THIS was a new adventure for Monmouth with the two schools having never previously met. Cowbridge play in the First division of the Welsh schools league and so were expected to present a tough challenge to the School's unbeaten record.
They did not disappoint. Monmouth began the game at a ferocious pace, rucking quickly and moving the ball wide at every opportunity, but the Cowbridge defence held firm. They too launched a series of attacks through their dangerous looking centres and the opening 10 minutes was classic end to end stuff.
Monmnouth opened the scoring as Will Kershaw-Naylor strode over for his now customary try. Minutes later wing, Ieuan Wetherall crossed in the corner after excellent approach play by the pack.
Cowbridge continued to run the ball from deep and were finally rewarded for their enterprise with a well taken, converted try. On the stoke of half time, Kershaw-Naylor extended the Monmouth lead as he gathered a kick ahead to cross wide out.
The second half began just as the first with Monmouth upping the pace of the game. Good work up the blindeside of a scrum by Gaunt and Wetherall allowed,Captain Mike Griffiths to crash over from close range for his first try of the season.
Soon after Kershaw-Naylor pounced on a loose ball and crossed for his hat trick.
Cowbridge were now starting to tire and centreWill Davis took advantage of some sloppy tackling to register the School's sixth try. This was to be his last act as he left the field with a damaged thumb to be replaced by David Morris, who made his first team debut.
As always seems to be the case the best was saved until last. Clever passing in midfield released Wetherall who made good ground before handing on to fellow wing Lee Harris to rack up number seven. Will Edwards completed the scoring with his second conversion of the day, taking the score to 39 points to 7.
Overall this was a good outing for Monmouth and despite scoring seven tries they were made to work very hard in a tough and well contested match.
This is a busy week for the first team beginning on Tuesday against Bryanston before they make the trip to try and repeat last year's victory over local rivals Christ College Brecon.