Fixture

Abergavenny began the new season with a tricky away visit to former first division side Fleur de Lys. Gavenny have recruited well during the summer and scrum half David Williams, No 8 Anthony Williams signing from Nantyglo, Matthew Price returning to the club playing in the second row and Matthew Edwards from Tredegar making his Abergavenny debut at fullback.  The rest of the Abergavenny side had a familiar look about it with Owen Staphnil , Captain Gareth Williams and Ryan Morgan making up the front row, Dan Horler partnered Matthew Price in the second row, with CJ Woodhouse and Josh Hitchman joining debutant Anthony Williams in the back row. Dai Williams partnered Rhodri Webster at half back, Matt Sevenoaks came into partner Gareth Beavan in the centre and Dan Dunmore and Wil Williams joined  Matthew Edwards in the back three.

From the kick off Abergavenny were put under considerable pressure by the home side and only resolute defence prevented Flower from scoring. Abergavenny weathered the storm and began to play themselves back into the game, once again their scrum was very dominant and enabled No 8 Williams to pick up and combine with scrum half Dai Williams to put Abergavenny in a good attacking position. From the attacking lineout  Abergavenny’s driving maul was unstoppable and resulted in a try from captain Gareth Williams which was superbly converted from the touchline to give Abergavenny a 7-0 lead. The home side responded with a penalty goal but Abergavenny was soon back on the attack and lightening winger Wil Williams finished off a spectacular move with a chip and chase to the corner to claim a superb touchdown. Abergavenny stretched their lead  when Gareth Williams claimed his second touchdown after a ferocious drive by the Abergavenny forwards leaving the score 19-3 to Abergavenny. With the first half drawing to a close Abergavenny’s inability to deal with the kick offs resulted in the home side obtaining possession deep in the Abergavenny half and on the stroke of half time scoring a converted try.

The home side started the second half very similar to the first half, but once again Abergavenny managed to weather the home sides’ pressure working their way up into the Fleur de Lys half. The home side kicked loosely out of defence and full back Matthew Edwards ran the ball back at Flower before off-loading to wing Wil Williams who ghosted through half the Fleur de Lys side before passing inside to the ever present Dan Horler to score a superb try, converted by Matthew Sevenoaks. Abergavenny continued to play attacking rugby and a blind side move instigated by scrum half Williams resulted in prop Ryan Morgan sprinting over from twenty metres out to score a fine try and round off a good individual performance.

Abergavenny then made a few changes with Rhob Connick and Ted Williams replacing Williams and Williams, Fred Pursey  and Ieuan James coming into the front row, and Nathan Byrne replacing Matthew Sevenoaks. Credit must be given to the home side who never gave in who in the final ten minutes scored a penalty and an unconverted try to leave the final score 31-21 to Abergavenny. Coaches Howard Davies and Mark Fleet were thrilled with the result and look forward to Abergavenny’s game against Abertillery next Saturday.

Next Saturday will see the opening of the newly refurbished function room at the club and as much support as possible would be appreciated, kick off 2.30pm.