As anticipated Monmouth Druids won their latest league match, but not as comprehensively as first thought.

Usk RFC were the visitors to Chippenham Mead, hoping to reverse the two heavy previous reverses suffered against the Druids earlier in the season.

The first 20 minutes were littered with mistakes by the Druids as knock-ons, fumbles and forward passes were frequent occurrences in the match.

This did not develop any fluidity in the game as the referee rightly penalised Druid poor skill levels.

Monmouth took the lead after they established a platform in the Usk half.

From a penalty, scrum half Matt King quickly fed outside half Huw Adams five metres from the visitors' line. He used his momentum to crash over the Usk try line.

Captain and centre Dave Brace failed with the kick and he also missed a long distance penalty goal attempt to increase the lead.

The Druids did extend their lead again from a penalty award. Matt King took it quickly and raced some 40 metres through the surprised Usk ranks to touch down beneath the posts. Brace converted to make the score 12-nil in their favour.

Play was predominately in the Usk half and the Druids' left wing almost scored after a blind side run. Usk were 'under the cosh' now and were forced into defensive mode.

A loose kick from their full back was gathered by Druids full back Mattie Morgan, who counter attacked into Usk territory. A pass to the speedy Brace carried the move on and he fed wing Tom Cleverly, who raced over the visitors' line. The conversion failed but it was not the end of the Druids' try scoring.

From a steady supply of scrum ball, centre Gavin Jones kicked ahead behind the Usk defence. A foot race developed and an Usk defender seemed to have the ball covered. A slight hesitation was enough for Jones to dive on the ball and score the fourth try and give the Druids a bonus point.

Brace improved the try to give the Druids a 24-nil lead at the interval.

Prospects for the second half looked optimistic for the Druids but the play did not turn out in this way. Coupled with poor Druids tactics, Usk showed real determination and put the home side on the defensive.

A run from half way by the visitors' left wing left four Druids would-be tacklers failing and he crossed the home line on the right hand side.

The conversion was not successful but the score was thoroughly deserved. Only fine defensive play by the Druids prevented Usk from scoring other tries.

In fact the Druids kicked a penalty goal by Brace to make the final score 27-five in their favour.

Not a great match, and the Druids have played better this season, but the win and bonus point is some consolation for the sub-standard display.