Abergavenny RFC - 38

Machen RFC - 7

ABERGAVENNY returned to Bailey Park and made short shrift of promotion rivals Machen.

The clarets outfit showed only a few changes from the previous week’s cup victory. Curtis Price started in the front row with Ieuan James and Matt Charles. Dan Horler returned to partner Luke Williams in the second row. Alex Howes started in the back row alongside Dan Beavan and Josh Davies. Rhob Connick and Rhod Webster slotted in at half back. Dan Smith was partnered in the centre by Joe Evans, recently returned from Brecon. Nathan Byrne moved out to the wing with Antony Squires. Jacob Butler was at full back.

In the first quarter Aber were completely dominant and their set piece play was first class. After a couple of close range line outs they managed to break through the Machen defence to score a try by Dan Horler, converted by Webster.

This score seemed to stimulate the away side and they now began to put the home side under pressure, aided by some wayward home kicking.

Just before half time Machen’s centre made a clean break, evading several tackles to score a fine individual try, converted, to level the score at half time.

Whatever was said at half-time it seemed to work because Aber produced their best half of rugby all season, beginning with two excellent tries by full back Jacob Butler, one converted by Rhod Webster, to restore a 19 -7 lead.

The next score soon followed by second row Luke Williams, converted by Webster, to stretch the lead to 19 points.

Aber now flooded the field with replacements. Rhys Dawe, Nathan Thomas, Rob Lothian and Jay Adams freshened up the pack and Lloyd Holder joined the backs.

Abergavenny’s pack was now totally dominant, pushing the away side off their own scrum ball on several occasions.

From a very well controlled driving line out, Rhys Dawe grounded to claim a try, converted by Rhod Webster.

The home side continued to attack the Machen line at every opportunity and when the Aber eight produced a terrific scrum to provide scrum half Rhob Conick with good ball, he took the chance well. With a 30 metre sprint to the line, Conick finished the scoring and sealed a terrific victory for the home side.

Aber Quins were also at home to a strong Pill Harriers side but after a terrific game ran out winners 29-19. Next week the first team travel to Oakdale who are third in the league and the Quins travel to local rivals Crickhowell for an Ivor Jones cup game, please pop along and support both teams.

This week has been tinged with sadness at the club with the news of the death of a former player, committee man and loyal supporter, Mike Bruton. All at the club send their condolences to Mike’s family.