Monmouth RFC - Not a Try To Be Seen

On the nearest thing to an early Spring Day so far this year, Monmouth visited Blackweir in Cardiff last Saturday to meet St Joseph's for their rearranged Swalec League fixture. With a fresh cross pitch breeze and a warming sun and drinks to follow whilst watching the Wales International, the conditions should have been perfect for a running game and a feast of tries .. but this was not to prove the case.

Perhaps the late start and early whistles set the scene, because although Monmouth had the first shot at goal in only three minutes form the start but without success only for St Joseph's to miss too soon after. Errors were numerous on both sides but it was Monmouth who were first to benefit with three points from the boot of full back Dave Brace as the result of a late tackle.

The pack was its usual strong self but there was little quick ball or seemingly even the inclination to use the pace out wide in the backs and St Joseph's who dogged away throughout evened the score when Monmouth were caught off-side ten minutes further in.

Play went end to end but was somehow unexciting and flat until the home team eventually went over with one of their larger strong running forwards but the defenders managed to hold him up, well spotted by a referee who did not suit the vociferous crowd for much of the time

An  ensuing penalty was scrummaged but a knock on saved the day and St Joseph's discipline eased things further when on one occasion the home team were marched back three yards for 30 yards for dissent. The final 5 minutes of the half saw things come to life with eventful play but no further scores.

With encouragement to support one another better and to beware the referee's determination to penalize people found holding on after the tackle, Monmouth set off to play the phases and toughen up their game which had until then been flat to say the least.

But it was St Joseph's who sparked most at first and put Monmouth under sufficient pressure to transgress in defence gaining a a successful penalty against and a yellow card to boot for coming into the ruck from the side.

At 6 points each, true both sides tried hard in bursts but Monmouth tended to do so only as individuals but it would be unfair to try to single out any one in particular which seems borne out by the decision of the Captain john Powell not to nominate any one for his customary ‘man of the match' accolade.

The last opportunity was Monmouth's when near the final whistle they gained a penalty 15 yards out and ten yards in to the field. Kicking had not been a strength by either side so choosing another set piece brought the chance of a winning try but St Joseph's were not going to be outdone so late in the game and were glad to kick the ball dead for a draw with which they were probably more content then their visitors.

Next week's  Scotland International dislocates the League again but excitement should be restored the following week when Senghenydd visit in the next round of the Swalec Bowl, kicking off at 2.30p.m. but on the Boys School Ground due to a fixture clash with the Football Club at the Sports Ground.