The last match possible for the Druids was on 20th November and weather conditions have prevented any play since.

The enforced lay off would have provided a respite for players, but what effect on performance would ensue?

Newport High School Old Boys were the visitors and they were sure to offer stern opposition.

This soon showed itself just minutes after the kick off.

A scrum close to the Druids try line was shunted back by Newport, and one of their large forwards touched down to open the scoring.

The conversion failed but it was plain to see that the scrum was going to be a difficult facet of play for the Druids.

Spirited play by the Druids offset the scrummage problems and when their threequarters gained possession they looked particularly dangerous.

It was from another source, however, that the Druids took the lead.

Centre and captain Dave Brace kicked two well-judged penalty goals to edge the Druids into a six-five lead.

The Druids were looking to exploit the advantage that their backs were offering and they created two scores to put them in a commanding position.

Rare good possession from a scrum saw the ball moved across the line to wing Matt Lovatt, who cut inside beautifully to touch down behind the posts. Dave Brace converted to make the score 13 points to six.

Minutes later, another try was scored by the Druids in similar circumstances.

Good passing saw Dave Brace straighten his run and he put in a short pass to full back Mattie Morgan, who dived over for an unconverted try just before half time.

The second half play was similar in format to the first with Newport driving hard up front and the Druids forwards being very resilient.

Brace kicked another penalty goal and the Druids pressed hard on the Newport line.

From looking to score another try, the Druids were suddenly faced with a counter attack from the Newport left wing. He intercepted a Druids pass and sprinted the length of the field to touch down in the left hand corner for an unconverted try.

The last score was yet another penalty goal from the reliable Brace and a 24-10 victory.

So rugby in the New Year is back for the Druids with a win.

While the backs had the upper hand, the forwards had to battle. None more than flanker Scot Macgowen who had a fine match.