Monmouth came home triumphant from meeting Blackwood Stars, complete with a bonus point for their four tries included in the 17-31 result.

Initially, it was the home team which took play to the visitors, but Monmouth have been able to defend well throughout this season and this they necessarily did again in the early stages.

Blackwood Stars were the most fired up at first but when Monmouth found their attacking feet it was they who were soon pressurising the home team with some solid play which gave the opportunity for some sparkling forays by individuals.

Fly half Rhys Ricketts was one who was definitely 'up for it' with strong tackling, good use of the wind with his second half kicking and an ability to break the opponents' line despite their fierce defence.

The 13th minute of play proved unlucky for Blackwood when Ricketts made such a break and when painfully tackled, found flanker McCord in support for the final 20 yard charge to the line. After first aid, Ricketts stepped up to kick the conversion.

Monmouth kept up the pressure with Ricketts next being held up over the line.

Blackwood rallied but this time were thwarted by a splendid 70-yard clearing kick from full back Matt Tabb and soon after Monmouth turned defence into attack with scrum-half Gareth Morgan making a break following a ruck deep in his own half, chip-kicking ahead when challenged and gathering the ball from a fortuitous bounce to score under the posts, making the kick an easy one.

With minutes to go to half-time Blackwood took advantage of two missed tackles as Monmouth relaxed to narrow the score to five-14 at the break.

Confidence was high enough to believe that exerting even more control through the pack would suffice to ensure a win but plans were dented a little when the kick-off was knocked on and from the resultant turnover Monmouth found themselves only two points ahead at 12-14.

For the full report on this game, see this week's Beacon (9th May)