ABERGAVENNY were held to yet another 3-3 draw on Saturday, courtesy of a skilled, experienced, and well-drilled Whitchurch outfit.

Despite the obvious challenge, the team were confident after Clement's hat-trick the previous week and were looking to go one better than yet another draw.

Despite being without the obvious talents of Pete Hewinson and Tom O' Leary, the town team was pleased to welcome back Tom Harris on the right wing, and Andy Banks in midfield.

Kevin Phillips and Dilwyn Thomas were also part of the final changes, and played in the midfield and left wing respectively.

Indeed, it was the determination of Thomas and left back Geraint Davies that created the first chance.

A great tackle and pass by the left back allowed space for the ever active Thomas. A clever pass allowed the fantastically quick Harris to pick the ball in midfield, subsequently allowing Clements enough time to beat the keeper..

As the first half progressed, it was apparent the team are already learning the lessons of the new league, with a much more disciplined approach by the defence and midfield.

Constant pressure on the ball carrier by Banks and youngster Alex Mac saw Whitchurch struggle, despite a few half hearted chances.

However, lady luck was about to smile on the capital team, as an intercepted tackle from John Meredith dropped into the path of the right winger. With Davies and Meredith now completely out of position, Whitchurch made no mistake.

Next blood was drawn by Abergavenny, again from a move starting in the left back position. With Harris using his skill and speed to great advantage, Clements was able once more to unleash a deadly shot, after sending the keeper the wrong way.

And it was Clements and Harris who combined once more in the midfield, after a typical Banks pass cut the Whitchurch defence apart, allowing the striker to gain his second hat-trick in as many weeks.

Whitchurch were finally able to get a goal back at the end of the first half with a well worked short corner, despite determined defending by Tom Johnstone.

It was also Johnstone who was involved in an unfortunate incident at the start of the second half, when involving himself in a typically gritty challenge, a stick laid open his chin to the bone, and the resulting blood and shock rendered him out of the game, and in casualty for the remainder of the afternoon.

With the ever energetic Phillips now dropping into the defensive hole, the immediate disruption allowed Whitchurch a goal within a minute of Johnstone leaving the field.

Despite renewed pressure by the Aber front line, a goal was not forthcoming. Excellent work at the back by Meredith and Keeper Bartlett effectively dealt with any Whitchurch threat, but Aber were never quite able to press home their advantage.

The most heart stopping of the remainder of the game, was a supremely judged interception by Meredith. A yard in front of the keeper, with the experienced striker at full throttle behind him, he decided to allow the ball past his reversed stick.

So surprised was the striker, the ball ran out of play – but the Abergavenny sigh of relief was audible, and the team can be very proud of the draw nonetheless.

This game saw a much improved balance and composure throughout the team, and certainly the defence and midfield showed improved cohesion.

Aber will now hope it stays that way for the next weeks long trip to Fishguard to play an established Pembroke County team.