On the nearest thing to an early spring day so far this year, Monmouth visited Blackweir in Cardiff on Saturday 6th February, to meet St Joseph's for their rearranged Swalec League fixture.

With a fresh cross-pitch breeze and a warming sun, and drinks to follow while watching the Wales International, the conditions should have been perfect for a running game and a feast of tries – but this was not to prove the case.

Monmouth had first shot at goal in just three minutes from the start, but without success – and St Joseph missed too soon after. Errors were numerous on both sides, but it was Monmouth who were first to benefit, with three points from the boot of fullback Dave Brace as the result of a late tackle.

The pack was its usual strong self, but there was little quick ball or seemingly even the inclination to use the pace out wide in the backs. St Joseph's evened the score when Monmouth were caught off-side ten minutes further in.

Play went end to end, but was somehow unexciting and flat until the home team eventually went over with one of their larger, strong running forwards. But the defenders managed to hold him up, well spotted by a referee who did not suit the vociferous crowd for much of the time.

An ensuing penalty was scrummaged, but a knock-on saved the day, and St Joseph's discipline eased things further when, on one occasion, the home team were marched back three times for 30 metres for dissent. The final five minutes of the half saw things come to life with eventful play, but no further scores.

With encouragement to support one another better and to beware the referee's determination to penalise people found holding on after the tackle, Monmouth set off to play the phases and toughen up their game.

But it was St Joseph's who sparked most at first, and put Monmouth under sufficient pressure to transgress in defence gaining a successful penalty against, and a yellow card to boot for coming into the ruck from the side.

At six points each, both sides tried hard in bursts, but Monmouth tended to do so only as individuals. This said, it would be unfair to try to single out anyone in particular – and indeed, captain John Powell decided not to nominate anyone for man of the match status.

The last opportunity was Monmouth's, when, near the final whistle, they gained a penalty 15 metres out and ten metres in to the field. Kicking had not been a strength by either side, so choosing another set-piece brought the chance of a winning try. But St Joseph's were not going to be outdone so late in the game, and were glad to kick the ball dead for a draw – with which they were probably more content then their visitors.

Next week's Scotland International will disrupt the local league again, but excitement should be restored the following week when Senghenydd visit in the next round of the Swalec Bowl, kicking off at 2.30pm on the boys' school ground (due to a fixture clash with the football club at the sports ground).

Having said that, given the rugby disappointments of the weekend, readers may wish to come to the clubhouse on Friday 12th February for the Race Night that starts at 7.30pm (first race 8pm).