock.

Rhymney started strongly pegging Aber back on their try line but the visitors managed to clear their line through a knock on and a subsequent penalty from the resultant scrum.

From very early on it seemed the writing was on the wall for Aber. Despite the fine conditions Rhymney seemed content to keep the ball in the forwards and their driving style of play asked many questions of Aber's defence.

The stalemate was broken after 15 minutes with a penalty goal for Rhymney, followed by a fine individual try by Rhymney winger Chris Thew, who chipped into the goal area and won a foot race to score a converted try (10-0).

The spurred Aber into a purple patch of possession which took them deep into the Rhymney 22 with an attractive brand of handling and passing out of contact that may have kept the ball alive, but did little to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

It became clear that Aber lacked a recognised kicker and kickable options were spurned for quick tap penalties. Sadly all their efforts came to nought with handling errors gifting possession back to the home side.

Almost on the stroke of half-time Rhymney attacked from a scrum 30 yards out. Centre Simon Parry beat three tackles to score under the sticks for a seven pointer (17-3).

Aber began the second half strongly and Rhymney yielded many penalties within kicking range but Aber took the running option until a penalty was offered 10 yards in front of the posts. Stuart Davies took it with ease for Abers first points of the game (17-3).

Aber's growing frustration at Rhymney's style of play saw their passing become more fractious and through their exuberance to run the ball they created more errors.

Steve Coles at second row had a fine game in the tight as did Rhys Willard who was imperious in the lineout and work rate around the field. Tom Rees at openside limited further damage to Aber with his tireless running and tackling.

Aber had held firm until the final quarter when Rhymney sensed they could put the tie beyond doubt. The game returned to the forwards with the home side picking and driving at Aber's heart. From a five yard scrum the Rhymney number eight Dale Llewellyn picked and drove over (22-3).

The final nail was driven in by Rhymney outside centre who ghosted through the midfield and released the full back to score a well worked try. Final score 27-3.

On the plus side the set piece looked strong and with some key positions filled, Aber's game plan looks good. The tackle bags need a good dusting in training though.

Division Three East is a very competitive and unforgiving place and hopefully there will be a backlash at Bailey Park next Saturday against a newly-promoted Abertillery side.

kick off is at 2.30pm.