Monmouth u11's travelled to Cornwall to play in the annual Hayle Festival over the week-end. Monmouth returned to defend the trophy they won last year against very strong opposition from Taunton, Exeter, Chipping Sodbury and a good selection of sides from Cornwall.

Glorious weather greeted the large Monmouth contingent, who started the tournament against fancied local side Penzance and Newlyn.

Monmouth were soon into their stride, with superb driving play at forward and immense rucking created the perfect platform for Monmouth's talented backs. At forward, Owen Hughes and Rhys Longden were outstanding with their driving play, whilst Josh Reid showed what a talented forward he is with superb handling to add to his textbook forward play.

An outstanding all round performance saw Monmouth run out 25-0 victors with a brace of tries from Jamie Norman, and one each from MJ Baker, Owen Hughes and Henry Lee.

The second fixture saw Monmouth run out comfortable victors against Chipping Sodbury 30 – 0, before the fixture of the day against the well fancied Exeter Chiefs.

With both sides unbeaten, this was a real test of character for the boys. A magnificent performance from the whole squad saw the Exeter Chiefs comfortably put away 20-0. The barnstorming Josh Reid went over for a brace of well deserved tries and an excellent scrum resulted in a strike against the head which allowed Max Norman to score from distance.

A fiery Cambourne side was the final game of the day who provided a stern test for the Monmouth boys. A rampaging Rhys Longden crossed for a well deserved try and with the combative Nick Perret Green and Mataius Kefalas providing the platform Monmouth finished the first day undefeated with a 10-0 win. An excellent try from Eliot Spear being the highlight of a satisfying win.

Results from the first day meant Monmouth needed to win one of their remaining two games to reach the tournament final.

First game against Taunton was a real war of attrition. With the referee's interpretation of the rules leaving a lot to be desired, Monmouth found continuity extremely difficult. Morgan Brett was to the fore with his driving forward play, ably supported by the excellent Hywel Rose.

With the scores level at 0-0 deep into the second half, fly half Jamie Norman cut through the defence to touch down in the corner for the winning score.

A straight forward victory against Hayle, where Harry McCoy and Henry Mayell put in some tremendous tackles ensured Monmouth reached the final undefeated.

The Exeter Chiefs qualified for the final as the second placed team and a large crowd descended on the main pitch for the highlight of the festival.

Monmouth started in relentless fashion, taking control of the game from the outset. Relentless pressure eventually told with a sublime score. The excellent forwards set the platform and a set midfield move saw MJ Baker dart over for the opening score. More marauding from the excellent forwards gave scrum half Max Leader the opportunity to show his paces with a dart on the blind side to score the second try of the half.

With Monmouth exerting all the pressure, coach Hughes ensured all the squad participated in a one sided final. Ross Haines showed some excellent touches at hooker and with the fiery Tom Baker having an excellent tournament, the result was never in doubt. From the kick off a hanging kick by Jamie Norman was well chased by MJ Baker who got his reward by charging down the clearance kick to score unopposed.

The Exeter defence was commendable, but it was one way traffic as wave after wave of Monmouth resulted in Owen Hughes scoring a well deserved try with a bullocking run from ten metres out.

Monmouth ran out comfortable winners 20-0 to win the tournament for the second year running with some outstanding rugby.

A massive achievement saw a total of twenty five tries scored with none conceded!