Abergavenny RFC - 39

Abertyssswg RFC - 3

Abergavenny returned to league rugby after almost six weeks and wasted no time in putting Abertyssswg to the sword at Bailey park.

Aber fielded a fairly settled side with Jamie knight and Ryan Morgan joining skipper Gareth Williams in the front row, Fred Pursey and Mathew Price in the second row, and Dan Beavan, Dan Horler and Josh Hitchman in the back row.

Sam Phillips returned at scrum half with Rhodri Webster wearing the ten Jersey. Gareth Beavan returned to partner Matt Sevenoaks in the centre and the back three was made up of Will Williams, Dan Dunmore and Matt Edwards.

The game started in atrocious conditions with driving rain and a howling gale, so the chances of free flowing rugby were remote.

The home side began strongly, keeping the ball through several phases of play and putting Abertysswg under severe pressure. They were eventually rewarded with a try scored by Mathew Price, converted by Matt Edwards.

Aber continued to dominate their opponents and from a very well organised driving maul, captain Gareth Williams crossed for his team’s second try.

The scrummage has been a very potent attacking weapon for Aber this season and it was not long before they were awarded a scrum five and took full advantage to drive the away side back over their own line and win a penalty try.

Following a well executed line out drive, Josh Hitchman finished the half with a try to make it 24-3.

Due to injuries to the visiting front row, passive scrums were the play of the day in the second-half. This seemed to suit the away side more than Aber and for long periods at the beginning of the half Abertysswg put the home side under pressure.

Aber’s defence held firm and the introduction of replacements Owen Staphnil, Ieuan James and Paul Cornock beefed up the pack, with Nathan Byrne coming on the wing.

Aber’s forwards started to carry the ball with purpose and a terrific barnstorming carry from Fred Pursey resulted in Nathan Byrne crossing for a well worked try, soon followed by a try from Dan Dunmore .

The final score of the afternoon was started off by a tremendous carry from Abergavenny’s man of the match Josh Hitchman, which resulted in quick ball deep in the visitors’ 22. Prop Owen Staphnil scampered over to make it 39-3 to Abergavenny.

This Saturday Aber travel to Abertillery. All support will be appreciated.