The win was hailed as Blaina’s finest-ever victory
Blaina kept their trophy treble dreams alive in the most dramatic of fashions as they beat Abercrave 18-17 to claim the Go Compare Road to Principality 2026 Division 1 Cup at the Principality Stadium.
In an enthralling affair, the Lambs’ late onslaught proved to be enough as they handed the side who top Division 1 West Central a devastating defeat.
Close to time, following a last-gasp catch-and-drive, wing Regan Watkins scored to seal Blaina’s finest victory in their history.
Accompanying Watkins’ late score was hooker Daniel Wall’s try, while Richard Powell and Adam Tetley kicked eight points between them.
The Gwent Valley side started strongly and seized early control. Darren Hodge was penalised for a late hit on Powell, and vice-captain Tetley calmly slotted the opening points.
Steffan Castle levelled after 12 minutes with the first of four penalty kicks.
Castle then put Abercrave into the lead for the first time with another penalty.
Discipline was proving costly for the Lambs, and Castle continued to shine from the tee as he put his side into a six-point lead before the half-hour mark.
That lead was extended before the break. Following a substantial period of pressure, Abercrave lock Craig Price broke through and put his side metres from the whitewash. Hooker Nick Evans then powered his way over as Abercrave enjoyed a 14-3 advantage.
However, Blaina began brightly after the break. Aber were penalised inside their own 22, and the resulting penalty to the corner proved to be the catalyst for Blaina’s first try.
Hooker Wall scored from the catch-and-drive and Powell added the extras to reduce the deficit to four points.
Blaina scrum-half Carl Brimble was shown a yellow card for a high hit on opposite number Cellan Davies. With the extra-man advantage, Castle put Aber seven points ahead after slotting another penalty.
Powell brought the scores to within four points with a penalty as Blaina started to grow in confidence.
Aber then found themselves down to 14 men as Price was shown a yellow card.
And it was Blaina who had the final say. After a break along the touchline by replacement Jonathon Daniels, Aber were penalised.
And Watkins crossed from the driving maul to steal victory.