LAST Saturday all roads out of Abergavenny led to one destination - Llanharan.

For the first time in their 144 year history the claret and ambers were in with a shot of reaching a national cup final.

Prior to the match team selection had proved difficult for the coaches who had a full squad to pick from.

On the day, hooker Ieaun James captained the side, propped by Jay Adams and Matt Price. Coach Nathan Thomas joined Will Evans in the second row, and Dan Beavan, Rhys Dawe, and Josh Davies completed the pack.

Lewis Evans and Matty Sevenoaks were at half back, Rhod Webster and Joe Evans renewed their centre partnership, and James Lewis, Jacob Buttler, and Antony Squires filled the back three positions.

Aber began the game playing into the strong spring sun and Nantgaredig made good use of it by putting the ball in the air and keeping Aber pinned in their own half.

Their opponents’ speed and intensity caused Abergavenny a good few problems in the opening quarter and they soon found themselves on the wrong side of the officials, conceding several penalties, one of which was kicked by Nant’s winger to give them a 3-0 lead.

From the restart Aber managed to get a foothold in Nantgaredig’s half and after some good driving play by the forwards were awarded a penalty - kicked by Lewis Evans to level the score. Once again Nant bounced back, putting pressure on Aber’s half backs with their terrific line speed, which eventually resulted in another converted penalty to restore their lead.

As the game progressed Aber’s pack started to gain the ascendency with their driving maul proving to be very effective. After several foiled attempts to score, prop Mathew Price burrowed over to score the game’s first try, converted by Lewis Evans, to put Aber in the lead, 6-10. However, the next ten minutes of the first half were to prove disastrous for the ‘Genny as they lost control of the game and allowed Nantgaredig to score two converted tries, chiefly from Aber’s own mistakes.

The clarets went into the changing room at half time 20-10 down and a large hill to climb in the second-half.

Whatever was said seemed to do the trick as Aber set about their task in the second half with renewed vigour - changing tactics and playing a more forward orientated game.

With Will Evans and Beavan totally dominating the line out time and again the Aber pack drove their opponents back and secured a penalty, kicked by Lewis Evans, 20-13 .

Nantgaredig’s electric backs were still causing Abergavenny problems. One seemed to have cut through to score, but a sensational cover tackle by flanker Dan Beavan mowed him down and order was once again restored.

Abergavenny were now totally dominant, monopolising possession and putting Nant under constant pressure. Eventually the breakthrough came when evergreen coach Nathan Thomas powered over for an unconverted try to bring the scores ever closer, 20-18 .

The game was now drawing to a close and as much as Aber tried to get the wining score the Nantgaredig defence held firm.

Aber’s coaches now introduced fresh legs. Rob Lothian and Curtis price replaced the props, Alex Howes went into the back row, Rhob Conick, Nathan Byrne, and Nathan Williams injected some renewed vigour in the backs.

Abergavenny’s scrum was now becoming more dominant and a few decisions started to go their way but Nant’s resilient defence still held.

With the game in its last minute Nant had possession, when for some unknown reason they kicked it away.

Aber centre Joe Evans caught it in his 22. He called a mark, rallied his players, tapped, and went. Aber kept the ball through several phases in their own 22, eventually getting the ball wide, where Nathan Byrne drew two defenders before giving the pass to Antony Squires.

Squires had the length of the field and several defenders to beat, but cometh the hour cometh the man, and with great skill and determination he miraculously he made it to touch down for the most important try of his life. The score was converted by Nathan Williams to give Abergavenny a victory by two points, 23-25 .

The scenes of celebration when the referee blew his whistle were something to behold and showed how much this victory meant to the Abergavenny team and their huge band of loyal supporters. A mention must also go to the two subs not used, Nathan Harris and Luke Williams, and the two traveling reserves, Joe Symonds and Sam Vaughan, who helped the team in their preparation.

The final will be played at the millennium stadium on April 28 and the opposition will be local rivals Oakdale, who Aber are also locked in a promotion battle with.

Buses have already been booked for the final and anyone wishing to book a place should please contact Belinda at the club .

This Saturday Aber are back in league action away to Fleur de lys and the Quins travel to Monmouth in the semi final of the Reg Buttress cup. All your support will be greatly appreciated.