Abergavenny RFC - 19

Croesyceiliog RFC - 17

ABERGAVENNY returned to Bailey Park for a must win game against near rivals Croesyceiliog, and in a tenacious display kept their heads as the Cockerels lost theirs.

Once again unavailability and injuries forced Abergavenny’s coaches into making nine changes from the previous week.

Ieuan James returned at hooker, Dan Morris made his first start of the season in the second row, and a completely new back row of Rudu Lewis, Anthony Williams and Ted Williams was fielded. David Williams returned at scrum half with Rhodri Webster taking over at fly half, Jake Butler moved in to the centre, partnered by Will Williams.

The two Ieuans, Mainwaring and Werrett were on the wings and Mathew Edwards was at full back. The away side started the stronger and looked to counter attack at every opportunity.

Within 15 minutes the cockerels had scored three tries, one converted to go 17-3 up.

Aber points were from a penalty converted by Iean Werrett.

The clarets were forced to sink or swim and they did the later with the Aber pack now starting to dominate.

Wining a glut of possession, the ‘genny backs put several phases of play together which eventually resulted in a try for wing Mainwaring, to make it 8-17 at half-time.

Abergavenny started the second half much the same as they finished the first, dominating territory and possession but unable to make it count.

Ieuan Werrett kicked another penalty to reduce the deficit, and when Jacob Butler crossed the try line, all of Abergavenny thought the youngster had scored but the referee begged to differ.

As the game entered the last quarter, Aber’s number eight Antony Williams scored a fine try to bring the score to 16 -17 with ten minutes to play.

The home side did not panic and kept the ball through numerous phases of play and were eventually rewarded with a penalty which youngster Ieuan Werrett cooly slotted though the upright’s to win the game.

This was a good team performance and a much needed boost for this young Abergavenny squad.