Monmouth RFC - Monmouth Cup run bowls along

Monmouth moved to within three games of a Millennium Stadium final in the Swalec Bowl by beating Bala away 9-13 last Saturday although it was a close run thing in the end for the 14 men left defending against a determined home team.

In the changing room there had been talk of the need for early impact despite the 4hour bus ride into northern parts and within two minutes the team combined to provide it by driving upfield and even though left wing Baker was initially denied,  the pack showed the dominance they were to maintain throughout the game to present scrum half Matt King with good ball to set off a three-quarter move. Centre Layne spectacularly broke the defensive line in the first of many cameo events which were to earn him ‘man of the match', to find Baker on his right shoulder to complete one of the best tries of this season to date. Full back Dave Brace added the conversion for this impressive  0-7 start.

The lay-off from playing due to bad weather had seemed to make players eager to get involved with the back row foraging well and the three-quarters seeming to pop up everywhere. The pack as usual showed its strength winning a strike against the head as early as ten minutes into the game. The line-out was another area of dominance too with hooker Mark Jones stealing more than a few at the back later on and No 8 soaring high in the middle to provide the backs with the opportunity to move the ball.

That Monmouth were to score only by means of two further penalties throughout the game courtesy of Brace was testament to the eager tackling of Bala and a referee whose style allowed much spoiling of attacking opportunity at the breakdown.

King went close with a 50 yard penalty and Bala came close a few times but only managing three points from their own first half efforts, but Monmouth's desire to try and play the game at a rate of knots helped prevent them from turning pressure into points.

Cool heads were called for in the second half to turn their set-piece dominance into more tries but eventually they needed all their resolve to prevent Bala from crossing their line, especially when Monmouth lost heir second man in the game to a yellow card near the end.

Brace hit the mark at the end of the third quarter to widen the gap to 3-13 but Bala did not once give up and maintained a steady pressure on Monmouth who needed to concentrate hard on their defence.

Astute kicks by virtually all  the backs cleared the line and regained territory from time to time and Layne showed  the way with a stunning tackle in the centre scything down an attacker just when it was needed but Bala came chipping back with a penalty of their own and much determination.

The small band of loyal Monmouth supporters were finding it increasingly nerve wracking as the referee warned Bala again and again for offences but kept his hands away from his pocket until that is a Monmouth forward in desperation handled the ball in a ruck gaining Bala an easy three points and a last gasp chance as he was sent from the field for the final five minutes.

The atmosphere was electric and it is amazing how long five minutes can seem especially when your opponents have their tails up but the remaining players gave their all and Bala were denied the winning score they so eagerly sought to the delight of Monmouth players and followers alike.

Monmouth now face Senghenydd at home on 20 February but before then there is the chance for people of the Town to get behind this side so competently led by captain John Powell when they play Old Illtydians this coming Saturday on the Sports Ground k.o. 2.30p.m. But if your support extends to socialising or just warmer surroundings, there will be a lunch at the Club on 6 February along with the screening of the England v Wales game. More details from the Club on 712309.