Ynysddu were predictably fired up last Saturday (12th November) given that they had lost to Monmouth only a matter of weeks before in the Swalec Bowl, and it was they who initially took the play to Monmouth and scored first from a penalty kick in the frenetic opening moments.

The home team bounced straight back with fly half Rhys Ricketts kicking the first of his six successful kicks at goal as part of the 20 points he was to contribute personally by the final whistle.

Monmouth's pack was relishing the game given their dominance at their last encounter and it was no surprise that following a line-out, Mike Griffiths, John Powell and Paul Stockley were prominent in taking the ball forward until the ball became available to left wing Rob Farr, once again got on the score-board with a stirring run.

Ricketts added the conversion confidently and Monmouth were 10-three in the lead after only seven minutes of the contest.

Ynysddu, spurred on by the very vigorous play of their blind-side flanker, complemented by an obvious tactic to move the ball away from the strong home pack, rallied, but Monmouth countered with enough pressure to force illegal handling in the ruck and another sweet kick at goal for Ricketts.

For full story see Beacon 16/11/11.