Abergavenny RFC - 38 Cilfynyd RFC - 19

IN a bottom of the table and must-win clash, Aber did well to record a result at Bailey Park against a visiting Cilfynyd outfit. On a bright and very pleasant afternoon, with both teams looking for a much needed win, Abergavenny set out from minute one with the intention of using the dry conditions to show that their league position was unwarranted. From the kick-off, the ball was taken cleanly and immediately Abergavenny put together several phases ending with a penalty conceded by the away side on the 22 metre line. The penalty was converted by captain Rhodri Webster, setting the tone for the first half. Shortly after, a loose kick by Cilfynyd was collected by Stuart Davies, who set off on a counter attack. After beating the first three defenders he released to centre Joe Evans who In turn, held the defence and passed with perfect timing to Dan Dunmore who cut a lovely line off the wing and strolled unopposed to score under the posts. The try was converted by Webster. Abergavenny were well on top at this point and playing with great confidence. The entire team were enjoying the open game and it was not long before the second try came about. Stuart Davies this time entered the line at speed and sliced through the defence, once again scoring under the posts and making the conversion easier for Webster. Cilfynyd then started to enjoy some possession and never lost sight of the fact that they wanted to score tries and remain in the game. During this period however, a loose pass was picked up by centre Gareth Beavan who ran 60 metres to score in the corner despite the efforts of covering defenders. The try went unconverted but a further two penalties by Webster took Abergavenny's total to 28 points. Throughout the second half of the game several yellow cards were brandished by the referee and the game became quite loose and unorganised. Cilfynyd never gave up and scored three tries of their own with one try converted. Abergavenny never looked like losing their first half advantage and were rewarded with a fourth, and bonus point try late on in the game. The tireless Josh Davies supporting play to take the ball 22 metres out and sidestepping the full back before swallow-diving under the posts. The try was again converted by Webster, taking his points tally for the day to 18 points. The final score of 38 – 19, was well deserved by an Abergavenny side that are far better than their league position suggests.