Monmouth Druids fourth league game took them to Croesyceiliog looking to get their third league win of the season. Croesyceiliog had the better of play in the first half but the Druids defence was sound in repelling determined attacks.In fact though, the visitors opened the scoring, when from a rolling maul,Number Eight Harvey Morgan dived over.This was converted by Rob Frost to give the Druids a 7-0 lead against the run of play. This was extended again by Harvey Morgan when a huge drive at a scrum five gave him the opportunity to touch down and make the lead by 12-0. The home side responded by scoring a well worked unconverted try in the corner.Druids Second Row Andy Howells was spear tackled and Rob Frost restored the lead by kicking a 30metre penalty goal. The second half saw Croesyceiliog start to bring on replacements who were surprisingly better players than the original selection. Strong running in their back line was most effective and coupled with poor Druids tackling, made the visitors life very difficult. This resulted in the home side scoring 2 tries and a penalty goal to give them the lead by 22-16 points. Far from being down hearted the Druids fought back strongly and scored with a neat try.A quick heel from a ruck close to the home sides try line followed by crisp handling saw Wing Skippy Saunders touch down in the corner. Again Rob Frost converted with a beautiful kick to bring the scores level. Two more replacements for Croesyceiliog helped the side considerably and they scored two more converted tries to win the match 36-22 points. A victory which was won by having an insurance policy of a first class resource available coupled by dreadful Druids tackling. A pleasing feature for the Druids was an improvement at the scrummage where Prop Tony Jones shored up his side of the scrum. Andy Howells and Harvey Morgan stood out in the keen forward battle. |