Monmouth clicked whilst visiting Ynysddu away last Saturday scoring three tries to one in a 30-5 victory over the team one place above them in the league which at least means that they are overtaken irrespective of the achievements of others.

Despite many cancellations due to the wet weather, it was to Ynysddu’s credit that they wanted to play the game even though one might have understood them wishing to preserve the well-being of their players prior to the imminent challenge of a Cup game against Swansea. That they suffered some unfortunate injuries is very unfortunate, but, who knows what they might achieve on the rebound after conceding victory to Monmouth at home for the first time that people can remember.

Disruption through injury to several forwards might be a simple if inaccurate excuse because for most of the game Monmouth were quite dominant and used the pace they now have in the backs to devastating effect.

On a greasy but firm pitch apart from a few particular patches and with a howling wind blowing down the pitch with no rain, it was clear that Monmouth playing with the elements needed to post a good first half score .

Inside three minutes fly-half Forrest put Monmouth first on the board with a well-taken penalty, but then the game became a ‘to and fro’ event in which Monmouth gradually took the upper hand. The pack gradually controlled matters and it was only spilt line-out possession in a strong cross wind that kept it even as far as scores went until No 8 Morgan dived over defending tacklers after 22minutes to score half way out for Forrest to easily convert given his current kicking form. This was a fitting reward for the back row who were playing splendidly but disappointing for the backs who had several times threatened but failed at the last gasp to convert their pressure into scores. Wings Matt and Gareth Morgan were sparkling and with better timed passes or better placed kicks ahead they would have scored a bucketful by now.

At 27 minutes the score grew by a further three penalty points and then after 35 minutes the Ynysddu defence cracked again with skipper Andrew Davies slitting them open for another converted score.

Twenty points with no response at half time was more than anyone had expected, so it was wise caution to the team to warn them of the likely response from the home team. The crucial thing in the second half was to be the first to score and Monmouth set about the task with vigour even if it was fortuitous that whilst trying to chip over his opponent, right wing Morgan regained the rebounding ball to walse around behind the posts for the easiest conversion of the day.

27 points behind after only 43 minutes of the game was daunting for Ynysddu but they set about their attempted recovery with determination and, keeping the ball within their forwards, they began to pressure the Monmouth line. Monmouth began some substitutions due to injury, then temperament and then fatigue, and for a while this gave the home team encouragement. But Monmouth re-grouped once the substitutes had settled down, but probably because Ynysddu eventually forced an unconverted try with only ten miutes to go, they fatally continued to try to batter their way through using forward power whilst their backs fumed for the lack of any ball with which to play. Their fate was sealed when Forrest slotted another penalty to round off an excellent win with a personal tally of fifteen well taken points.

Usk provide the Boxing Day opposition at Usk but the seasonal fun has been tarnished by their inability regrettably to put out a second team to maintain the annual two-game tradition that has been so enjoyable over many years.

Fun will be guaranteed however on 23 January at the Club’s 130th Anniversary Dinner at the Boys School Monmouth when Max Boyce will be the principal guest along with David Moffett of the Welsh Rugby Union and Eddie Butler as well as (probably) the great Gareth Edwards. Tickets priced £35 are obtainable only from the Club Steward or via 01600 712309.