Friendly - Berry Hill RFC 20 Monmouth RFC?Druids 29

MONMOUTH RFC Druids travelled to near neighbours Berry Hill RFC for a cross border friendly on Saturday (31st March).

The team were keen to put their season back on track after a very disappointing result the previous week versus Caerleon.

Monmouth, with the slope in their favour, were on the attack from the outset, the back row of Scott McGowan, Dan Anstey and Joe Christopher ripping the opposition defence to shreds and wing Sam Hogan running over the opposition like a young George North.

Monmouth soon opened the try scoring through centre Chris Reed, Kris Gordon added the extra points giving the Druids a 7-0 lead.  

This gave Monmouth greater confidence and they soon extended their lead through second row Sam Harding which was again converted by Gordon extending the lead by 14-0.

Gordon was soon on the score sheet again scoring a try himself taking his personal points tally to nine for the day.

Dan Williams, not to be out done by his centre partner, extended the lead further giving Monmouth a 24-0 lead at half time.

The second half started with Berry Hill in the ascendency: their big forwards enjoying running down the slope. Four quick tries later the scoreline had changed dramatically with the home side now only four points behind.

Monmouth rallied and started to attack like they had in the first period of the game, Mark Buffin was put clear only to be stopped by a last ditch tackle.

With the final play of the game Monmouth achieved the score their endeavour in the second half deserved when Shaun Brosnan crashed over to clinch a 29-20 victory.

On Thursday 5th April, the Druids entertain Talywain seconds in the semi-final of the Pontypool and District Ivor Jones Cup. All support is greatly fully received. Kick off is at 6pm on Chippenham Fields.