Chepstow entered the game on the back of a long break from league action and a shock loss in the cup the previous week meant morale wasn't at its peak. With a few key players not available through injury there was opportunity for guys to step in and stamp their mark on the team The game started poorly for Chepstow who failed to deal with the first kick off playing into the elements and but for some outstanding last ditch defence would have conceded early.

The pressure was eased after five minutes with a good break from flanker Andrew Morris and our lines were cleared. The game then immediately turned in Chepstow's favour with a steal at the line-out and some good old fashioned mauling by the forwards which took Chepstow deep into Machen half.

After numerous phases centre Dan Price crashed over for the first score. Machen then made use of the elements and with a strong wind kicked into some handy positions and went over for two non-converted tries before half time to leave the score at 10-5 to the away side.

Chepstow then started the second half with much more purpose and got themselves back into the game just after the break with flanker Andrew Morris powering over for a try drawing the score level at 10-10.

In the absence of Chepstow's key solid inside centre Shane Reece due to concussion his replacement Dan Price was proving his worth making numerous line breaks which resulted in him grabbing his second try of the game which was then converted by Ashley Young to take the score too 17-10 in Chepstow's favour.

The game then looked all but over for Machen with solid defence and a 60 yard burst from flanker Morris nearly giving Chepstow another score but for some good cover defence from the Machen backline.

In a unpredictable turn a silly error by Chepstow not clearing their lines let Machen back into the game where they turned over the ball and scored under the posts. The try was converted and it took the scores back level at 17-17 which set up a very tense last seven minutes.

Straight from the kick off Chepstow desperate to re-gain possession did so with some vicious counter rucking by the pack lead by veteran prop Wayne Morgan.

Keeping hold of the ball well once in possession Chepstow worked through the phases and with only a few minutes left outside centre Jonathan Thomas crossed the line for the winning score to make it 22-17.

A game that finished off a lot closer than necessary from Chepstow's point of view but due to some poor decision making Machen stick at it and come close.

Saturday Chepstow travel away to Talywain where they will continue their push for promotion.