Gwernyfed U8 - 12

Abergavenny U8 - 15

HAVING spent the half term getting some much needed rest, the Abergavenny Mini Under 8 Squads proved a formidable force in Talgarth against Gwernyfed RFC.

Fielding two squads, the first of the two teams went out against the Gwernyfred boys, who were keen to secure revenge following the Monmouth Tournament. Throughout the match the play went back and forth, with each team scoring successive tries. Early runs from William Eccles, Adam Eccles and Charlie Jones kept the pace flowing and it was 3-3 at half time. Into the second half and again, it was fast action and alternative tries, with Adam and William Eccles both scoring their second ones of the day and further tries from Robin Woodley and Tom Partfitt made it seven for Aber.

Despite a valiant attempt to tag from Archie Eccles, a last minute try from Gwerrnyfed gave them the first round, 8-7.

Next up was the second of the two Aber Squads, who by now were under pressure to retaliate. Again, another fast paced game saw quick opening tries from Angus Brown and Sam Woolley, soon to be matched with 2two from the home team. Luke Davies added another to the bounty, leaving it 2-3 by half time. Coming out into the last half, Sam Woolley scored his second of the day, followed shortly after by Harry Judd.

Again, the Gwernyfed boys pulled back two more to close the gap. In the last minutes the Aber boys stepped up the pace, with a very impressive run from Iestyn Williams increasing the lead to 4-6.

Successive runs from Joe Brooks and Harry Judd both saw them tagged on the line, much to the relief of the home team. However, a last minute fantastic scissor switch from Joe Brook to Harry Judd allowed him to land the ball across the line just on the whistle, leaving the final score 4-7 and the overall tally 12-15 in Aber's favour.

Gwernyfed U7 - 4

Abergavenny U7 - 4

Hot on the heels of their mentors in the U8 squad, the U7s visited Talgarth to square up to the Gwernyfed U7 boys on Sunday.

Despite the rain the day before, the morning started off clear and crisp and a full squad of 8 turned out to take part. Having watched the older boys face one another, the U7s stepped up to show their stuff.

Two early tries from the Gwernyfed boys did not dishearten the lads, who soon got into the swing of passing and moving the ball out down the line. Haydn Lewis finally broke free and scored the first of the day. Ivor Herbert then managed a superb run from the half way line to the touchline and was just about to even the score when the ref cried foul due to Ivor having only one tag on him. However, Haydn Lewis managed to land his second of the day on the half time whistle to even the score.

Come the second half and the Gynyfred boys again got another early try. Haydn Lewis again managed to out run the home boys and bagged his third of the day to level the score.

A searing run from Ben Hancock saw him tagged on the line but that did not stop him getting the ball out onto Harvey Barrier who in turn passed it straight to Tommy Yeomans who again was tagged as he went for the try.

Some impressive tagging from Matthew Watkins and Joseph O'Farrell stopped the home side from breaking back into the lead but ultimately they were not to be outdone and finally managed to score their fourth of the day.

In the closing moments and Cai Price ran through the defence and managed to pass the ball to Haydn Lewis who was running forward with Ethen Tanti. Lewis scored his fourth of the day and made it all square at the final whistle.

Bearing in mind these boys have only been playing the game for two months, overall the standard was very impressive and it was a well deserved draw, with one very happy but tired Haydn Lewis being congratulated by all his team mates at the end.