Fleur De Lys RFC - 22

Abergavenny RFC - 15

ABERGAVENNY were left reeling with the bitter blow of their first defeat of the season on Saturday after gifting the game to Fleur De Lys on a plate of errors served up with a generous side portion of sloppiness and spills.

Fielding a side that was missing Captain Gareth Williams and James Williams, but was otherwise more or less the side that had comfortably defeated Croesy the previous week, high hopes were expected from this Division Three East encounter.

In the opening salvo, a low scoring affair looked apparent with the two defences nullifying one another.

However, Fleur broke the deadlock when a speculative kick to the corner seemed to have been covered by Aber wing Ian Davies.

Somewhat freakishly, Davies somehow stumbled and somersaulted, and the ball which was locked between his ankles, popped up and straight into the welcoming arms of the Fleur wing, who had only to fall over the line.

A superb conversion from the touchline assisted by a strong cross field wind allowed Fleur a 7-0 lead at the break.

The forwards, as last week, dominated the scrum, but lost their lineout accuracy and this could be down to missing the precision of their hooker Captain.

Time and again Aber had excellent field positions within five yards of the try line, only to lose good ball and find themselves forty yards downfield.

Fleur scored another try following a charge down kick from Haymond. This was followed soon after by a Penalty to take their lead to 15-0.

Things were looking bleak for Aber as number eight Paul Cornock had to be replaced following a nasty bang to the face.

However, if there's one thing Aber have learnt this season it is how to score tries.

Several phases of driving and ball retention combined with sniping runs from the backs took Leighton Thomas down the wing where he popped the ball inside for a supporting Ian Davies to score and make amends for his earlier acrobatic stunt.

Leighton Thomas was later carried off with an ankle injury and at the same time there was worries over half back Danny Haymond with a shoulder injury (possible stinger) following a tackle. He soldiered on however but was carrying his arm.

Aber always look dangerous with ball in hand and it wasn't long before other wing Tom MacPherson, who looked the fastest player on the park, scored in the corner to make it 15-10.

Almost immediately Aber went to sleep again. This time a spilt ball on their own throw five yards out gifted the Fleur No 7 a try. This was converted to leave Aber trailing 22-10.

With only five or so minutes left all seemed lost.

However, Aber attacked deep and from a lineout on the Fleur line, Haymond dropped a high pass behind him to a loud sigh from the supporters, but then out of nothing with the defence approaching he gathered and ghosted past them for a try near the posts. Alas the conversion was missed.

Minutes remained but Aber sensing they could snatch a draw retained the ball in phase after phase of attack only to spill the ball into touch for the final whistle.

Aber will now look to address the issues that reared their ugly head in the Fleur fixture and build on the rude health of their attacking game when they return to Bailey Park for what they hope will be a successful showdown against Nelson this Saturday.

Usk RFC - 40

Brynithel RFC - 13

USK bounced back from last week's disappointing defeat to Blaenavon by going to town on Brynithel and in doing so move to second place in the Division Five East table.

Brynithel, who had dropped down from Division Four this season harbour ambitions to rocket straight back up, so a tough encounter was on the cards.

Usk started again at breakneck speed opening up the scoring early with Richard Davies crossing for a superb unconverted try in the corner.

Brynithel responded quickly with a penalty just outside the 22. Usk again attacked with a ruck in the Brynithel half which saw Rob Siddons turn the ball over for an excellent break, with good support play to put John Green in the corner.

With the score at 10-3 Usk had to maintain the pressure and bear in mind the lessons learnt from last week.

Usk's man Of The match Andy Peggington made an interception and a darting run to find Emlyn Jones in good support to score a try in the corner.

Brynithel responded with a try of their own, but Usk kept their heads up and were awarded a penalty which Tom Parry slotted over.

With the half time score at 21-10 Usk were looking to consolidate their lead, but it was Brynithel who got the first points off the second half with a penalty.

With the nightmare possibility of a repeat of last week's game fresh in their minds, Usk upped the ante and made sure those three points were the only ones Brynithel were to put in the bag for the remaining 40 minutes.

A try from Craig Payne, a second from Emlyn Jones, and one from the ever present Andy Peggington which was converted by John Green ensured that the day belonged to Usk.

A big mention must go out to the Usk defence especially Andy Farrell who's tackling was excellent.

A confident and promotion-hungry Usk showed a real determination for the win and didn't pull any punches.

Usk host Hartridge next week in the first round of the SWALEC Bowl where they will look to add to their league form.

 

Crickhowell RFC - 18

St Josephs RFC - 26

WHILST still struggling with an injury list that has seriously depleted the squad, Crickhowell (pictured) showed improved form in Saturday's defeat to St Josephs at Parc Broyd.

With several first choice players still recovering, the start of the season has not been the best for the club, but the players who have stepped into the breach, pushed St Josephs to the limit and were somewhat unlucky to lose out 26 points to 18 at the final whistle.

In fact with better discipline the result would have given Crickhowell their first victory of the season - as it was the high penalty count cost Crickhowell the game.

The points were scored by Hooker Tom Powell, together with a fine kicking display from stand in outside half and club stalwart Mathew Sneade who converted the try and several penalties.

The home pack probably gave the best display of the season and again were well led by Captain James Webb who always gives 110 percent.

The return of line out specialist Tom Payne also ensured that the set piece went well.

Unfortunately once again basic errors prevented this good ball being used to secure what would have been a deserved victory

Whilst the side are inevitably feeling down at the moment after their worst start to a season in many a year, Coach Mark Hughes feels that when they can eventually field their best side they will recover lost ground and start climbing the Division Six South East table.