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"Monmouth played away against Lydney 2nd XV because of last Saturday's internationals and started poorly. Lydney took the kick off and no-one seemed to want the ball on the Monmouth side leading to a full ten minutes of pressure. Fortunately the defence during this time was excellent and in particular a try saving tackle by Lane on the Lydney full back, even if there was no need to put themselves under such pressure by the lack of concentration. Lydney 2nd XV are undefeated in two years which explains why they beefed up their team just a little for this rare derby game, which proved a wise decision in the end because Monmouth nearly took their record away from them. In an extremely hard fought and equal battle, Monmouth led twice with first half tries by Coates and Perrott, both of whom made their own opportunity and completed them with style. Sadly they were eventually overtaken by a converted try just on half time for a home team 12-10 interval lead. Lydney, obviously came out for the second half fired up for fear of a Welsh turnover, and started the second half with great determination only for A Layne to set them back after 12 minutes scoring a try which followed a fine backs move, from which Coates slit open the defence. Fast ruck ball led to a pass which centre Layne picked up off his toes to run in from 22 metres. With Coates managing to convert this one, Monmouth moved 17-12 ahead and the visiting spectators’ expectations were high Lydney then threw everything they had at them but the Monmouth defence held firm. The referee seemed to be hyper-critical of the Welsh game but it wasn't until the 20th minute after a harsh penalty award for obstruction that Lydney gained the impetus that was to see them crash over for an unconverted try to move back to 17 points apiece. The game ebbed and flowed with excellent defence by both sides until Monmouth fell foul of the referee again and Lydney kicked a penalty goal to creep 20-17 ahead on thirty minutes. A great finale was in prospect everyone believed, but then disaster struck when one of this year's outstanding newcomers, flanker Huw Campbell, fell, breaking both bones in his lower leg. The referee rightly abandoned the game there and then, leaving
everyone wondering what might have been, and poor Huw on his way
to hospital counting the personal cost of such an unfortunate accident
in what was after all only a friendly. The Club's best wishes go
out to him, together with their thanks for the major contribution
he has made to the team this year.
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