Abergavenny RFC - 23

Nantyglo RFC - 6

AFTER a gap of nearly three years, the Ben Francis cup has been resurrected and Abergavenny returned to the competition in fine style with a comprehensive win over near neighbours Nantyglo.

Abergavenny took this opportunity to try a few new combinations in the side with former captain Gareth Williams joining Owen Staphnil and Ryan Morgan in the front row.

Dan Holler joined Luke Williams and formed a new second row partnership. Mark Squirel returned at number eight, flanked by Dan Beavan and C J Woodhouse.

Rob Connick had the number nine jersey with Lewis Evans at ten deputising for the injured Rhodri Webster. Stuart Davies and James Spooner teamed up in the centre for the first time this season and the back three comprised of Dan Dunmore, Nathan Byrne and Tom Eales.

The home side started the game playing with more control and composure than in recent weeks, retaining the ball through numerous phases.

From the first scrum of the game Abergavenny showed Nantyglo that they were in for a tough night in that department by pushing them clean off their own ball.

Against the run of play Abergavenny conceded a penalty which was converted by Nantyglo.

The Clarets responded by putting Nantyglo under a serious amount of pressure and after three close range scrummages, Rob Connick scored an unconverted try for the home side.

However, more poor discipline from Abergavenny, resulted in Nantyglo kicking another penalty. Aber finished the first half with a very well struck penalty by Lewis Evans to leave the score 8-6 to the home team.

In the second half, the clarets attacked and run the ball at every opportunity After an excellent sequence of play with the ball passing through several pairs of hands, second row Dan Holler put a neat grubber kick through which Dan Dunmore pounced on to score.

From further pressure on the Nantyglo line Abergavenny were awarded a penalty which Lewis Evans kicked to give Abergavenny a 16-6 lead.

The home side were well and truly on top and with the last move of the game Stuart Davies scored a try under the post, converted by Evans to give Aber a well-deserved 23-6 victory.

This was a far better performance from Abergavenny and hopefully this will give this young side confidence going into the second half of the season.

This Friday evening, Aber are at home to Rogerstone with a 7.15pm kick off.