CALDICOT RFC prepared for next week's derby game against Chepstow in fine style with a 20-8 win at home to Abercarn.

The victory means the club go into the match against their local rivals in joint second place in Swalec League 4 East.

And with Chepstow's seven game winning streak ending in a 15-8 reverse at Oakdale RFC on Saturday it would seem that the Caldicot will go into the clash as favourites.

But first team coach Steve Pritchard played down any advantage his side may have, citing their 23-3 defeat to Chepstow earlier in the season when they had a man sent off.

He said: "We are looking forward to it but we know it will be a very tough match. Chepstow thoroughly deserved their win when they came to us but we felt the red card after 20 minutes was a contributing factor. I just hope we can keep all 15 on the field this time."

And although Steve refused to get carried away after Saturday's win he praised his side for one of their best performances of the season.

A penalty by Lloyd Mellens and a Liam Neil try gave Caldicot the lead at the break before tries for Ashley Donovan and Marc Jenkins sealed the win in the second half with Donovan also kicking a conversion.

Steve said: "We played well, particularly early doors. The first 10 minutes were probably the best we have played all season. We didn't score but we created chance after chance.

"We are joint second and although the teams around us have got games in hand we are just trying to keep doing what we are doing. We scored some good tries. Things you work on in training don't always come off in a game but they did this week which was pleasing. After losing three games to the last play of the match this year I am just happy to get the result."

And Steve also praised the involvement of youngsters James Phipps, Joe Cullimore and Liam Neil who he believes are starting to make a real impact at senior level after graduating through the club's youth team.

After an injury-plagued season Caldicot wel­comed back first teamers Justin Lewis, Mark Christofferson, Ashley Donovan, Sion Lewis and James Phipps after long absences, with several other players hoping to be back by the end of the month.

They take on Chepstow at the Upton Memorial Ground in Bulwark next Saturday at 2.30pm.