Following two unexpected successive defeats, Monmouth Druids were looking for a victory over Abersychan to put their season back on track. Chippenham Mead was bathed in sunshine as Abersychan kicked off to start the match. The opening 15 minutes was error strewn as both sides fought for the initial advantage. It was the Druids who drew the first blood when outside half Greg Wilding kicked a 25 metre penalty goal awarded when a visting forward crept offside at a ruck. Abersychan responded almost immediately when a defensive lapse from the Druids let the visitors left wing in for an opportunist unconverted try in the corner. This shook the Druids and their dominance was beginning to show. A good heel from a scrum saw Greg Wilding burst through to touch down under the posts. His conversion give the Druids a 10-5 lead. They extended this lead just before half time, from a series of rolling mauls hooker Mark Ralph crashed over for a try which was converted by Greg Wilding. This followed a hard gruelling period of forward play which Abersychan fought hard to resist. Half time gave both sides the opportunity to reflect on their first half efforts. The Druids did not take the full advantage of their play and Abersychan must have been pleased to be in the match despite being under the cosh for long periods. The second half started in much the same way as the first but a penalty goal each was the only rewards for their efforts. For the Druids, Greg Wilding was the successful kicker. The final 20 minutes it was the Druids who were threatening the Abersychan line. Maul after maul was defended effectively by the visitors who were determined not to concede another try. However the Druids were not to be denied and from such a maul centre Adam Roberts dived over for an unconverted try. A 25-8 victory which was not pretty but important for the Druids. Too many mistakes, dropped passes and fumbles made the result more difficult to achieve. Greg Wilding scored 15 points but hooker Mark Ralph was prominant in the loose and his throwing in at the line out was accurate. The Druids must review their tactics to vary their attacking options for the matches ahead at the business end of the seaon.
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