05 Sep 09 - Nantyglo

WON 23 - 15

Abercarn got the season off to a flying start with both teams winning away from home.

The newly promoted firsts travelled to Nantyglo for their initial game back in Division Four East. The opening period saw basic mistakes from both sides.

Abercarn were first on the scoreboard when full back Jason Evans kicked a penalty, however their lead was short-lived as Nantyglo scored a fine try within a minute of play resuming. The home side’s bigger pack were beginning to dominate play and limit Abercarn’s opportunity to run the ball.

However, a free flowing move by the visitor’s three-quarters resulted in an excellent try by winger Rhys Isles and Jason Evans was successful with the conversion. In a matter of minutes, Nantyglo hit back and scored their second try of the match and at half-time they led by 12 points to 10.

The second half saw both sides testing their opponents’ defences and Abercarn’s forwards slowly began to gain parity in the scrums. From an attacking scrum, the visitors spread the ball wide, showing excellent passing and angles of running resulting in centre Scott Llewellyn scoring a try under the posts. Jason Evans was again successful with the conversion and added another three points when the home side were penalised for handling at a ruck.

Outside-half Mathew Johnson successfully kicked a penalty with what turned out to be the last kick of the game and give Abercarn a fine win by 23 points to 15.

Not to be outdone, the new reformed second team, playing in the Gwent District WRU Second XV League travelled to Deri and came away with a win, outscoring their opponents by 17 points to 7.