Abertysswg Falcons - 14

Abergavenny RFC - 17

A WEEK last Saturday Abergavenny travelled to Abertysswg to face the Falcons and were looking to record their tenth league victory on the bounce.

The Clarets knew they would have to be right on their game to win the spoils against a very abrasive home team.

Abergavenny’s coaches made several rotational changes to the team with Jamie Knight, Jay Adams and Rob Lothian forming a new front row. Luke Williams and Josh Van Mael were in the boiler house. Nathan Thomas came in at number eight, flanked by Dan Beavan and Rudi Lewis. Ryan Joyce returned from injury to partner Rhod Webster at half back. Dan Smith and Stuart Davies continued at centre, and Lloyd Holder slotted in to form the back three alongside Dan Dunmore and Will Williams.

Abergavenny began with a bang, taking the game to the home side and not giving them a chance to settle.

Aber’s scrum was totally dominant and got a foothold deep in Abertysswg’s half, but were prevented from scoring by a determined defence and a few unforced errors.

Following sustained pressure Aber eventually opened the scoring with a well taken penalty by Rhod Webster.

Despite further periods of Aber pressure, disaster struck when the home side scored a converted try from a set piece to make it 7-3 at half-time.

Aber started the second-half with several strong bursts by centre Stuart Davies and another penalty by Webster.

Aber regained the lead when Ryan Joyce took a quick tap penalty and fed the ball to Stuart Davies who made good ground before finding Will Williams.

From Williams’ pass, flanker Dan Beavan crossed the line for the try.

For the rest of the game Aber continued to dominate.

The introduction of subs Jack Williams, Ieaun James, Matt Charles, Will Evans, and scrum half Rhob Connick galvanised the team further.

Rhod Webster kicked two further penalties to stretch the lead to 7-17 and the game looked in the bag, but in the dying seconds Abertysswg applied the pressure and were awarded a somewhat dubious penalty try to leave just three points between the teams when the final whistle blew.

Aber return to league action on February 17 at home to RTB.