Talywain RFC - 10

ABERGAVENNY RFC opened the curtains on the 2013-2014 season In an encouraging fashion after a tough fixture against local rivals Talywain fell in their favour.

New forwards coach Gareth Kircup picked a strong pack of forwards with the front row being made up of Frank James (loose head), veteran Gareth Williams (hooker) and young Ryan Morgan (tight head). New signing Mark Squirrel from Llangennech and Rhys Willard made up the boiler house. Captain Tom Rees, Paul Cornock and Rudi Lewis formed the back row to complete a pack which had a very mobile look about it.

Mark Fleet selected Lewis Evans and Rhodri Webster at half back, and James Spooner and Gareth Beavan formed a solid looking centre partnership. Ian Davies and the lively 'Jack in the Box' Will Williams were on the wings and Aber's last line of defence was Ryan Southy.

The game began at a frantic pace with Aber looking to move the ball at every opportunity with a view to moving the big heavyweight Talywain pack around the park.

Aber's willingness to move the ball soon paid off when winger Ian Davies made a clean break up the stand side and put in a perfect inside pass to Ryan Williams who pinned his ears back and scored a terrific try in the corner.

Abergavenny's pack took the visitors on at their own game with an excellent driving lineout from the Talywain ten metre line. With great control and patience captain Tom Rees crossed the whitewash for a classic forwards try. Lewis Evans converted to give Aber a 12-0 lead. Aber continued to play attractive rugby with the backs looking dangerous every time they had quick clean ball, and from one such move centre James Spooner was put in the clear to score far out on the right hand side.

Abergavenny finished the first half with both backs and forwards handling the ball in Barbarian style which resulted in the crowds favourite Willy Williams scoring under the posts to give Aber a try bonus point. Lewis Evans converted to take the score to 24-0 at half time.

The second half saw the big Talywain pack begin to dominate and they capitalised on Aber's tiring eight and a couple of lineout drives to score their first try of the game.

The home side were under pressure for most of the second half but showed great character in defence but eventually Talywain managed to score another close range try to leave a final score of 24-10.

Next week Abergavenny's first team are away to Caerphilly, that Quins areaway to Garndiffith and the youth are at home to New Panteg.