A Matt Hurst hat trick of tries in the first half saw Monmouth Druids defeat Abersychan in a league game on Saturday. The Druids, when they travelled to the match, must have been contemplating the game played earlier in the season when they saw Abersychan off in a keenly fought encounter, by 21-19. The home side were expected to put in a stern challenge to try and revenge the close defeat in the first game of the season. Playing with a strong wind at their backs, the Druids looked to take advantage of this condition but strangely they failed to kick themselves into a good field position. The home pack were proving to be stubborn in subduing and the Druids found life difficult in winning controlled possession. In the contact area, the Druids were more effective and it was from this part of the game that Matt Hurst put in a match winning performance. From mauls close to the Abersychan line, Hurst used his strength to muscle over for three tries-two of which were converted by Outside Half Rob Frost. A 19 point lead at half time would be quite a hurdle to overcome but with the wind behind them it was not impossible for the home side recover. The first ten minutes of the new period would be important and the Druids fronted-up and kept Abersychan away from their try line. In fact the visitors gained ground inside the Abersychan half and looked threatening. From one of these counter attacks, Abersychan offended at a ruck and the ever reliable Rob Frost kicked a 25 metre penalty goal and virtually out of sight. Abersychan seemed to lose some momentum at this point and even strong verbal encouragement from the side lines, failed to lift their spirits. This situation worsened for them when their full back was sent off for a head butt. The Druids were well on top now and they scored two further unconverted tries through Prop Julian Powell and Centre Gareth Jones. Powell ran determinedly from a line out and Jones sped over in open play. A 32-0 victory then which is very satisfying, especially away from home but there were areas, which can be improved upon. The kicking out of hand was poor and gifted Abersychan ball which caused our defensive play to be tested. Better opponents would have made the Druids pay for their poor skills. Other players to impress were Andy Howells and Mark Ralph but overall the whole team played their part and the five tries show how effective they were. |