BATTLING both the weather and the disruption caused by the Autumn international fixtures to their domestic league, Abergavenny hosted an invitational Monmouthshire side at Bailey Park last Friday evening that had been postponed after the deluge of the week before made the pitch unplayable.

The game was organised as a tribute to Abergavenny second row, Steve Coles who has been battling a serious back injury since being injured at Croesyceiliog in January this year.

Coles has in excess of ten Monmouthshire County Caps and is a well-respected and recognised figure having played with several clubs throughout Gwent in over two decades of rugby.

The match was a welcome run out for the players from both sides. Monmouthshire were represented by players from Ebbw Vale, Cwmbran, Croesyceiliog, Caldicot, Pill Harriers, Blaina and others and all enjoyed a free and open game under the floodlights. More clubs would have contributed but had arranged their own fixtures on the night.

Abergavenny went into a 14-0 lead but two quick tries by the visitors brought the scores level. They were soon level again at 19 all before Aber pulled away to a 38-19 lead. Will Williams, Stuart Davies, Rudi Lewis, Ian Davies and Josh Hitchman were all prominent scorers.

A good mix of regular first team players and Quins were played with young Dan Bevan and Ryan Simmonds showing good form at this level.

The Monmouthshire pack tested the home eight throughout and paved their way back into the game with Aber hanging on to win the try-fest 54-53.

All players, supporters and committee at the club and throughout the Monmouthshire County set up wish Steve Coles the very best in his recovery.

Abergavenny travel to Tredegar Ironsides to resume Division Three East fixtures on Saturday. Kick off is 2.30pm.