Fixture

Abercarn opened their campaign on a winning note by overpowering Blackwood Stars and scoring ten tries in the process. The home side were first on the scoreboard when Abercarn were penalised for going offside straight from the kick-off but soon hit back when, with the Stars attacking, centre Jack Davies intercepted the ball and ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Full back Jason Evans duly added the two points and was called upon minutes later when Davies added his second try following a good three-quarter move. Immediately from the drop out, the ball was hacked backed to the Stars line and winger Aled Brown outpaced the defenders to score in the corner.

Abercarn secured their first bonus point of the campaign on the half-hour mark following a good team move and Captain Nathan Curtis crashed over the line. The visitor's scrum was highly impressive and after taking the ball against the head winger Brown ran strongly to score his second try of the game. The Stars refused to lie down and were rewarded with a converted try and at half time Abercarn led by 33 points to 10.

The Stars started the second half like a steam train and scored an excellent converted try straight from the kick-off. Full back Evans scored the visitor's sixth try with one of his trademark runs before winger Andrew Fraser won a kick and chase to record the seventh. Scrum-half Rhys Morgan confirmed his man of the match performance when, from attacking scrums he linked well with number eight, Greg Baker, to dart through the defenders to score two quick tries. With the last move of the game Baker grounded the ball as the pack drove over the line. Evans was successful with his ninth conversion to take his personal tally to 23 points.

This wasn't a game of flowing rugby as both sides were ring rusty and Blackwood Stars can be pleased that they did not let their heads drop. There will be much to do in training in preparation for the next game against Chepstow, particularly in regard to giving away penalties and improving discipline.