ANY predictions that Whitchurch may have harboured of an easy win against an Abergavenny team who have not been firing on all cylinders were quickly dashed on the weekend.

Abergavenny started the afternoons work in a lowly ninth position, after a recent defeat against Aberystwyth University, and a draw against a relegation threatened Penarth. Whitchurch, three positions above Aber, had every right to be confident of a victory, but as has happened so many times in this league, this was not to be.

Aber started the match with four in defence, Luke Rees keeping goal with Geraint Davies, and skipper Nick Fackrelll in the wingback positions.

Pete Hewinson and Issac Pritchard played in central defence with an in form Kevin Phillips just in front. A very young fast midfield comprised of Huw Davies, Tom Mcglyn, and his brother Ricky.

Ricky Mcglyn in particular has been in fine form of late and has been selected for the under 16 Wales team. Up front, it was the job of Rhys Hewinson and Duncan Melville to dizzy the defence.

In the first half Abergavenny were on fire. Moves from the wingbacks allowed space and time in the midfield, and Whitchurch were never allowed time to compose themselves and look around.

As a result, Abergavenny were allowed to run riot in the Whitchurch D.

Inevitably the first goal came around half way through the first half. Slightly against the run of play, the ball was played from the left hand side, through central defence, and up the right wing.

A cross from the skipper saw a desperate attempt at clearance by the Whitchurch defence, but Tom Mcglyn was at hand to slot in on the right hand post.

Whitchurch then had several half chances in a passage of open flowing play, through their lone striker who was kept at bay by keeper Luke Rees and a few excellent tackles from the defence.

The open passage of play saw Aber at their best, with two goals following in quick succession. The first followed an excellent individual run by Huw Davies. While the keeper stopped the first shot, the rebound was shot into the roof of the net for a spectacular and well taken goal.

An unusually successful shot corner routine then saw striker Rhys Miles Hewinson free in the D after a clever ball by his father. The resulting shot was calmly slipped into the goal to take Aber 3-0 up at half time.

The second half brought more of the same, with Whitchurch predominantly continued within their own half. Eventually the pressure tolled, when Tom Mcglyn was allowed space and time to run down the right hand wing, to cut the ball back for a well taken goal by Ricky Mcglyn. Several other shots followed but by the final whistle the score remained at four.

Abergavenny can be pleased and proud of the way they played. 4-0 probably flatters Whitchurch, who were constantly outplayed and outclassed in every area of the field.

With the excellent play and energetic running of the young midfield, Abergavenny looked lively and dangerous, able to play the kind of hockey they produce at training.

The club would also like to say a big congratulations to Ricky Mcglyn (pictured) for his inclusion in the Wales U16 team, a proud moment for Ricky, and also for the club. Well Done.