26 Sep 09 - Chepstow

WON 37 - 12

In glorious sunshine, Abercarn welcomed Chepstow to the Welfare Ground and in a game to match the weather ran out comfortable winners by scoring six tries to two.

Although Abercarn were first on the scoreboard when Matthew Johnson kicked a penalty, the visitors were able to pressurise the home side through their more aggressive running and counter rucking play. They were rewarded with a fine try under the posts and the successful conversion gave them a 7 points to 3 lead.

This spurred the home side to up the pace of the game and prop Kris Kinsey crashed over the line for his first try of the season. He was on the scoreboard again when, from the back of a rolling maul he ran around the Chepstow defence to score his second try and to give Abercarn a half-time lead of 15 points to 7.

Almost from the start of the second half good interpassing resulted in centre Scott Llewellyn scored a try which Matthew Johnson converted. Abercarn then hit a purple patch and scored two excellent tries, running the ball almost the full length of the pitch on each occasion. Winger Rhys Iles showed a clean pair of heels to cross the line first and second rower Shane Reece scored in the corner following a great gallop by Kris Kinsey and good interpassing between a number of players.

Showing no intention of giving up, the Chepstow team put the Abercarn defence under great pressure and were well rewarded with their second try of the game. However, straight from the kick-off, Abercarn players ran the ball and wing Chris Symonds took the final score to 37 points to 12. Man of the match was shared between props Kris Kinsey and Ryan Anderson.

Abercarn seconds entertained league leaders Tredegar Ironsides and felt unlucky to lose by 16 points to 8.