The reward for Monmouth Druids defeating Blaenavon Forge Side would be runners-up spot in the Pontypool & District league. They travelled with some optimism against a side they defeated earlier in the season. The pitch to welcome them was very, very soft and holding much water, which would make playing conditions difficult. Just five minutes into the first half the Druids took the lead when Rob Frost kicked a 30 metre penalty goal. They were quicker into their game but the Forge Side defence handled the Druids attacks competently. There was little sparkle in the Druids play as the forwards battled hard but found their counterparts unyielding. Even with a stiff wind at their backs the Druids could not win sufficient clean possession to allow Rob Frost to gain good field position. Forge Side forced their way into the Druids twenty two metre area and caused the Druids to concede a scrum. Winning quick ball the home side moved the play wide and one of their Centres cut inside to beat one or two despairing tackles to touch down for an unconverted try. The Druids hit a purple patch and found themselves in the Forge Side twenty two metres area, where the home side conceded another penalty. Rob Frost again converted to give the Druids a six points to five points lead just before half time. The second half saw the home side make better use of the elements and they forced the Druids on the defensive. Breaking away from a maul, the Forge Sides winger raced over in the corner to give them a ten points to 6 points lead. The conversion kick failed. Forge Side continued to bombard the Druids defence and only tigerish tackling kept their line intact. The visitors pack was sluggish and Forge Side had the edge at the scrum where inside half Andy Tansil found difficulty in getting the ball away cleanly. At the line out second row Andy Howells fought valiantly against his taller opponents. Somehow the Druids battled their way into the Forge Side twenty two metres area and gained a scrummage. Good possession allowed Rob Frost to feed centre John Jeffs who burst over for an unconverted try to give the Druids a one point lead. This was deserved because the team thought they should have had a try awarded minutes earlier when Flanker Max Dycke was driven over but the referee ruled it out. Forge Side saw the game slipping away from them. One penalty goal attempt slid past the posts and a drop goal suffered the same fate. Gabby Hilu, Phil Oates and Veteran Bob Prewitt all showed up in a stirring effort. Despite conceding a penalty for a piece of wanton, malicious and stupid thuggery, by a senior officer of the club, a valuable victory was gained!!! |