What a daunting task faced Monmouth Druids as their bus took them up the Eastern Valley to meet Garndiffaith. Not only were the home side undefeated this season but they topped the league table and had beaten the Druids handsomely on Chippenham Mead by 46 points to 13-ouch! The Big Arch pitch was very heavy but did not have any standing water on its surface. However the acute slope on the pitch led all the spectators to believe, that it would be an important factor in the match. Garndiffaith won the toss, and asked the Druids to play down the slope which would give them an advantage in the second half when tiring legs in the mud could have an effect. The Druids pack of forwards started strongly and showed the right tactics in the terrible conditions. Their close driving play including rolling mauls, kept the home side at bay and restricted them from good attacking positions. At the line out, good throwing in by Mark Ralph and outstanding catching from Number Eight Harvey Morgan denied Garndiffaith possession. At the scrimmage, slowly but surely the Druids gained ascendancy and a lack of overall possession was giving the home side problems. It was no surprise therefore when the Druids took the lead when from a line out Harvey Morgan dived over to score his ninth try of the season. This was unconverted but gave the Druids the edge. Fearing that they would need a bigger lead in this half, the Druids driven on by Prop Julian Powell, pressed again strongly. From a fierce ruck on the Garndiffaith 22 metre line the home side were penalised for stamping and Outside Half Huw Adams stepped up to kick a penalty goal. Garndiffaith were weakened when their leading Second Row had to be substituted because of injury. At the break, the Druids must have been wondering whether an Eight point lead was sufficient. It appeared important to could get another score to help off-set any advantage the sloping pitch could give Garndiffaith. In fact the Druids still enjoying the majority of possession were on top and attacking the Garndiffaith try line. They were awarded a penalty and Hooker Mark Ralph, quick as a flash took it quickly and dived over for an unconverted try. Late in the game Garndiffaith came close to scoring but determined defence kept the Druids line in tact. A 13 points to nil victory –unexpected and hard fought which was played in good spirit and celebrated by the entire Druids squad. Harvey Morgan was outstanding in a pack which gave their all and gave Garndiffaith a lesson in old fashioned forward play. The backs did everything asked of them with Andy Tansil, Huw Adams and Ian ‘oven gloves ‘ Jeffs prominent. |