Monmouth came bouncing back to winning ways with a 40-13 victory over visiting Tredegar Ironsides last Saturday, helped a little by the dismissal from the field within minutes of the start of a Tredegar player for foul play.

But this was a game Monmouth were almost certain to win anyway given their recent disappointment against Chepstow and the fact that they should have won earlier in the season away in the Sirhowy Valley.

Though they did start less than convincingly as usual, going three points down to a penalty by the visitors in the early stages, Monmouth pressure in response was rewarded by a charge-down over the Tredegar line in the left corner which 2nd Row Edwards fell on before it went into touch in goal. A just reward for good following up and a far more vigorous performance than of late.

Monmouth were on song causing many problems in the set scrums and rampaging around the field, capitalising on No.8 Hoggins’ bullocking runs, the results of hooker Edwards ferreting on the ground and the rifling kicks of fly-half Forrest who was soon to be seen comfortably converting scrum-half Taylor’s try near the posts.

The psychological comfort of an 11 point lead temporarily allowed Tredegar a lull in which to come back but when they scored a further three points from a penalty, the danger signals flashed and winger Gareth Morgan, back to his speedy and eager self, scored a try shortly before half-time to which Forrest added the points.

A comfortable 19-6 lead promised a runaway score and when Coates combined with his right winger to score what was to prove the best try of the game which Forrest converted yet again from reasonably far out, it looked a certainty, especially with the backs now looking sparkling and confident.

If they were not running the ball from deep Forrest was kicking extremely long balls forcing Tredegar back towards their line. The only problem was that some of this led to over-elaboration and disappointing handling mistakes. If the ball had gone to, and stuck in, hand we would have been reporting a rout and ‘three-quarter brilliance’, but instead it fell to the pack and their supporting scrum half Taylor to string together the next two tries from close quarters, both of which the reliable Forrest converted for a personal tally of ten points.

Tredegar to their credit were still not to be outdone despite their one man shortage, and Monmouth’s defence finally cracked in the corner as their No. 8 grounded the ball after Hoggins appeared to crash him into the corner flag. Dissent that the try was awarded gained Monmouth a yellow card and the conversion of the difficult kick made one wonder if this was the start of a come back but Monmouth knew the risks and took the game back to Tredegar to ensure an interesting, if scoreless, last 8 minutes for a final result of 40-13 plus the important consolidation of league position prior to next week’s away trip to St Peters, Cardiff.

On Sunday following a comfortable away win at Ross for the Druids the previous day, some of their squad were again on duty, supported by a few Veteran and Youth players to entertain the visiting HMS Monmouth team. The pressures of only a few preparatory games coupled with their ceremonial activities in the morning proved too much and meant a comfortable 37-12 win for the home team in a game which entertained the large supporting crowd with its sporting nature and running rugby, as well as helping to work up a suitable thirst for everyone concerned. The new Freemen of the Town deserve their Caribbean visit after this performance and the cool of a clear Monmouth winter’s day.

Back on the home social front, club supporters are thanked for their enthusiasm for Max Boyce’s forthcoming visit and the fact that all tickets are now sold.