While many people chose Christmas shopping as a weekend recreation a few elected to watch Monmouth Druids RFC play Chepstow on Chippenham Mead.

Who made the wisest decision depends on your passion but both are demanding of your patience and affection.

The Druids' selection was dictated by injures, work commitments and of course Christmas shopping. Chepstow, the visitors, fielded mainly a young but vigorous side who proved to be worthy opponents.

On a sticky pitch, which asked much of players' fitness, creative play would be very difficult and good cohesive team work would be vital.

The opening 20 minutes saw a real arm wrestle with Chepstow forwards running the hard yards and the Druids defending strongly. There was little individual skills of note and numerous errors caused by a rugby ball which was caked in mud.

Druids scrum half Tom Cratchley made some strong runs which the visitors managed to nullify.

The home side had the opportunity to open the scoring but the Druids missed a 25-metre penalty goal.

Chepstow almost took the lead when their outside half put in a clever kick which their right wing just failed to touch down.

Just before half-time the Druids took the lead through left wing Sam Skipp. A passing move found Skipp in possession on the half way line.

He stretched his long legs and haired for the Chepstow try line. He outran the visitors defence to cross in the corner for a well-taken try and a 5-0 lead.

The restart saw the game continue in the same vein although as the game progressed Chepstow's fitness levels were starting to be exposed.

The Druids again failed to kick a penalty but eventually stretched their lead further. The home outside half Antony Layne made a long mazy run evading would-be tacklers.

Sam Skipp, who was on his shoulder, took a short pass to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try and a 10-0 lead.

As the final whistle got closer, Skipp got his hat-trick of tries when following a bout of passing he ran behind the posts for captain Dave Brace to convert and a 17-0 victory.

For the Druids, newcomers Calum Allwright and Hugh Davies showed promise and their presence will benefit the Monmouth club.

Skipp was the game's match winner and more rugby will make him a better player. The Druids backs were better than their opposition while the forwards fronted up against a strong Chepstow pack.

All were heroes and battled a strong visiting scrum but bettered Chepstow at the lineout.