WRU East Division One

Penallta 29 Monmouth 7

AFTER giving current league leaders Bedlinog a fright the previous week, Monmouth were reasonably optimistic about their visit to Penallta last Saturday, reports PETE WALTERS.

And the high paced first half in which both sides managed a converted try each, took their hosts by surprise because only an unconverted try to the hosts separated them at half-time.

Initially there was a setback because within minutes of the start from an ensuing ruck after a touch near the left hand corner, Bidgood, the Penallta scrum-half, popped over the line near the posts making the conversion easy.

Monmouth were soon competing well, spreading the ball wide to good advantage whilst contesting with a gusting cross wind.

And this in addition to containing some magical moves which the pacey home team weaved in midfield requiring some strong tackling.

Reed took play along the left to Penallta with a strong break and a chipped kick but the home team recovered to touch down in goal for a drop-out restart.

Penallta’s strength at mauling was soon apparent when they stole the ball and moved it swiftly to their left wing for Monmouth to have to produce some further firm tackling to keep them out.

A line-out overthrow was pounced on by visiting fly-half Harry Johnson who made good ground and passed on to scrum-half Lewis Ryan to bring the teams level once Johnson had converted.

An injury to Kester Mobbs-Morgan in the centre caused some disruption with flanker Will Korb having to fill in at outside-half on occasions with Mattie Cotton deputising for him with his usual vigour.

Play continued to be very lively with both sides coping well in the lines-out and Monmouth shading the scrums although Penallta mauled more strongly.

And it was through this strength they were able to drive over near the end of the first half from a line-out.

Monmouth responded with a 45-metre break and were battering the home line when a lengthy stoppage for a damaged Penallta knee caused a loss of momentum and brought the break at 12-7.

Despite laying down the law in the interval as to what was required of the visiting players particularly in the defence area, sadly Monmouth failed to switch on in time to prevent the Penallta right wing scorching over a long distance in the opening minutes to score untouched in the corner, although too far out to convert.

A quick response by the visitors took play to the other end but Penallta responded with a kick into the corner from which they were able to again drive a maul over to lead 24-7.

Their bigger and fast forwards were now cutting through almost at will, and although they were being tackled it was gradually sapping the resolve of the defenders.

There was entertainment still aplenty for supporters, with long clearances generating counter-attacks by both sides.

But the Monmouth tackling was the more suspect with Penallta scoring again down the left flank to stretch the lead to 29-7.

With almost 20 minutes still left, Monmouth strived to score but the home defence proved solid. Prop Tom Green made numerous angled charges making ground on each occasion and making one realise what an even greater asset he would be if he had the time to further develop his personal fitness.

Through the strength of their pack, Monmouth were able to keep Penallta pinned in their 22 for much of the closing minutes, but Penallta rode out the pressure for their deserved win and a try bonus point to boot.

Risca at home is next week’s challenge when Monmouth will no doubt have benefitted from the return of some injured players and following some firm guidance on what more is needed of them.

To avoid disappointment, readers are also reminded that tickets are still available via Byron, Lewy or Louise for the club’s 150th Anniversary Dinner at Bridges on November 19.