Not even a new set of casual sporting clothing (very smart) or a virtual full squad of players could inspire the Druids to a victory against local rivals Abergavenny.They travelled with some hope of extending their successful start to the season. Outside Half Rob Frost kicked a 30-metre penalty goal to give the Druids an early lead, which they deserved on the balance of play. The home side replied with a try close to the posts, which was converted to give a 7points to 3 lead at half time. At half time their was plenty of optimism as Captain Harvey Morgan encouraged his team to step up a gear. Their uphill task was swiftly demonstrated at the start of the second half when their Number Eight went on a barnstorming run through the Druids defence. Every Druids defender left the tackle to one another but eventually he was so tired he gave himself up and fell short of the try line. However good kicking from Rob Frost put the Druids close to the Abergavenny line. Good throwing coupled with good catching by the Druids had Abergavenny defending furiously. From such a lineout Harvey Morgan was driven over the home line for an unconverted try and a 8-7 lead. This narrow lead was short lived as Abergavenny stormed back into the Druids 22 metre area. They created overlaps on the left and scored two unconverted tries and the lead. The only response by the Druids was a 35-metre penalty goal again by Rob Frost. Try as they could, they failed to open up the Abergavenny defence. In fact, in the final minute the home side kicked a 20-metre penalty goal to seal the victory. So the match ended in a 20-11 points defeat for the Druids and with it keen disappointment. The Abergavenny pack outplayed the Druids pack where they were more forceful at ruck and maul and their back row quicker in the loose play. Only at the line out did the Druids have the better of the play. What ball the Druids did win was under pressure and often the Druids player got man and ball together and so they created very little. The Druids were very disappointing and the several replacements made little difference. A game to forget then and with some important league and Cup games on the horizon, the Druids must regroup. |