Monmouth RFC - Comfortable Cup Win

The arduous journey to meet Dolgellau in Round 2 of the Swalec Bowl had already been eased for Monmouth and its large band of travelling supporters by beautiful scenery traversed in lovely weather.

Dolgellau whose youngish side is riding high in Division North were lively and eager from the off with the advantage of a strong wind at their backs but it was also apparent from the start that Monmouth's front 5 were again likely to play a significant part in the result.

The game for much of the first half went from end to end with some fine line-kicking from Dolgellau and good solid ground gained through set pieces by Monmouth but with a frustrating tendency to kick away good possession.

Dolgellau were first to score after 8 minutes with a penalty for holding on in the tackle but Monmouth responded well through a strong run by left wing Tom Baker and when he went to ground Dolgellau prevented the ball's release and fly-half Dave Croudace levelled the score at 3-3.

Monmouth consistently chose to play to their strengths aiming to wear down their opponents and ignoring many a penalty chance, but to the Home team's credit they stuck well to their task and were soon under Monmouth's posts as half-time approached. Monmouth defended well and turned over the ball with scrum-half Gareth Morgan speedily finding Baker on his left who was off and relatively unopposed but the referee called play back for a handling error.

To the team management the game was Monmouth's if they only played for one another as they were already showing distinct signs of being on top. More clinical approach work and better supported breaks were called for and Monmouth set about such a task.

A penalty resulted almost immediately after the re-start which Croudace kicked with the now lessening wind and three minutes on a Dolgellau player killed the ball at a ruck and received a yellow card for his trouble and saw the score advance to 3-9.

Captain John Powell then lead a charge upfield and linked with the supporting right wing Dave Brace but sadly the move was frustrated by another penalty offence.

Dolgellau's frustration began to show big-time by the end of the third quarter with players transgressing with regularity as they tried to cope with the pressure of the visiting pack in the tight and in driving mauls.

Baker showing good renewed confidence led several charges along the left flank beating 8 people on one such occasion for an excellent try.

Almost immediately the three-quarters were once again involved when the ball was recycled from a ruck and moved right for Croudace to cross over for an unconverted try.

It was Baker who consistently stood out with his determination and pace coming close on several occasions encouraging his fellow three-quarters to also try their luck. Centre Anthony Layne was next to benefit from a good break by Morgan and a Croudace conversion.

And then calamity for Dolgellau! In the space of a minute they had two further players temporarily sent from the field for trying to slow down the game illegally.

The pressure had told and the game moved to passive scrums having decimated their front row. Baker however continued to lead the way bursting through for a converted try and then with Layne crossing again allowing Croudace to take his kicking tally to 11 points in the 3-36 victory.

A move on in the Cup should have been fair reward with Baker and Layne received their team mates accolade and the Men of the Match awards. The subsequent but necessary overnight stop was the icing on the cake for the remainder of the Monmouth contingent who celebrated well into the night.

Ticket allocation commences this coming Wednesday at the Club-house just in time for the New Zealand game next Saturday for those choosing not to watch the match in the comfort of the Club -k.o. by the way is 5.15p.m.