Oakdale RFC were dramatically beaten 27-23 in the WRU National Bowl final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, April 28.
With the final whistle agonisingly close, Oakdale, who were 23-20 ahead, conceded a penalty right in front of the posts.
But after speaking with the referee, Abergavenny captain and former Wales international, Nathan Thomas, was informed that if the game finished in a draw, the two teams would share the trophy.
Thomas then made the decision to decline the penalty and instead opted for a scrum, going all out in search of a match-winning try.
The gamble paid off – Abergavenny’s Anthony Squire broke Oakdale hearts when he crossed over for the winning try to snatch the trophy.
Oakdale, who led 11-8 at half time, took a 23-8 lead after tries from Kyle Tudge, Matthew Davies and Simon Veall, who also scored a conversion and two penalties.
But it wasn’t to be for WRU National League Three East A leaders Oakdale, whose 20-15 semi-final win against Bridgend Sports Club RFC saw them advance to the final.
Oakdale also beat Llandaff, Swansea Uplands, St Albans and Aberaeron during the competition.