Blackwood Stars 0 Chepstow RFC 38

CHEPSTOW travelled to Blackwood knowing a bonus point victory would be required to keep pressure on the sides around them at the top of the table, writes Bob Cypher.

In typically wet and windy weather, Chepstow attacked the home line from the off and were rewarded with a try from full back Sam Thomas, with Nick Williams converting.

Shortly after the restart, a second try was scored by Will Barnston, after a cross-field kick by Williams.

Continued pressure resulted in their third try of the day, when Tom Bradley broke from the back of a scrum and fed Jarrod Bluck, who beat the opposing winger for pace to score in his first game of the season, Nick Williams adding the extras.

The Severnsiders' pack was in total control and were awarded a penalty try, when Blackwood collapsed a rolling maul, denying a certain try and Chepstow led 26-0 at half time.

With the weather deteriorating, the second half became a war of attrition with chances few and far between.

However, there were two further tries for Chepstow, with Sam Thomas crossing for his second and another penalty try gained from the dominant away pack.

Next Saturday, 2nd February, Chepstow are at home to St Julian's (Newport), 2.30 kick-off.