A rousing start by Monmouth last Saturday (17th December) against near neighbours Usk should have brought more than two early penalty scores from fly-half Rhys Ricketts.

But for all the early pressure which had Usk staggering, they were unable to capitalise on their considerable territorial and possession advantage.

As Usk legs tired on the sticky pitch towards half-time, Monmouth put some stirring moves together, the one ending in a penalty with no score, and then centre Chris Reed, back in town and displaying superb pace and fitness, rounded off an excellent play involving many of the visiting team.

Ricketts, in the poor underfoot conditions, failed with the conversion but Monmouth were looking good with an 11-point lead at the change.

Usk had threatened occasionally on the counter-attack so what was hoped for was more pick-and-go plays to build on the strength that Monmouth were providing in spades through their hard core forwards.

Second Row Will Copley was in the thick of it and prop and captain Matt Rickett's tackling of all who came near him was a textbook example to his team.

But the power in the scrum was exceptional and still with the fitness to cover out wide or provide supporting runners.

The forwards were enjoying the action if only because it was keeping them warm and predictably the pressure told not long into the half when No 8 Mike Griffiths was able to dab down the ball to seal a push-over score.

For the rest of this report, see the Beacon this week (21st December).