Aber say goodbye to promotion (From Free Press Series)

Aber say goodbye to promotion

ABERGAVENNY captain Will James has conceded defeat in this year's race for promotion to Division Two of the Welsh League.

The pacey lock forward admitted his side's hopes had now dwindled, after Saturday's disappointing 12-8 defeat at Bailey Park against Newport HSOB.

It leaves them fifth in spot, but, with more games played than three of the side's challenging for top two berths: Senghenydd 4th, Pill Harriers 6th and Newport HSOB in 7th spot - all of whom have games in hand.

Two defeats on the bounce have dented Abergavenny's chances, and James agreed that the likelihood of them being promoted now was an outside chance, at best.

"I think it's gone, to be honest," opined James. "We had to win against Cwmbran last week, but we were struggling then with injuries. They were even worse on Saturday against HSOB."

Abergavenny were missing much of its pack for the game, with Rob Sevenoaks, Howard Davies, Lee Oakey, Colin Symonds and Stuart Sherard all casualties on the physio table. James himself defied the pain barrier playing with a damaged hamstring, as Abergavenny struggled to match the opposition up front.

"It was a nightmare. Basically their pack was too powerful. It was a case of whoever had the stronger pack was going to win it," admitted James.

"It was always going to be forward-oriented and with all those injuries we were on the back foot from the start. It was just a bad day at the office. We played as well as we could with the side we had."

Still, Abergavenny remain mathematically in the hunt for promotion, and despite hitting a minor bad run of form, have plenty to aim for according to James.

"We must still play to win every game. We might get inside the top three or four, so there's a lot to play for," he said.

Abergavenny travel to Talywain this Saturday and despite the Torfaen club's lowly league position - third off bottom - James insisted his men respect their opponents.

"It will be a tough game and one we'll take as it comes on the field." The match kicks off at 2.30pm.