Monmouth came out this week determined to set aside all bad memories of their disappointing performance the previous week and from the very start.

Within a minute flanker Ollie Gray was diving over for the opening score, from a driving maul that had reached the visitors' line. Right wing Brace, who is now kicking better with the use of a tee, slotted the first of three successful kicks and set Monmouth fair at 7-0.

From the kick off Richards nearly repeated his earlier exploit but when the ball went into touch, Monmouth were to lose the ball and see Tredegar Ironsides spread the ball wide for a 75 metre try in the right hand corner. Whilst their kicker was less adept than the home team's, it was clear already that this game would be a very exciting and even-handed affair.

Very early on Monmouth fell foul of what seemed to be a rather pedantic match official which soon led to, a this time justified, penalty for foul play first one way and then the other. But to Monmouth's advantage they also received a penalty award a long way out but straight in front of the posts for a visitor handling in the ruck and Brace picked up a further three points well before half time.

With a 10-5 half-time advantage and a stern talking to by the Coach to ensure they kept the ball in contact even though their performance was already 100% better than previously, the referee intervened to warn that he was unhappy with some off the ball incidents and would be policing this area strictly.

The game was fast and furious now and from a defensive scrum because of a 'not straight' throw into the line, the visiting No 8 set off at rare pace, and helped by a slip by his opposite number, broke clean away to join up with his support and even the score at 10-10. Monmouth responded well and but for an awkward bounce left wing Dewi Lane could well have put the game almost out of Tredegar's reach as he was away beyond the reach of his opponents but the bounce was too high allowing the defence to recover.

The battle continued in a ding-dong way with both sides trading successful penalty kicks to bring a 13-13 draw at the end of play which all in all was a fair result, although what it might have been if the game could have been more predictably policed throughout, one will never know.

Seven Sisters are the Division 3 Cup game visitors next week which provides a further test of Monmouth's mettle.

Why not lend your voice to the encouraging crowd this week to give your local team, sponsored by Precision Engineering. that extra lift which hopefully see them progress even further in the competition.

Autumn Internationals are almost upon us and if you have been unlucky in your quest for a ticket all the games will be shown in full at the Club, and the Canada one on the evening of 14 November will coincide with a reception for former players. Club Secretary Pete Walters would appreciate news via the Club of those attending to ensure he gets the catering arrangements right.