Usk was the destination for Monmouth Druids in a last minute arranged friendly fixture. These sides, as local neighbours, enjoy the ‘bragging rights’, of a derby victory. The Druids travelled with a virtual full squad but their performance was not what was anticipated. A factor might have been that Usk could not field regular front row players and this was a possible advantage to the hosts with uncontested scrums. From the kick off the Druids looked better behind the scrum but up front the Usk pack were very competitive and made life difficult. The home sides forwards showed some strength at ‘the point of contact’ and the Druids could not get quick possession of the ball. The Druids opened the scoring when ‘ageless’ centre John Jeffs broke into the Usk 22 metre area to cut through to score under the posts for Rob Frost to convert. This lead was further increased when wing Gareth Rowlands burst through to score again between the posts and again Rob Frost converted. This lead was extended further when good Druids handling put wing Tim Cheney in for yet another try which Rob Frost converted once more. Cheney incurred the displeasure of Skipper Harvey Morgan because of his apparent ‘showboating’ when over the Usk try line. A half time lead of 21-0 and the Druids spectators expected more of the same in the second period. What followed was disappointing and this was due to the wrong tactics being used by the Druids. Having won hard earned possession, the Druids runners brought the ball back into the tight area of the Usk forwards. This created a stalemate, which neither side could break. True the visitors brought on a number of replacements but the more experienced players, (of which there are many) should have realised that the tactics were not achieving anything. No scoring in the second period told its own story, as each side could not break through. Having said that a 21-0 victory has given the Druids confidence ahead of the Ivor Jones Cup game against the same opponents early next year. |