Monmouth RFC - Reasonably Convincing

Monmouth RFC's first trial was held last Saturday on Chippenham against visitors Cwmbran and the 16-14win was a reasonably convincing start against a higher graded team in their bid to bounce straight back into Division 4 of the Swalec League.

Fitness levels if not perfect so early in the season, seemed encouraging and although the backs had little good ball going forward, new backs coach Martin Davies has obviously instilled into them a resolve which was not apparent at the end of last year's relegation campaign. Individual performers sparkled, too.

For the forwards, it was good to see some of the old faces eager for another campaign and the lines-out seemed to have improved on last year although the scrummaging was unable to be tested because of front row shortages necessitating uncontested scrums.

The game itself had its frustrations;  balancing the eagerness of the players with the referee's officially reinforced determination to ensure tacklers immediately released the tackled player so that play could flow resulting in a host of stoppages and lectures for both side.

Monmouth were first to score through a simple penalty by Matt King followed by another inside the first 20 minutes but it was Cwmbran who were first to cross the line after a repeated bombardment of rucks in the top left hand corner. Eventually Monmouth's defence which had until then been resolute, cracked for to lose the first session 6-7.

Refreshed, Monmouth came back with another King penalty within minutes of the re-start and with play swinging from one end to the other the considerable crowd were kept entertained even if they, too, struggled to understand the reasons for the frequent stoppages.

Eventually Monmouth upped the pressure and the sharp scrum half Gareth Morgan went in at pace in the right hand corner. The resultant kick was a difficult one but fly-half Rhys Ricketts looking good with the boot out of hand planted the conversion from near the touch-line.

Cwmbran were not ot be outdone and forced some near desperate defence from Monmouth players covering back until the visitors forced a gap for 7 points of their own.

In the final session of the day the steamy heat was beginning to tell on both teams and try though Cwmbran might Monmouth held out for their first win of the season - 16-14 in time to try and do it all over again next week, same time (2.30p.m.). same place (Chippenham) against visitors Cheltenham North who will also present a stern challenge.

The Youth XV playing alongside their seniors did not fair quite so well losing 13-20 to Cwmbran Youth who were just a little to good for them given their weakened numbers because of holidays and not helped either by the 1stXV needing a few of their older players to inject a little pace and gay abandon into their squad, but everyone was happy. The new season has started, there were no significant injuries and the coaching staff were pleased to see their pre-season advice and guidance was having an effect. Roll on next week!