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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Anthony Woolford

The bizarre end to a Welsh rugby final as one team refused to accept sharing the trophy

The Principality Stadium has witnessed some dramatic finishes down the years.

Wales' 31-24 Six Nations win over Scotland in 2010, thanks to Shane Williams' last-gasp try, springs to mind.

Abergavenny v Oakdale in Sunday's starter to WRU National Finals Day may not have had a full stadium on edge, but for tension it was right up there for the teams involved and the fans who were watching.     

Because the old cliche fortune favours the brave never rang truer as Abergavenny lifted the WRU National Bowl in incredible circumstances.

Former Wales back-rower Nathan Thomas' side were trailing 23-20 to their Division Three East A title rivals in injury time when they were awarded a penalty slap bang in front of the posts.

It was a simple penalty to level matters at 23-23, with some inside the stadium and TV viewers doubtless presuming the game would then go to extra-time.

When asked what the ruling was should the scores be tied, referee Elliot Mayer had to take advice from the sidelines.

He subsequently told Abergavenny there would be no extra-time... and the trophy would be shared.

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Abergavenny's players sized up the situation, opted against the match-levelling kick and opted instead for a scrum as they went for win or bust.

They then kept hold of the ball for enough time to see wing Anthony Squire cross for the winning try that enabled them to lift the trophy.

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"We asked the referee and had to get some rulings because we weren't quite sure what would happen if it was a draw," said Thomas afterwards.

Abergavenny players celebrate with the trophy. (Huw Evans Picture Agency)

"We got told it would just be sharing the cup."

They decided that wasn't enough. Abergavenny risked losing in search of victory... and the bold gamble paid off.

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