Derby matches between Monmouth and Chepstow are always hard fought affairs and last Saturday's at the Sports Ground was no exception with Chepstow, who showed far greater vigour and will to win, running out comfortable 18 - 6 victors.

The continuing untypical weather ensured a dry hard pitch and a fast pace with many unpredictable bounces of the ball. One such occasion caused the first break-through after only five minutes when full back Brace failed to touch down a ball behind his own posts and Monmouth found themselves seven points down.

This at least roused the home team from their usual lethargic start and over the next twenty minutes the game was largely played in the Chepstow half with Brace making up for his earlier error with two successful penalty kicks well judged in the strong wind. All was going reasonably well despite the referee struggling to keep in touch with the game due to a muscle he pulled early on in the game, even when Chepstow pulled further away with a penalty goal, just before half-time.

Coach Seymour provided an accurate analysis of what was needed to reverse the deficit but despite Monmouth playing down the slope into their favourite corner, it was Chepstow who began to play with the greater purpose, aggression, cohesion and tactical awareness.

Monmouth defended well but failed to capitalise on any counter-attacking opportunities that came their way due to simple naivety or handling errors, allowing Chepstow to thwart such attacks, turning over possession and using the wind that had swung around more in their favour to drive Monmouth back by up to 70 yards at time.

On paper at least the game could have been won by Monmouth but after 35 minutes of uninspiring attempts, it was Chepstow who clinched the game with a converted try from far out after a period of intense pressure on the Monmouth line which ended with a front row forward driving through and below the desperate tackles to ground the ball.

There was a flurry of verbal enthusiasm during the last five minutes but with no real advances resulting, and heads truly hung after a further penalty kick by Chepstow to irrevocably put the game beyond Monmouth's reach on the stroke of normal time.

Where this leaves Monmouth for their away game at Tredegar Ironsides next week, k.o. 2.30p.m., is not clear, but at the moment the loss of just a few players from last year's team is looking crucial. Only time and training will tell.

In the meantime, as part of the Club's 130th Anniversary celebrations, the Past Players' Reunion to be held next Friday at 7.30p.m. in the Clubhouse hopefully will bring some much needed inspiration.