Machen RFC - 10

Abergavenny played their first away fixture of the season away to a previously unbeaten Machen and returned home with the spoils.

Aber made several changes from the previous week. Captain Ieaun James returned at hooker, propped by Rob Lothian and Jay Adams. Will Evans and Dan Horler who has recently rejoined from Risca teamed up in the second row. The back row remained unchanged withDan Beavan and Rhys Dawe flanking number eight Josh Davies. Rhob Connick returned to partner Rhod Webster at half back. Dan smith and Matt Sevenoaks were in the centre and the back three consisted of Garin Price, Josh Parr and Antony Squires.

The pitch was in good shape after the recent heavy rain. Aber weathered the first five minutes of Machen pressure before getting the upper hand and dominating for long periods which eventually resulted in a penalty kicked by Josh Parr.

Abergavenny continued to dominate proceedings, with the ‘Genny scrum providing the backs with quality possession which resulted in a well taken try by Antony Squires, 0-8.

Abergavenny’s front row was now giving their opposite numbers a torrid time and after numerous penalised scrums on the Machen try line were awarded a penalty try to make it 3-15 at half-time.

The second-half was somewhat different with the home side throwing every thing into attacking the Abergavenny line, but a superb defensive effort by the whole team allowed them nothing and Aber increased their lead with a Rhod Webster penalty.

To bolster their defensive effort, Lewis Evans replaced Josh Parr and Luke Williams, Nathan Harris and Matt Charles came on to energise a tiring pack.

Machen continued to pressure the Aber line but were repelled time and again, eventually they were awarded a penalty try to leave the final score 10-18.

The Aber coaching team were particularly pleased with this result as it was down to a complete team effort and will give them confidence going into a particularly hard game at home next week to Oakdale.