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Aberbargoed 19 Rhymney 21

​Another one I couldn't be there for - but what great news to be in foreign parts and hear of this trerrific win over promotion-pushing valley neighbours Aberbargoed. The Brewers know what it must have felt like for the shattered hosts, as Rhymney had lost their last game to Blaina's last kick penalty. Here, Liam Chopper Davies was the hero as, having already notched a try and eight boot points, the fly-half got Lloyd White's pass from the ruck at 18-19. Several Brewers' pack heroes had carried to get them there in the last minute, and 'Chopper' rewarded them with an accurate drop shot to send visiting fans into the air and home players to their knees after an enthralling end-to-end affair. The sun-soaked afternoon between two well-matched sides swayed to and fro, with Rhymney followers thrilled by their youngsters' up and at 'em approach, their energy in the loose making up for early scrum slides. There was plenty of positive passing, support and attacking intent all round, and while the Brewers concede three tries, two converted, they also created a lot of chances themselves. They led through Davies' unconverted try and when Aber hit back to 7-5, added another three pointer before the hosts gota second try. Excellent hands then gave left wing Jack Donegan a glimpse wide out. A sprint and splendidly sharp side-step put him behind the posts untouched, Davies converting for a 15-12 interval advantage. Views of the try are free on YouTube, donations to Jack if impressed (joke). A tense second half saw more see-saw stuff, plenty of subs, including permit prop Kieran Barnett reunited with hard-charging lock brother Andrew, and a further Davies penalty, but then an Aber converted try. That looked to have snatched it and kept alive their promotion hopes, but then came that combined drive upfield, the crisp pass and the accurate snap Davies drop: 21-19, the final whistle, and cue deserved Rhymney delight. There'll be another tense derby this Saturday 29th, when the Brewers go over Cefn Golau to an Ironsides outfit who look primed to take the runners-up spot behind impressive 100% Champions Machen. Congrats, to, to the youth on their well-behaved, much-enjoyed Holland tour, including a fine big win. It would be hard to see a better example of the rewards to a Club of a well nurtured Youth XV than the events of the last year: and, hopefully, the future.