After an encouraging second half despite losing against Gwernyfed in their last game at home, Monmouth knew what a stern task visitors Abertillery would represent last Saturday but they had not allowed for the truly awful weather. The visitors chose to kick first into Monmouth territory and strong defence was the first requirement as a team eager to improve on their third place league position pressed hard. So hard in fact that it was a full five minutes before Monmouth were able to enter the other half of the field even if on this occasion it was to miss a penalty. Not fazed by this and despite the treacherously slippery conditions, Monmouth maintained the pressure, soon to be rewarded with the first score of the game and a successful goal kick. The visitors dug in though and in quick succession they converted a penalty of their own and then when pressed, Monmouth won a welcome defensive penalty of their own only to have it reversed for dissent. Abertillery made the most of this and took the lead on their way to what was to become a convincing win. Abertillery grew in confidence and on a surface where it was difficult to keep one’s grip, they eased the Monmouth pack backwards for a converted pushover try and a 3-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. Luckily the kicking from hand was poor and this along with Lane playing very well in his first game as full-back several times allowed Monmouth to regain ground but the threat of the visitors’ driving maul was growing. A quick release after tying in the home forwards saw the ball go to the visiting right wing who wrong footed the defence with an inside step to score near the posts for converted try in added time for a half-time lead of 3-20. If Monmouth could stop the successful mauling and be more aggressive there was still hope and leading the charge as the replacement hooker Edwards made a determined 35 yards repeatedly breaking through tackles before being dragged to the ground. Abertillery had come to win and already had their eyes set on a bonus point and were near the line when set back by a stunning stopping tackle from Lane but sadly from the ensuing Monmouth scrum the relieving kick was mis-kicked and Abertillery crossed the line again for a 3-27 lead. It was nowhere near all one way traffic as the increasing score might imply, because Monmouth several times pressed the visitors’ line hard but wrong options, the occasional unfortunate refereeing decision and an inability to retain possession when tackled spoilt the day for Monmouth. Ruck upon ruck brought hope but the final move did not gel, and the remainder of their effort went into defence and preventing Abertillery gaining the much sought after bonus point. But it was not to be. The Abertillery No. 8 who was the pick of their pack broke a long way up-field and after winning the ball at the ruck, yet again in injury time, Monmouth’s defence was outstretched and Monmouth succumbed to a substantial 3-32 loss. Next week brings another hard game away against Rhiwbina with the next home game a week later against Tredagar Ironsides with k.o. as usual at 2.30p.m. Whilst Monmouth should be safe from relegation there are still ample opportunities for their latent talent to combine and produce a winning end to the season.
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