Fixture

Abergavenny returned to league rugby after almost six weeks due to either bad weather or six nations matches so it was good to see visitors Abertyssswg at Bailey park.

Aber fielded a fairly settled side with Jamie knight and Ryan Morgan joining skipper Gareth Williams in the front row Fred Pursey and Mathew Price in the second row and Dan Beavan, Dan Horler and Josh Hitchman in the back row. Sam Phillips continued at scrum half with Rhodri Webster wearing the ten Jersey, Gareth Beavan returned to partner Matt Sevenoaks in the centre and the back three was made up of will Williams,  Dan Dunmore and Matt Edwards.

The game started in atrocious conditions with driving rain and a howling gale so the chances of free flowing rugby were remote, the home side started the game strongly keeping the ball through several phases of play and putting Abertysswg under severe pressure and were eventually rewarded with a try scored by Mathew Price, Matt Edwards converted. The home side continued to dominate their opponents and from a very well organised driving maul captain Gareth Williams crossed for Aber second try. The scrummage has been a very potent attacking weapon for Aber this season and it was not long before they were awarded a scrum five and Abergavenny took full advantage to drive the away side back over their own line and they conceded a penalty try. Josh hitchman concluded the first half scoring with a try following a well executed line out drive leaving the half time score 24-3 to the home side.

Half time saw the visitors have front row injuries which resulted in the second half being played with passive scrums, this seemed to suit the away side more than Aber and for long periods at the beginning of the half Abertysswg put the home side under pressure. Aber's defence held firm and the introduction of replacements Owen Staphnil, Ieuan James and Paul Cornock beefed up the pack, with Nathan Byrne coming on the wing. Abers forwards started to carry the ball with purpose and a terrific barnstorming carry from Fred Pursey resulted in Nathan Byrne crossing for a well worked try this was soon followed up with another try by Dan Dunmore after a well worked backs move. The final try of the afternoon was started off by a tremendous carry from Abergavennys man of the match Josh Hitchman which resulted in quick ball deep in Tysswgs twenty two and prop Owen Staphnil scampered over to make the final score 39-3 to Abergavenny.

Next week Aber travel to Abertillery all support will be appreciated .