MONMOUTH School, unbeaten in September and Western Mail junior team of the month, travelled with confidence high to meet Bryanston College at Clifton Rugby Club.
However, despite battling bravely they were ultimately outplayed by a well organised and physically stronger Bryanston side. Monmouth played in to the elements, a ferocious wind and driving rain, in the first half and did extremely well to turn around only 12-3 down.
Bryanston though seemed to relish playing in to the wind and it seemed to suit their close driving game far better than Monmouth's more expansive approach. Two well constructed tries took Bryanston further into the lead until Monmouth finally hit back with a try from left wing Lee Harris following a good run by Will Kershaw-Naylor. The final score of 26-8 could have been far worse if it were not for some committed tackling with captain Mike Griffiths setting a fine example.
The annual local derby at Christ College Brecon was, as ever, a full blooded contest. Monmouth though are probably still wondering what they had to do to win a game they dominated for large periods of time. In truth they wasted far too many gilt edged chances to win what was always going to be a tight contest.
Monmouth took the lead through a Will Edwards penalty goal although it was scant reward for their territorial domination.
Brecon hit back against the run of play with a long range converted try. The turning point of the match seemed to come just after the break as Brecon were awarded a penalty try following a knock on by Joe Curtis. It seemed a harsh decision and Monmouth appeared to lose their composure and concentration.
Immediately from the kick off some poor tackling saw the Brecon scrum half sprint clear before handing on to his wing who crossed for a fine try. Monmouth were now playing catch up rugby and threw everything at Brecon. Will Kershaw-Naylor crossed for a try after a quickly taken tap penalty and then Pip Hodgkin appeared on the full back's shoulder to round off a breathtaking 90 yard movement which served to demonstrate what Monmouth were capable of and must have left many a Monmouth supporter and player wondering if only.
Saturday sees Old Swinford Hospital School visit Monmouth where hopefully the School can regain their winning ways.