ABERGAVENNY RFC 1st XV fell to a 28-6 loss down the road at derby rivals Pontypool United in their second WRU East 2 game on Saturday, following a 34-7 home reverse to Pill Harriers in their season opener.

Having been relegated from WRU East One last season in the wake of neighbours Blaenavon pulling out of the division altogether mid-season, Aber are still trying to find their feet in the second tier.

And they’ll be hoping to record a first win when they host more neighbours in the form of newly-promoted Nantyglo at Bailey Park this Saturday (September 26), who suffered a narrow 15-12 home loss at the hands of Caldicot at the weekend.

Like Aber, Brynmawr also had a sinking feeling last season, relegated from the Championship to E1.

But Mawr have hit the ground running, with a tight 19-17 opening game win at home to Abertillery BG followed up by a 26-14 away victory at Rhymney at the weekend.

Usk lost out 32-25 at home to Newport Saracens in their E2 opener, but Crickhowell squeezed to victory 24-21 away to Crumlin in their second E3 game, following a 27-20 home win over Tredegar Ironsides.

Blaenavon have also secured two wins from two starting afresh in E6, following up a 19-12 win at Beaufort with a tight 25-21 home success over Hirwaun, where Garyn Thomas scored two tries, Kaden Brown one and Rhys Tolley slotted two conversions and two penalties.

Table-mates and near neighbours Forgeside began the season with an emphatic 40-15 home win over Girling, but missed out at the weekend 22-7 away to Bedwas Athletic.

Forgeside host Blaenavon in a derby this Saturday, when the weekend’s fixtures include Brynmawr v Newport HSOB, Abergavenny v Nantyglo, Gwernyfed v Usk, Blackwood Stars v Crickhowell.