DESPITE a rather lacklustre game to round off 2016, Crickhowell RFC nevertheless managed to secure a win against Abersychan Alexanders on Saturday.

Crick took an early lead with a penalty from the boot of Leon Rees. Abersychan were quick to respond, however, and their powerful pack, who created problems for a depleted Crickhowell scrum all afternoon, powered their way over the whitewash for an unconverted try.

Leon Rees took the visitors into a one-point with another penalty before the elusive and strong-running Ryan James once again proved his worth with a try near the posts. Rees again converted.

A rather jaded Crickhowell performance saw just three points in the second half, again from Rees.

With a top-of-the-table clash against Tredegar RFC to begin the new year at Parc Broyd, Crickhowell will need go easy on the mince pies and sherry if they are to produce the form which has been their hallmark thus far.

On a positive note, they have the honour of the Christmas number one spot in WRU League 3 East Division.