MONMOUTH were always likely to struggle against Pentyrch, even on their own patch which had drained remarkably well after the recent deluge.

They battled hard throughout, but the Division Six East leaders always had sufficient in reserve to keep Monmouth at arms length whenever they threatened and were full value for their 24-9 success.

The Cardiff side had a big pack which commanded most of the lineouts and frequently turned over Monmouth possession in the rucks and mauls. Under pressure in these areas, Monmouth gave away numerous penalties which didn't help their cause.

Pentyrch had an elusive pair of half backs and the threequarters passed the ball swiftly and accurately when they had the chance. By contrast Monmouth's backs, receiving sluggish possession had little opportunity to launch any positive attacks and only on a couple of times did they threaten the opposing try line.

Pentyrch took the lead after 16 minutes, as Monmouth faced a strong wind and amazingly brilliant sunshine in the first half. Crisp accurate passing sent their full back in for a try which was converted.

Good combined play took Monmouth into the Pentyrch 25 and a try looked a possibility only for the final pass to go astray. When they again worked their way into their opponents 25, they won top of the lineout possession, but an over-complicated move saw them lose ground and they fell further behind when Pentyrch kicked a penalty in the 27th minute.

Rob Frost reduced the deficit for Monmouth with a 30 yards low trajectory penalty after 35 minutes, while Pentyrch missed two penalty chances before the interval.

Frost missed a long range penalty attempt five minutes into the second half, but landed a 30 yards effort three minutes later. With the forwards now having the upper hand in the scrums, things looked much more promising for the home side.

But when Pentyrch worked their way into the Monmouth 25 for the first time in the second half after 18 minutes, they scored. A penalty kick was pushed into the corner and from the lineout the midfield worked a gap for the centre to break through and score at the posts. The try was converted and once more Pentyrch held the upper hand.

Frost gave Monmouth renewed hope with his third penalty after 67 minutes, before hooker Mark Jones, gathering a loose ball, combined with Matt Morgan and Johnny Powell in a move that almost led to a try on the left. Although the try scoring opportunity was snuffed out, Monmouth won a penalty, but Frost pushed his kick just wide.

It was to be Monmouth's last chance, as Pentyrch worked their way into the Monmouth 25 and only desperate defence kept them out. It could not last however, and from a ruck on the Monmouth line, the Pentyrch scrum-half dived over for a try which was well converted from the touchline.

Team: S Williams; J Tyler, B Smith, A Davies (capt), M Morgan; R Frost, G Morgan; W Wadley, M Jones, L Watkins, J Powell, M Edwards, S Boylan (S Edwards), H Morgan, B Morgan.

Monmouth are away to Chepstow this Saturday and play Nantyglo at home on December 16.