Bridgend 'B' - 6

ABERGAVENNY travelled to Bridgend for their opening game of the season knowing that getting even a point against a physical and strong Bridgend side would be a good place to begin.

Bridgend won the pushback and immediately tried to put pressure on the Abergavenny backs by trying to dribble half the length of the pitch.

However, this unusual tactic proved unsuccessful and they were soon tackled.

The two sides continued to exchange blows and Bridgend were kept at bay for the first 20 minutes following great defending from Alex Morgan, Geraint Davies and Dilwyn Thomas.

Unfortunately it was Bridgend who got the first breakthrough – the Bridgend striker scoring with a reverse stick flick past the stranded goalkeeper Luke Rees.

With Captain Tom O'Leary sitting deep he decided to change tactics and play Anthony Clements in a more advanced role.

This switch soon paid off as Abergavenny played some excellent hockey which saw Huw Davies burst down the wing and square to Anthony Clements who finished confidently from just inside the D.

The presence of Kevin Phillips sitting in front of the defence breaking up many Bridgend attacks allowed Abergavenny the room to pass the ball freely in the midfield and fully utilise the pace of Alex Mac, Chris Bu and Huw Davies on the wings.

This again proved effective with Clements able to score his second of the day just before half time and give Abergavenny a 2-1 lead going into the break.

The second half started just as frantically as the first and it wasn't long before Bridgend pulled themselves level following some precise passing.

Bridgend then pulled in front of Abergavenny with a couple of well taken short corners, and with 20 minutes to go were winning 4-2.

As Bridgend began to sit back thinking they had the game won Abergavenny found a new lease of life. And after some champagne hockey involving the majority of the team, Rhys Hewinson, released by Phillips, had a reverse stick shot saved by the keeper.

However, the ball fell to Clements who made no mistake from six yards for his third of the game.

First game of the season fitness, or lack of, then began to show for Abergavenny – some tired tackling allowed the Bridgend striker a clear strike on goal which was stopped by the foot of Alex Morgan.

A penalty flick was correctly awarded and the Bridgend striker showed no hesitation in slotting past the goalkeeper.

With Abergavenny 5-3 down with just a few minutes to go, Bridgend again broke through the Abergavenny backline and hit their sixth of the afternoon.

Abergavenny played very well given their new approach of passing hockey and against a lesser side will surely be rewarded with three points.

Next week sees Abergavenny's first home game of the season against early league leaders Brecon, with a 2pm start at King Henry School.