Monmouth Druids having defeated West Mon earlier in the season were fairly confident of repeating the same result on their opponents ground. They fielded a weakened side, as seems usual, due to first team call-ups, unavailability and baby-sitting! On a beautiful sunny day in Pontypool, the match started with the Druids, missing tackles and making handling errors. Their scrum was under pressure and they struggled to win dominance. The Druids took the lead when Number Eight Matt Hirst forced his way over the West Mon line from a five-metre scrum. Rob Frost converted to give the visitors a 7-point lead. West Mon gradually got into the game and they were proving difficult to break down. Centre John Jeffs was trying to break down the home defence but he failed to create any meaningful openings. The other Druids Centre, Dan Wilkinson, had one fine run but was held just short of the try line. Up front Leon Millard, Andy Howells and Max Dycke were prominent as the Druids fought to increase their lead. Poor Druids tackling however, was very threatening and only last gasp defence kept West Mon at bay. They were not to be denied and their Wing Forward burst over the Druids line and this was converted to bring the scores level. To some degree the score flattered West Mon but the Druids hit back almost immediately. Max Dycke ran twenty yards very strongly to power over for an unconverted try and the Druids a narrow lead. The second half saw the home team set the Druids real problems and the visitors mistakes added to their difficulties. So much so, that West Mon drew level when their Centre scored a nice try to make the scores level and really made the result of the game uncertain. This was proving to be the best period of the game for the home side as they aspired to beat the Druids. Only improved Druids tackling kept the scores level. With minutes remaining the Druids produced their best handling movement in the match starting in their 22-metre area. The attack just failed but from a five-metre scrum Matt Hirst again used his strength and low centre of gravity to crash over with a defender on his back. The conversion failed but the final whistle blew within a couple of minutes to give the Druids a hard fought victory by 17 points to 12 points. The difference between the two sides was that West Mon are not used to winning but the Druids are, and that belief was crucial. The Druids determination saw them win a game, which was drifting away from them. |