On a baking hot May afternoon Assembly Rugby headed to Aberavon to take on the Division 3A Green Stars in what was sure to be one of the sternest tests in their relatively short history. And so it proved during a tense and competitive match in which the greater organisation and discipline of the hosts played a decisive role.

A cagey opening 15 minutes saw few clear cut chances for either team as both sides found their feet in swelteringly hot conditions with in general, the Assembly defence staunchly matching the early Green Stars attacking play.

The first try of the game came from a promising Assembly attacking move - intercepted in midfield for an easy run in try for the Green Stars. Minutes later another break down in the visitor's play, this time a dropped ball was pounced upon by the grateful Green Stars midfield and kicked through for a second touchdown.

The home side now with real momentum pressed home their advantage against a slightly shell shocked Assembly side and ran in a third try around the half hour mark to build an ominous 19-0 lead.

Credit though to the Assembly who dug in and finally started to play some good rugby in the closing minutes of the half, snatching a well worked try to finish the half 19-7 and just about stay in touch in the match.

Longstanding Assembly Captain Joel Steed who had spent the first half playing for home club Aberavon Green Stars returned to lead the Assembly side in the second half as the visitors attempted to fight their way back into the game.

Perhaps inspired by the return of their captain the Assembly enjoyed their best spell of the whole match in those first 15 minutes of the second half, scoring two impressive tries to tie up the scores at 19-19 with 25 minutes to play. But it was now that the extra experience and game management of the Green Stars came to the fore as they kicked long and well and pressured the Assembly side relentlessly in their own half.

A well taken try restored the home lead to 26-19 and with time running out and bodies tired and sore in the hot conditions, there was no way back for the Assembly despite their gallant attempts.

Two further late late tries from the hosts gave the final score line a slightly lopsided look at 40-19 for what was a competitive and close match throughout, but it was ultimately a thoroughly well-deserved win for the Green Stars who welcomed the Assembly and embraced and enhanced our charitable efforts with notable kindness.

Following the match many handshakes and moments of laughter were shared across both teams and a great sum of money raised for our match day charity - School of Hard Knocks.

For the Assembly side, those early self-inflicted mistakes were perhaps always too great to recover, but the players showed real pride and commitment for the Assembly badge and ultimately who could ask for anything more.