Abergavenny - 41

Brynmawr - 10

A VISITING Brynmawr outfit felt the bitter backlash from Aber's disappointment in their previous weekend's capitulation to Pontypool Utd.

There was much soul searching and blunt words exchanged amongst the Aber squad after the last game and there was a steely determination to make amends. This they did with a seven try rout of local neighbours Brynmawr.

Aber's game was much sharper and focused on taking advantage of possession and seeking territory and good field position to build upon. At the same time the thirst for attacking rugby was evident through patient awareness, good ball skills and support play.

Aber made their only change from the previous week's line-up and welcomed back Frank 'the tank' James at tight head who had a fine last season and was high up on the try scorer's table.

Supporters only had to wait two minutes for the first try with Josh Hitchman exploding into the game from the kick off and driving 40 yards up the centre of the field. After a few phases he was rewarded with a try converted by outside half Rhodri Webster, 7-0.

James Spooner at scrum half added a try ten minutes later reminiscent of the classic Rob Howley try for Cardiff a decade ago when he gathered a loose kick 10 yards inside his own half and pinned his ears back and ran hard and straight down the touchline, backing himself against the defence with his deceptively fast running and diving into the corner for a great solo effort, 12-0.

Good support running from full back Ryan Williams was rewarded with the third as the backs inter-passed up the field and Williams running in from 30 yards with the final pass, converted by Webster, 19-0.

Two further tries within ten minutes from Stuart Davies and Captain Tom Rees sealed a very pleasing first half score of 29-0 to the home side.

Seconds from the half time whistle hooker Gareth Williams received a yellow card and the second half began with Aber a man short. The necessary substitution for front row cover was made with number eight Paul Cornock being sacrificed for the sin bin period.

Aber were in a similar position last week but they were not about to throw this lead away, despite the efforts of the visitors who sensing a large defeat on the cards, increased their efforts and put Aber under pressure for long periods, eventually being rewarded with a try after 15 minutes of the second half.

Aber responded and a hack through and chase by Stuart Davies which saw him win the race to ground the ball for a try converted by Webster, 36-5.

The visitors responded with another try before the final score by wing Will Williams brought the game to a close, 41-10 to Abergavenny.

The coaches will be pleased and relieved to see how the team responded from last week and they look forward to having to raise their game further to travel to take on a revitalised Caerphilly side next Saturday. Kick off is at 2.30pm.