Abertillery bounced back impressively from last week's disappointing defeat to dominate and deservedly down Pontypool United's colours at The Park, a result that sets up a relegation showdown with Newport HSOB at The Park. The young home side played with great pride, grit and determination throughout with the pack getting the better of their opponents in all phases providing a great platform for the backs and they will look to carry on in similar vein come Thursday evening.

The home side started well with Miles showing his skill as he swept through the United ranks forcing an early penalty which Chris Stevens was unable to land. The visitors showed they also had élan behind the scrum and were unlucky that an attack was thwarted by the merest of forward passes. But they still managed to open the scoring as West kicked a penalty as Tillery strayed offside.

An Andrew Mason break put Tillery back on the offensive and Luke Pegler harried well at a scrum to earn a penalty that Stevens slotted to level the scores. Gareth Collier and Craig Meredith then made big bursts into the visitors territory and it was Meredith who controlled the ball superbly well at the back of a scrum as Tillery shunted their opponents back 10 metres over the line for a touchdown that Stevens converted.

Disappointingly Tillery were unable to retain their lead for very long as almost immediately from the restart United retaliated with centre Thorley showing a deft sleight of hand to go over for a converted try to make it 10-all.

H-T: 10-10

The start of the second half was punctuated with a plethora of injuries to players from both sides and despite Tillery enjoying the lion's share of territory and possession, they were unable to create and maintain momentum as a result.

Eventually Tillery did regain the lead their dominance fully warranted as Stevens kicked a straightforward penalty and then repeated the act minutes later.

United managed to pull back with a second successful penalty by West before Stevens reopened a six point gap with a well judged kick. Tillery had several chances to settle matters but they were unable to make the most of the ball they enjoyed.

As a long period of injury time ensued, the nerves started to jitter a bit but with Craig Meredith and Greg Lane magnificent on occasion, the ship was steadied and the yellow card of the United hooker helped although it took a great cover tackle by Penn to see out the win.

Abertillery scorer: Craig Meredith (try),Chris Stevens (3 pens, conversion)

Website Abertillery man of the match - Craig Meredith