Monmouth RFC - A disappointing loss after last week's euphoria!

Full of confidence after their record Cup win the previous week, reinforced by being drawn away against lowly Dolgellau in Round 2 of the Swalec Cup, Monmouth's trip to Machen to resume their league commitments perhaps seemed less of a challenge than it should have done.

With a sprightly start Monmouth pressed hard for the first five minutes losing ground only to simple penalty transgressions at the ruck which were to remain a continuing feature of their game.

Machen however were quick on the break and thanks to some less than robust tackling were soon to drive over for their first try of the game.

At the first scrum Monmouth gave notice that this would be an area where they would dominate which caused consternation for Machen as they too have apparently excelled in this area to date.

A penalty went begging for Monmouth and the home team responded quickly by stretching Monmouth left where the thinly stretched defence was out flanked putting Monmouth 12-0 behind on the half-hour.

Cool heads were needed with this start and Monmouth's set piece dominance and now it was Machen's turn to hang on and defend their lead.

Fly half Dave Croudace clawed back three points with a penalty for holding on but then missed his second of the contest and then Monmouth in a good attacking position shortly before half-time were adjudged to have passed forward when a try was definitely on. Their only remaining consolation was another Croudace penalty before the break.

12-6 was not a lost cause and with more contested lines-out, man for man marking  and less kicking away of possession there was all to play for but sadly crucial balls were often to be lost playing into the hands of their rather more eager hosts.

True Monmouth seemed to have little rub of the green, even when after a 35 yard driving maul resulting in a yellow card for a defender coming in from the side. Even their own touch-judge mistakenly gave a touch nearer to their goal-line than was deserved  but fortunately (for him and them) a resultant penalty kick was narrowly missed.

Time was running out and Monmouth battled away but their three-quarters were rarely able to penetrate and Machen were delighted to hold out restricting Monmouth to a losing bonus point when there had been so much promise at the start.

Back to the drawing board then for the home league match against Abertillery Blaenau Gwent next Saturday and perhaps with better fortune that will then set them up for their trip to Dolgellau on the 31^st of the month.

Ticket allocations are now complete and the Club is pleased to announce that they have been able to meet everyone's needs for the Autumn Internationals, available on Weds. 4 November at the Club-house.