Abergavenny RFC - 22

Blackwood RFC - 10

Abergavenny finished their season with a spring in their step after beating Blackwood at Fortress Bailey with an impressive display of running rugby.

Aber picked a strong looking side with Curtis Price, Ieuan James and Jamie Knight fronting up in the front. Dan Horler and Dan Beavan slotted into the second row, and Josh Davies, Josh Hitchman and Josh Reid were back in the back row. Rhob Connick and Rhod Webster buddied up as half backs, Gareth Beavan was partnered by Jacob Butler in the centre, and the back three consisted of Will Williams, Dan Dunmore and Lloyd Holder.

The home side started by far the sharper of the two teams, keeping the ball for long periods and putting the opposition under serious pressure. A try for Lloyd Holder after some excellent handling from the home three quarters was just reward for their efforts.

Rhod Webster converted from the touch line to give Abergavenny a 7-0 lead.

From the restart ‘Genny went straight back on the offensive and looked to run the ball at every opportunity, but a loss of concentration at scrum time enabled Blackwood to exit their own half and put pressure on the home side.

After several close range scrums Aber failed to control the ball which enabled the Blackwood number nine to score a converted try and level the scores.

This blip seemed to push the home side to higher levels and for the next ten minutes they played some lovely free flowing rugby, with backs and forwards all handling the ball and keeping the crowd on its toes.

The pressure told when Will Williams sliced through the defence to score a cracking try.

Before the break, Blackwood kicked a penalty to make it 12-10.

The second half was very much more of the same with the home side getting good line out and scrum ball, and the backs using it well to keep the visitors under constant pressure. After more great interplay between forwards and backs young flanker Josh Reid crossed to score and give Aber a 17-10 lead.

Abergavenny introduced replacements Gareth Williams, Cj Woodhouse and Rob Lothian to the pack and Sam Vaughan and John Owen behind the scrum. All subs played their part and enabled Dan Dunmore to score the forth try and put the game safe.

A club spokesman explained, “This performance showed what a good side Abergavenny can be when they play attacking rugby with confidence, and it bodes well for next season, irrespective of which league we end up in.

“On behalf of the club I’d like to thank all our faithful supporters who turn up every Saturday whatever the weather.”