Abergavenny RFC - 10

Talywain RFC - 18

Abergavenny, under the guidance of new coaches Gareth Betts, Mathew Price, and Gareth Groves entertained Talywain at Bailey park in the first league game of the season.

Aber were able to field most of the side that played last season. Jamie knight, Gareth Williams and Ryan Morgan were up front, Dan Morris and Dan Horler in the second row, Rudi Lewis, Ieuan James and Josh Davies in the back row, Rob Connick and Rhod Webster at half backs, and Gareth Beavan and Dan Smith renewed their old centre partnership. Dan Cox, Dan Dunmore and Garin Price made up the back three.

The home side started the game playing with much confidence, keeping the ball for long periods and putting Talywain under pressure, but the away side’s defence held firm and somewhat against the run of play took the lead with two penalties.

Aber went straight back on the attack and were starting to stretch the away side but a speculative pass was intercepted by the Talywain winger who out paced the defence to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Abergavenny leaked a further try when missed tackles in midfield allowed the visitor’s center to score under the posts, converted, to give them a 18-0 lead.

Despite showing more urgency and aggression, Aber’s only reward before half-time was a penalty by Rhodri Webster, 3-18.

The second half started similar to the first with the home side controlling the ball for long periods. Aber were eventually rewarded with a try by scrum half Rob Connick, converted by Webster.

The home side were well on top now and tried to up the tempo of the game but continuous injuries to the away side slowed the game down which suited Talywain more so than the home team.

Aber now rang the changes with Ryan Joyce, Luke Wright, Will Williams, Kole Parott and Dan Beavan coming off the bench.

With fresh legs Genny threw everything into attack but were unable to add to their score before the ref blew the final whistle at a very wet and windy Bailey park.

Next week Aber are away to Blackwood who have recently been relegated from division one.

Hollybush RFC - 3

Crickhowell RFC - 11

A regenerated Crickhowell RFC began their league campaign this season in fine form with an away win over Hollybush RFC.

The pouring rain did neither side any favours and the slippery ball resulted in many handling errors from both teams.

Hollybush opened the scoring after ten minutes with a penalty but Crickhowell’s Leon Rees levelled the score soon afterwards following an infringement at the lineout.

The first half ended 3-3, with Crickhowell’s defence solidly resisting sustained pressure on their line from the strong Hollybush pack.

In the second half, the pace changed following Lewis Logan’s hand-off which cleared the way for a surge forward. An intelligent kick ahead and the resultant penalty saw Andy Nicholls cross the line for the only try of the game. It was unconverted but Leon Rees later added a further three points to his tally with a fine touch-line penalty. The game ended with Crickhowell again successfully defending their line.

This Saturday sees Crickhowell in action on their home ground of Parc Broyd against Cwmcarn United RFC.