Abergavenny Ladies RFC - 5

Nantyffylon Ladies RFC - 5

NANTYFFYLON travelled to Abergavenny on Sunday to play the newly formed Abergavenny Ladies RFC. Dreadful weather has resulted in Aber Ladies having several fixtures cancelled and unfortunately after a relatively dry morning, 30 minutes before kick off, normal service resumed and the heavens opened.

Nantyfyllon travelled with only 12 players but in the true spirit of the game, Jackie Lewis and Kate Allen stepped up to increase their numbers and a competitive game was played.

Abergavenny started the game with Lisa Hancock, Melissa 'Growler' Sharp and Gemma Harris in the front row, Lindsey Lewis Evans and Jodie Fleet in the second row and Carly Morgan and Captain, Zara Rogers having to do without Jordan Sharp in the back row because of Nantyfyllon's shortage of players. 

Behind, the half backs were Kelly Pearson and Courtney Sharp, Kate Cleaton and Kim Brown on the wings, the now regular pairing of Alex Clarke and Jade Hanbury in the centre and Chanice Morris at full back. On the bench were Jordan Sharp, Stacey Warner, Delyth Jones, Julie Shaw and Justine Morris.

With conditions atrocious and handling difficult, Abergavenny defended their line for the first 15 minutes of the game, Nantyfyllon showing the experience and power of their players, particularly their number eight, who carried through phase after phase. Under the circumstances Abergavenny's defence stood strong but eventually under extreme pressure, the Nanty eight barged over for an unconverted try.

This seemed to spur both Aber's attack and defence into action. Although their back line looked sharp, the conditions weren't conducive for open running play. Controlled from the base by experienced scrum half Kelly Pearson, the forwards carried well making the hard yards with Carly Morgan, Zara Rogers and Gemma Harris leading from the front. 

The Abergavenny defence was ferocious with Courtney Sharp, Alex Clarke and Jade Hanbury making huge tackles and hitting the opposition backwards in the contact (for those out there sceptical about the women's game, come and watch this side, the contact and commitment is as physical as the mens game.) The ferocity of the contact resulted in both the Nanty eight and Pearson being sidelined.

Changes before half time reunited Morgan and Rogers with Jordan Sharp. Jordan Sharp adds another dimension to the back row, and with two natural flankers on the field, Abegavenny took more control of the breakdown. Close to half time, ever present Carly Morgan broke from a maul and rapidly made ground past the defending winger into the Nanty half. For a moment it looked like she was away, but for a superb cover tackle from a Nanty back.

In the second half, Aber began to dominate possession and field position, Lisa Hancock, Lindsay Evans and Jodie Fleet all doing well to control the breakdown area; hooker Mel Sharp in particular seemed to be everywhere, making ground with ball in hand and making tackle after tackle.  

Stacy Warner had been brought on for the injured Pearson, and this provided Abergavenny with a talented positional kicking option. Aber were rarely able to release their back line enough, but when they did they the wings Kim Brown, Kate Cleaton and full back Chanice Morris made good ground.

Following several phases of play, talented centre Alex Clarke went outside the defence, and backed her pace to run half the length of the pitch and score in the corner. Abergavenny kicker Stacey Warner conversion from the touchline was just short. 

With tired legs, Abergavenny rung the changes bringing on regular Justine Ford and Delyth Jones and Julie Shaw, both playing their first games. Particular mention must be made for Julie Shaw making her first appearance at 49.

Abergavenny had several opportunities to finish the game but the conditions were against them and a 5-5 draw was probably a fair result; Nantyfyllon coaches deservedly awarded forward of the match to Mel Sharp and back to Alex Clarke.

Abergavenny Ladies would like to give thanks firstly to Richard Horner of Abergavenny Taxis for his ongoing support and sponsorship of the team kit, also to Clive Ryder for his assistance with coaching and to their supporters for once again turning out in large numbers on a dreadful day.