20 Feb 10 - Blaenavon (Swalec Bowl)

WON 16 - 13

Abercarn travelled to play Blaenavon in the SWALEC Bowl. The match had to be played at New Panteg’s ground as the home side’s pitch was snow bound. This was a typical dour cup tie with little action for the supporters to cheer.

Abercarn were first on the scoreboard when outside half Matthew Johnson was successful with two penalty kicks. However, the Blaenavon team began to take a stranglehold on the game, playing to their strengths by keeping the ball with the forwards. Firstly, from a line-out and shortly afterwards from a scrum, the heavy Blaenavon pack were able to rumble over Abercarn’s try line on two occasions and take a deserved lead at half time of 10 points to 6.

The second half produced much of the same fare and each side were successful with a penalty kick and with a lead of 13 points to 9 the game appeared to be in the bag for Blaenavon who dominated most of the match.

As full time approached, the Abercarn side finally cut out the mistakes and put together a flowing move. From a line-out, the ball was spread quickly across the threequarters for winger Chris Symonds to cut the defensive line and score a fine try which was converted by Matthew Johnson.

Blaenavon, camped on Abercarn’s line, then launched wave after wave to attempt to wrench the win out of the visitor’s hands but heroic defence held them out. It was certainly a case of saving the best till last!

Back at Abercarn’s clubhouse, Chris Symonds was named man of the match and club stalwart Matthew Brittan was presented with a tankard in recognition of his playing 100 games for the club. The coaches stated that they have a lot of work to do if the side are to progress in the league and the cup. The next game is at home on Saturday, 27 February against Old Illtydian’s.