Fixture

Abercarn narrowly failed to qualify for a quarter final place in the SWALEC Bowl following a keenly contested cup tie with League Three A leaders Caerleon. The home side enjoyed the majority of possession and territory during the first quarter of the game. Playing in his first game for 18 months following injury, outside-half Josh Steer got the first score when he slotted a penalty after Caerleon were penalised for holding on. Minutes later centre Luke Knight latched onto a loose pass and scampered 60 meters to score under the posts and Steer added the two points. They were unlucky not to score a second try when the referee ruled a forward pass that no one from either side saw! Abercarn moved further ahead when the visitors were penalised for pulling down at a line-out. With half-time approaching the visitors began to exert pressure and with the penalty count increasing against Abercarn they were successful with two penalty kicks and the score was 13 points to six at the break. 

It was Abercarn who struck first blood in the second half when Steer added his third penalty of the game. However Caerleon began to take a stranglehold on the game and from an attacking scrum got their first points when they scored a converted try. Whilst this was hotly contested by the defenders that the ball hadn't been grounded there was no controversy regarding the visitors second try. With minutes left on the clock Abercarn were guilty of not slowing down the game, Caerleon reclaimed possession and ran unopposed to score under the posts for the match winning try.

Back at the clubhouse, flanker Lewis James was nominated as Man of the Match. There was no disgrace in defeat for the Abercarn side. The fact that they hadn't played since 24th January was a major factor in the game with several players saying they felt off the pace of the game. Abercarn can now concentrate on getting promotion to League A as this game demonstrated that we can compete with the best of them. We get our campaign back on the road this Saturday when we welcome Blaina to the Welfare Ground for an early kick-off at 1:30 pm.

Many of the backroom staff will be missing as they will be in Benidorm celebration Keiron Kinsey's 60th. Lets hope he survives and remembers the payback his boys have arranged for him!!!