MONMOUTH School 1st XV maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a workmanlike performance at home to Marlborough College.
This was the visitors' first game and Monmouth gave them no time to find their feet. Immediately, from the kick-off, the home side attacked, causing Marlborough to knock on. From the resulting scrum, the ball was moved, first blind and then back open to full back Will Kershaw-Naylor who cruised over unopposed for an unconverted try.
Monmouth continued to dominate the opening exchanges through their pacey backs and after 10 minutes went further ahead when left wing Lee Harris appeared on the right flank and expertly gathered his own kick ahead to cross under the posts. Will Edwards added the simple conversion.
Marlborough steadily began to get into the game, displaying a willingness to spread the ball and only poor handling denied them scoring a try on more than one occasion. It was with some relief that the half time whistle was heard and the sides turned around with Monmouth clinging on to a 12 point lead.
Marlborough continued their territorial dominance after the break and a simple penalty from in front of the post gave them their deserved first points.
Some classy play from Kershaw-Naylor prevented a further Marlborough score as he gathered a chip ahead and sent in a superb spiralling relieving kick.
This act seemed to inspire the home side and they launched a series of attacks on the Marlborough line. Scrum half Dan Gaunt charged down a kick and remarkably hung on to the ball to cross for a try which Edwards again converted.
Monmouth had saved the best for last as Marlborough, like most of the country this week, ran out of fuel. Centre Will Davies picked up a loose pass to round his man and set Harris away. The left winger still had plenty to do but he displayed great pace and power to shrug off three would-be defenders and round under the posts. Edwards completed the scoring with his third conversion.
Overall, some good, bad and indifferent play from a Monmouth side who will need to become more consistent with their handling if their successful start is to be continued next week away to Bristol Grammar School.
The 2nd XV, buoyed by their success last week, stormed into a 13 point lead, with half-backs Morris and Harrison in good form. Unfortunately, Marlborough hit back strongly and ran out winners by a single point. The U16 team also had a tight game, with honours ending even in a well contested five point draw.
The 3rd XV recorded a fine win as did the U15 team.