CHEPSTOW suffered their first defeat of the season as they crashed out of the Division 4 Cup

But team manager Dean Thomas said he was proud of the team’s performance in what he described as a high quality game.

“In a tight first half, Chepstow had most of the territory and possession, but failed to finish a few decent chances,” he said later.

“This came back to bite us, as just before half time, we conceded a try after an unfortunate bounce found its way into the opposition scrum half's hands to score unopposed.

“The second half was much more evenly contested, with Bryncethin coming into the game more and more as time progressed.

“But it was Chepstow who scored the first points, with a Scott Edwards try, converted by Archie Hossack, to take a 7 - 5 lead with 20 minutes to go.

“It was backs-to-the-wall time for the Severnsiders, as attack after attack, resulted in a five-metre scrum, which ended with the referee awarding a penalty try to Bryncethin, after deciding Chepstow caused a collapse. With time running out, Bryn kicked a penalty to clinch the game 15 - 7 and progress to the final at The Principality Stadium.

"This was a high quality game, against the best team we've played this season and I'm proud of the effort and commitment the boys put in today, with small margins deciding the result and, as always, our captain Rhys Cresswell was a fine leader.

"We now have to concentrate on trying to gain promotion from Division 4, starting with a home game against Whiteheads on this Saturday."

Bryncethin 15 Chepstow 7

Free Press Series: Latest table shows Chepstow in second place with the top three teams being promoted

Division 1

Monmouth 15 Nelson 32

Division 2

Abergavenny 12 Newport HSOB 14

Talywain 28 Caldicot 0

Division 3

Llanhilleth 8 Usk 52

Division 6