RTB Ebbw Vale - 25

Abergavenny RFC - 36

AFTER the champagne bubbles had burst and the cup celebrations had fizzled out it was back to league action for Abergavenny on Wednesday evening with a tricky away game at RTB Ebbw Vale.

With such a short turnaround, and with several players carrying injuries, the coaches made wholesale changes from the cup final and RTB must have definitely fancied knocking Aber of their silver perch

Jay Admans was joined in the front row by Gareth Williams and Jordan Rheames on permit from Nantyglo. Luke Williams and Dan Horler were in the second row. Joe Symonds, Alex Howes, and Rhys Dawe made up the back row. Lewis Evans and Rhod Webster were the half backs. Gareth Beavan and Dan Haymond made up a new centre partnership. Nathan Williams, Antony Squires and Garin Price completed the backs .

From the start both sides showed great intent on playing open attacking rugby, and the first half saw five tries scored. Aber bagged three. Two by second row Dan Horler and one by Antony Squires, all converted by Nathan Williams to give them a 21-12 half-time lead.

The second-half saw the clarets come under some serious pressure for long periods but resolute defence restricted RTB to only one try and two penalties.

In reply Aber scored two more tries by Alex Howes and scrum-half Lewis Evans. Nathan Williams added a penalty goal to leave the final score 36-25 and clinch a bonus point victory which will keep the pressure on Oakdale in the race for the league title.

Abergavenny RFC - 34

Fleur-de-lys - 28

THREE days later Aber were back in league action again playing Fleur-de-lys at Crickhowell’s ground due to the mini and junior festival being held at Bailey Park.

Once again Aber’s side showed more changes due to unavailability and injuries, and included three youth team players in Nathan Williams, Aaron Scrimgeour, and centre Ollie Stansfield.

Flower’s lowly position in the league did not reflect their play in the first 20 minutes as they took the game to Abergavenny and were soon up by 14 points.

With the Abergavenny scrum under pressure, the home side took a bit of time to settle down with several new combinations on the park, but with that same cup final mentality they clawed their way back into the game and eventually ground out another bonus point victory.

The two youth players making their debuts acquitted themselves very well, with Ollie Stansfield scoring a try and Aaron Scrimgeour being lauded as the unofficial man of the match.

On Saturday Abergavenny travel to Abertyssswg in what promises to be a tough encounter. A large crowd of supporters will be much appreciated.

Tickets for the end of season awards dinner are now on sale ( June 1) please see Belinda as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.