WRU Division 1 East

Monmouth RFC 17 Senghenydd 15

THE Monmouth RFC coaching team of Chay Billen and Jonathan Hawker were pleased to see their first team squad secure a hard fought victory against Senghenydd, in the first post-lockdown “full programme” league match since January 2020, reports BYRON HAPGOOD.

The hosts ultimately came out close winners 17-15 to launch the club’s 150th anniversary year in style.

Both Monmouth and Senghenydd fielded young squads, each choosing to take the opportunity of the slightly cooler temperature and ideal playing conditions, to ignore the kicking game and play with “ball in hand”.

Attacking play by both sides, often running through many phases, was met with resolute defence and the frequent sound of the referee’s whistle for technical infringements.

It was Monmouth who generally dominated both territory and possession and showed the greater thrust and offload play in attack.

That said, the well-organised Senghenydd defence held Monmouth out, leading to a much tighter score line than the team and coaches would have liked.

Monmouth playing with a slight wind advantage in the first half, found they were able to secure the majority of loose play due to their energetic back row, with Jack Edwards and Ollie Park outstanding, showing both impressive speed and commitment over the ball.

Hard running and willing ball carriers Pete Seran and Logan Woskett frequently made themselves available in an attempt to break down the Senghenydd defence.

The early territorial domination by Monmouth was rewarded in the 20th minute with a penalty converted by on-form place kicker Matt Tabb.

Senghenydd quickly responded in the 24th minute though with a touchline try by winger Adam Llewellyn, which went unconverted. A late first half penalty was then awarded to Senghenydd giving the visitors an 8-3 half-time lead.

The second half started off as the first half finished with both sides again ignoring the kicking game and each showing the desire to run the ball from all areas.

Play on both sides frequently fell foul of the referee due to technical ill-discipline.

Senghenydd were subsequently reduced to 14 men, due to what were considered frequent infringements by No 8 Shaun Morgan.

Monmouth were however unable to capitalise on their 10-minute one-man advantage.

Following some prolonged pressure, the hosts eventually resumed the lead when when bench impact player, tight head prop Tom Green, powered over to score a try from close range, again converted by Tabb to make the score 10-8 in Monmouth’s favour. In the 75th minute Monmouth were again able to increase their lead when a well worked move involving both backs and forwards resulted in fellow bench impact player, wing Kester Mobbs-Morgan, making a strong touchline run to score wide in the corner.

The crucial difficult goal kick was converted by Tabb to make the score 17-8.

But the Monmouth team, thinking the game probably safe with a two-score advantage and thinking there was only five minutes left, were made to sweat due to a full 12 minutes of injury time awarded.

Such injury time was probably added on due to the regular lectures the referee felt necessary to give both players and captains for ill-discipline.

Experience already gained in Division 1 has shown that sides at this level will however play to the final whistle.

And Senghenydd did just that scoring a late converted try to make it 17-15 to gain what was a welcome losing bonus point for them.

Whilst satisfying to have secured first match league winning points, the coaches and inspirational captain Ed White will want the team to show improved discipline in future games and will want all players to work hard in training to both sharpen and finish off attacking phases.

Monmouth’s next game is away to Blaenavon this Saturday (September 10), kick-off 2.30pm.

With plans for the 150th year celebrations now well in hand, the club are thrilled to announce that Wales and British Lions legend Shane Williams has kindly accepted an invitation to the club’s Anniversary Dinner to be held at Drybridge House on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Shane, together with comedian Lenny Dee, should ensure a night of special celebration.

Players, committee, supporters and sponsors, both past and present, should make a note in their diary and contact the club for details and reserve tickets.