Monmouth continued their winning ways with a 20-12 win away at Caldicot last Saturday although nowhere near in the style with which they are capable.

Spirits were high, epitomised by the 70’s style clothes and ‘hairdos’ the players assumed straight after the match. Certainly it is said, the squad is probably the strongest in depth the Club has seen over its long history, and at times their performances have been of the highest standard, based on a strong pack, a devastating back row, lively half-backs and sometimes inspirational three-quarters. But at times they can be quite mundane, and last Saturday was almost one of those days saved only by three sharp tries despite a fairly lack lustre performance especially in the first half.

After choosing to kick off into the strong wind on the lush S. Gwent turf, it took only ten minutes for the Monmouth backs to spread the ball wide and with Laine showing some electric pace, he made around 35 yards untouched until he was all but forced over the left hand touch. But with quick thinking he threw an overhead pass which the equally quick supporting wing man Gareth Morgan gathered and ran round almost to the posts for the opening try of the game. Forrest in his final game for Monmouth converted the easy kick.

This stirred the Caldicot team at the very time that Monmouth sat back on its laurels. Forwards became laggardly, leaving ball carriers to try to do things alone and without the support they needed encouraging Caldicot all the more. Once people realised their mistake, their response although more determined was equally flawed with player upon player trying to force the pace resulting in error upon error.

And it was from such a turnover that Caldicot breached the Monmouth defence to level the scores 7 points apiece not long before half-time.

Coach Ian Seymour was more animated than ever in his interval team talk and everyone was left in little doubt as to how they needed to play.

Now with the elements, Forrest scored a neat penalty after only five minutes of the new half, and Monmouth played now with greater cohesion and determination. Taylor was at his most energetic, although at times was rightly criticised for taking wrong options when men were stacked outside him eagerly awaiting a chance to run at the opposition, Forrest at fly-half was more measured and distributed the ball well when he had it, and on occasions gained massive yardage with his powerful left boot.

The frustrations of the first half had been considerable, leading one enforced passive winger to wonder whether he could pop off for an hour or so without being needed to do some part time driving in response to a pitch side advertisement for lorry drivers!

But things began to click and in the middle of the half with Caldicot having to spoil and spoil again to slow down the game and substitute full back Berry adding some ‘fizz’, first centre Laine then right wing Brace crossed with style for unconverted tries.

This period of Monmouth advancement to 20-7 however led to a final resurgence by the home team and although the visitors never really looked like losing an unconverted try by Caldicot reducing the lead to 20-12, was the ‘wake-up call’ that was needed and it was Monmouth who were again pressing at the end, to earn their party and the fond farewell to their two star Kiwi visitors, Jason and Luke who have now departed for home after making a considerable contribution to Monmouth’s fine season. Not only were both of them ‘class acts’ but their very presence brought the best out of their team-mates who will miss them.

The final test for the 1st XV will be away at Crumlin next Wednesday 21 April but perhaps a more fitting highlight for a club proud of its full strength in depth will be the Ivor Jones Cup Final at Pontypool Park on Friday 23 April between the Druids and New Panteg, which in its turn will serve as an hors d’oeuvre before the Cyprus tour at the end of April for nearly 60 sun and fun (sorry, rugby!) seekers.

Supporters are welcome for what should be a stirring night out and the Club will be running a coach to swell the crowds. Kick-off is at 7p.m. and actual details about travel can be obtained from Austin on 01600 712309.