Despite player shortages due to injury, Monmouth repelled a late surge at Machen to hold on for a 16-21 win in a game that had seen two tries each but more reliable goal-kicking by the visitors.

As usual the Monmouth pack dominated, particularly in the first half, but they had not planned to recall second row John Powell from his well-deserved retirement.

His loyalty to the club might cost him dearly, though, as some players were overheard wondering if they could claim a refund on their parting gifts to him.

The forward power was clearly apparent, reinforced by flanker McGowan seeming to be wherever the action was. This, backed up by the thrusts of No 8 Wheeler and scrum-half Thomas from the base of the scrum ensured much of the first half was played in opposition territory.

And yet despite this, and a yellow card for the home team flanker for a high tackle as well as (eventually) a penalty from the boot of fly-half Roberts, they were to turn around 5-3 down, thanks to a casual pass in a move which should have brought a try for Monmouth from an overlap, but was instead snapped up by the Machen left wing, who ran 50 yards to take a half-time lead.

Machen now would have the advantage of the slope but greater composure by Monmouth, in addition to their first half superiority and less penalties given away at the breakdown, was likely to see them through.

Their cover defence was tested almost immediately when Machen ran fast and long from deep, but as in the first half the tackling was sound.

Adam Roberts led the counter-attack with strong runs as his confidence grew, but Machen retaliated in kind, and with the benefit of an unpunished forward pass, found themselves pressurising Monmouth 30 yards from the visitors' line.

For full story see Beacon 12/09/12