Abergavenny RFC - 8

Caerleon RFC - 23

Second placed Caerleon visited Bailey park on Saturday looking for a victory to boost their chances of promotion and got exactly that.

Abergavenny were able to field a fairly settled side with only a few changes from the previous week.

Rhodri Webster returned at outside half, Garin Price came in on the wing and Owen Staphnill, Ieuan James and C J Woodhouse returned to the pack.

Caerleon immediately took the game to Abergavenny keeping the ball through numerous phases of play and stretching the home defence to breaking point.

After about ten minutes of sustained pressure the home defence was eventually breached when Caerleon moved the ball from one side of the field to the other and scored a fine converted try. Aber managed to put some sustained pressure on the visitors line and were eventually rewarded with a penalty, kicked by Webster.

From the restart Caerleon were straight back in the ascendancy and after once again showing good control and patience on the ball scored a second try, which alongside a penalty goal gave them a 3-15 lead at half time.

Abergavenny started the second half with more energy and purpose and began to play controlled and structured rugby, but slightly against the run of play Caerleon increased their lead with another try to make it 3-20 to the visitors.

This score seemed to urge the home side to greater efforts and for the remainder of the game Aber were the dominant side.

Prop Staphnil made a electric 40 yard break in midfield carried on by Matt Sevenoaks to within yards of the line quick ball and good hands enabled Ieuan James to score in the corner.

For the rest of the the game Abergavenny continued to pressurise the Caerleon line but resolute defence prevented any further score by the home side.

Caerleon completed the scoring with a well struck penalty goal to make it 8-23 at the end of play.

Abergavenny’s match day sponsor F R Ball insurers awarded man of the match to flanker Dan Beavan for his tenacious tackling .

On Saturday Aber are away to Croesyceiliog. All support would be very much appreciated.