Fixture

The game was played on Glan-yr-Afon pitch in Blackwood due to problems with Abercarns home pitch. Abercarn are having a fantastic season but their success in the SWALEC Bowl cup together with games being canceled because of the monsoon season we have had is now having a detrimental effect because of the fixture pile up they have. Abercarn needed a bonus point win to keep the pressure on Caldicot at the top of the table. 

If Abercarn had illusions of the Stars making this game easy for them then they quickly realized this was not going to be the case. The game was a very physical encounter and no doubt there were a number of hurting bodies in work the following day. Each side scored 3 tries each and Abercarn won due to the fact that they managed to kick their penalties and one more conversation; it could also be said that they were awarded more of the 50:50 decisions and on another day these could have gone with the Stars.

It was clearly evident that some Abercarn forwards were rattled by the physicality of the Stars forwards. At the end of the game Abercarn were relieved that they won the game and welcomed the final whistle. The final score was 28-20 and it was very disappointing that the Stars got nothing out of the game considering the effort all the players put in.   

This was probably the Stars best game of the season and showed what could have been achieved; Abercarn have only lost 2 games all season. Every player put 110% effort into this game. The backs defense was outstanding especially Nathan Hughes at outside half who had a particularly good game as did his half back partner Adam Perry. Also centre Dan Evans put his body on the line and from one big tackle he made he had to leave the pitch with a cut head fortunately no stitches were required. Full back Kasey Hurley was sound under the high ball and his kick backs put Abercarn on the back foot. Thanks must also go to the boys who played on permit Calum Legg & Grant Harrington from Llanhilleth and Harris Jones from Blackwood; they put an Huge shift in and the club are very grateful. The Stars back five forwards covered every blade of grass as they have done for most of the season.

Stars try scorers were centre Tom Burriss, number 8 Gavin McDonnell and blind side flanker Marc Williams. The man of the match was Ross Martin.

Stars next game is away against Newport HSOB who are below them in the league and after this performance the Stars should be odds on to win that game.

Stars together stronger.