If rugby were a game played over forty minutes, Monmouth would have been pleased with the way they disposed of the favourites away at Blaina last Saturday, by scoring ten points to nil by way of reply.

Monmouth’s game had been improving in recent weeks, lifting them to fourth place in the table giving them reason to expect at least to match opponents who had lost only one game this season.

Jason Forrest, the new fly-half had kicked Monmouth into the lead with a well taken penalty inside the first ten minutes, and there were several strong attacks on the Blaina line with one of them squandered by a forward who had obviously been taking lessons from England’s Ben Kay earlier in the day. After supporting an attacking move and with the line at his mercy, pack leader John Powell put the ball down when it would have easier to catch the pass cleanly for the touchdown.

But he was to make it up to his team-mates just before half-time when following a series of rucks, scrum half Taylor who played himself to a standstill by the end of the game, popped up a pass for second row Powell to crash over, Forrest comfortably converted a difficult kick.

With 10 points in the bag by half-time prospects looked good for the second half but this had not allowed for a shrewd change of tactics by the Blaina coach. Whereas previously the younger Blaina opponents had tried to maul and drive their way around the field, apart from their first score which smacked of a little complacency by the Monmouth pack, now they rucked the ball and quickly transferred it along their direct running backs. Within ten minutes they had overtaken Monmouth by the scoring of two tries, one of which was converted.

Temporary respite came for Monmouth with another Forrest penalty regaining a 13-12 lead backed up by some dogged back row tackling and some quite speedy and incisive left wing runs particularly by Morgan but also from full back Brace. But by the thirtieth minute despite a wholehearted defensive attempt by the Monmouth players, the cohesion and shape disappeared and the gaps began to appear with alarming regualarity,

Blaina gained in confidence as time moved on, scoring three times in the last ten minutes without reply. Fortunately Blaina’s kicking let them down on at least three occasions, because on balance Monmouth did not deserve to lose finally 29-13 although it must be of some concern that the final half brought five tries for the home team to none in reply.

The key will be whether or not Monmouth can take on board the lessons from this game, mix them with the spirit and the new and individual talents on display last Saturday and get back to winning ways that have bucked up club morale so much in recent weeks.

Negotiations proceed to get a home re-arranged fixture with Chepstow next Saturday at 2.30p.m. but prospective spectators should look out for match adverts. or ring the Club on 712309 from Thursday on.