On Friday evening at New Panteg rugby ground Monmouth Youth played Croesyceiliog Youth in the final of the Gwent Plate Competition. The squad stepped off the coach looking the part in new polo shirts provided by MGM Sports.

The preparation and team talks had everyone desperate to get into the opposition. Thankfully the evening was dry and on a wide pitch surrounded by a great number of vocal travelling supporters a real competitive match was played out by two very good sides.

Monmouth were soon under pressure by some fine tactical kicking by the 'Croesy' outside half, and it took some determined efforts by wing Tregaskes and full back Ricketts to keep the opposition out.

The scrums were a real battle and the front row of Partridge, Thomas and Dixon fronted up and also were prominent around the field, regularly making the 'hard 'metres. Monmouth had to withstand over 10 minutes of serious pressure in their own 22 before managing to clear their lines.

The defence in the centre by Whistance and Palmer was solid throughout the game with some great hits, and they both made great efforts going forward. Good kicks to touch by Palmer from penalty awards gave Monmouth good lineout positions in the Croesy 22, but unfortunately the lineout did not function as well as needed, being put under great pressure by their excellent front jumper.

Roberts and Boxall both were prominent in the rucks and mauls, and also driving forwards. After a series of forward drives Monmouth were awarded a penalty about 35 metres out and a great effort just missed by a foot.

There was a number of turnovers by both sides which made for exciting passages of play with good attacks set up by the Price twins, Kyle and Aaron, at half backs, and a great scrambling defence by both sides.

An exciting half ended 0 – 0, tension all around.In the second half the Monmouth back row of captain Bicknall, Anstey and Wheeler continued to play to an extremely high standard, tackling, driving, handling, scavaging on the ground, with fantastic determination with little regard for their own well being. A great unit and an excellent captain always leading from the front.

After 15 minutes a penalty award to Croesy for offside gave them their only penalty kick at goal in the game, and a successful shot gave them a 3 – 0 lead.

Jones replaced Dixon at prop and it was all out attack from Monmouth, and Smith on the left wing was having a great game in attack and defence, and a good passing move along the back gave him a chance to race along the touch line and only a last ditch tackle stopped him from scoring. Lindsell- Hales came on as a 'blood ' substitute.

After a series of sharp breaks by replacement scrum half Matthews, and bracing drives by the forwards, backed by a roaring Monmouth crowd, they were rewarded with a penalty kick on the 22 metre line in front of the posts, unfortunately a slightly rushed effort was pulled to the right side of the posts.

The play continued with massive hits on either side, and great tension, but with Monmouth still on the attack, and with no injury time added on the ref blew for full time, and an awful feeling to lose 3 – 0 but tremendous satisfaction to have played in a great cup final and to have come so close to winning.

The last youth game for a number of players, and an excellent end to a season in which all players in the extended squad have contributed memorable moments at some time this successful season.