Hamer rolls back the years (From Free Press Series)

Hamer rolls back the years

Abergavenny 13 Pill Harriers 10

ABERGAVENNY team manager and player Steve Hamer has revealed he believes the Division Three East side is capable of promotion this season. But he was quick to add: "We must take each game as it comes."

Hamer made his first full appearance for the club in a jersey for six years on Saturday against Pill Harriers, after years out with a serious knee injury. And the flanker marked his return with a try, as Abergavenny made it six wins in eleven games this season with a solid display.

Fly half James Didcote added the rest of the points, while captain Wil James and Gareth Willians and Darren Wright played well.

"I've come on a couple of times this season late on, but this was my first full game. It was hard work, but I needed it. It's just a case now of getting my match fitness back.

"Coach Mark Lloyd is operating a policy of if you don't train you don't play. I've been training, so I guess I've been given the opportunity," said Hamer.

He went on: "We're mid-table and that's not bad. It's a good position to be in. The boys are doing what they know they can and giving 100 percent.

"There's not that much in the table, but every team we come up against is probably thinking Abergavenny have had a run and are playing well, and so will want to win.

"From the start in this division there has never really been a leading team. No-one has convinced me this season they are the best side in the division. The league's still open and we know we can win games, we just have to perform.

"It would be good if we got promoted, but there are a lot of games to come, so we'll take it one at a time," said Hamer.

Lloyd does have a minor headache, though, lock Oli Field looks like being out for some time after injuring his neck, while Chris McGowan will begin a his stint on the touchline after being sent off late last year. Lee Oakey is also an uncertainty. He has switched jobs from Oxford to Leicester and may not be as readily available.

"It's not a massive concern," said Hamer. "We have a could supply of back rows, so we shouldn't have too much of a problem."

Abergavenny Quins regular Colin Symonds is a possible option to help fill the void. Abergavenny, now sixth in the table, are away to Llanishen this Saturday. The game kicks off at 2.30pm.