BOTH Cwmbran and Chepstow honoured a number of recently departed loyal and cherished people from each club with a minute's silence last Saturday (24th January) prior to kick off.

Each then put on a fine exhibition of rugby, with home team Cwmbran scoring seven tries to Chepstow's three.

After a shaky start by both teams, when attempts to run the ball were hindered by knock-ons, the game lit up on the ten minute mark when Cwmbran scored a try wide out.

The home side continued with their maverick style of play, which has recently rattled up the tries and bonus points in previous games.

A break from their own 22 involving the entire Cwmbran backline ended with a try under the posts which was successfully converted.

Minutes later Cwmbran showed great vision to score another converted try. With the hosts 19-0 up, Cwmbran looked likely runaway winners, however Chepstow fought back and scored a try of their own in the corner. As the game progressed towards the interval, both sides exchanged converted tries.

A yellow card to Cwmbran late into the first half ensured Chepstow started the second half a man up but behind by two converted tries at 26-12.

The visitors were also playing up the slope which, with Cwmbran upping their game further, combined to see Chepstow struggle. The Cwmbran pack, and front row in particular, was always on the front foot.

A break by Cwmbran saw them score another converted try with another coming moments later. Both sides were now looking to cut loose from deep at every opportunity and there was time for each team to score tries. 

The loss puts Chepstow 7th in the table and they next face New Tredegar on Saturday 31st Janurary.