MONMOUTH RFC's 1st XV began their Welsh league season with an excellent win over a strong Tredegar Ironsides' team on the Sportsground last Saturday.
Due to injuries and some late holidays, Monmouth had to field a back division with a strong mix of 'vets' and inexperienced younger players. Tredegar's well drilled threequarters appeared to be taking advantage of this in the first ten minutes but some hard tackling and forced errors kept the Monmouth line intact.
After fifteen minutes, Monmouth's forwards began to take the upper hand, pushing the opposition back with a fine drive, showing excellent handling skills and support through several phases of play, finally releasing the ball to the left where wing, Matthew Morgan raced over for a try in the corner.
Within five minutes Monmouth increased their lead when outside half, Robbie Frost demonstrated his kicking skills with a well taken drop goal from outside the 22. For most of the remainder of the half, play was even, with defences dominant. But almost on half-time a kick deep into Monmouth's half by Tredegar's outside half was not cleared and from the resulting play, Tredegar outran Monmouth's defence to score a converted try, making the score 8-7 at the break.
The second half began with Monmouth's pack continuing their sharp play, both in the loose and lineouts and scrums where they won several balls from Tredegar's put-in. However, the next score cam from Tredegar who converted a penalty from in front of Monmouth's posts, giving them an 8-10 lead.
Monmouth continued to exert pressure and 25 minutes into the half pounced on a Tredegar attempt to create a threequarter movement from inside their own 22. From the resulting ruck, a fine forward try was scored near the posts which was converted by fullback, John Court, making the score 15-10 to Monmouth.
Yet again the lead changed hands with ten minutes to play. Having worked their way into Monmouth's 22, quick ball to their backs saw Tredegar's centre bursting through a gap in Monmouth's defence to score a try which was converted to give the visitors a 15-17 lead.
But Monmouth did not give up and despite the fast pace at which the game had been played, showed great character in continuing to attack. A long clearance downfield led to some loose play in Tredegar's 22 and an infringement by Tredegar gave Monmouth a penalty opportunity which was ell taken by John Court, restoring the lead to Monmouth at 18-17.
The final few minutes, including what seemed interminable extra time, caused Monmouth's supporters palpitations but the whistle finally blew to give the home team a fine win and the expectation of a good season ahead.
The Druids' match was cancelled. Next week the 1st XV play away in a league match against Bedlinog while the Druids are at home to Old Tylerians.