In remarkably good conditions, apart from a blustery wind which hampered both team’s hookers in their throwing-in to the line-out, Monmouth largely outplayed visitors Brynithel last Saturday but missed several opportunities to demonstrate their superiority with points on the board. The result was that Brynithel kept their noses in front in a nail-biting second half, winning the game 10-11 and thoroughly deserving to be pleased with themselves. Initial skirmishes saw play ebb and flow from end to end and it was Monmouth’s good fortune that Brynithel missed a penalty for offside from a mere 20 yards range in the very early stages. In no time at all, Monmouth’s set piece strength was established through a solid front five performance supported by vigorous back row play and some especially strong individual runs by 2 nd Row Johnny Powell. The pressure was on and just after the first quarter, ‘lazy running’ back to defend by the visitors was penalised and full back Matt King kicked the first points. But almost immediately Brynithel rallied moving downfield and winning another penalty. From the resultant kick to touch they won an uncontested line-out dropping the ball to a large forward just waiting for the chance to drive through some unprepared tacklers. Monmouth nor their spectators could believe it as it seemed unreal and in slow motion. But the practised set piece move had worked and lost Monmouth their lead. Brynithel missed the kick but made what was to prove to be telling amends just before half-time with a successful penalty stretching the lead to 3-8. More concerted effort, playing to their strengths was called for, and within minutes of the re-start Monmouth were near their opponents line and with the full strength of their pack drove over from the set-piece for No.8 Adam Seymour to ground the ball. King successfully converted a moderately difficult kick to take the lead once again. Monmouth playing their favourite way down the pitch kept up the pressure and soon were camped in the right hand corner looking for another push-over try. The first was foiled by desperate means and the same followed. It was clear that Brynithel would soon fold or concede a penalty try, but inexplicably the decision was taken to kick for goal and this time King missed and the pressure was relieved. The wheel was beginning to come off the cart. The hooker complete with red-bandaged head from his usual robust play was frustrated with his throwing, the replacement prop left the field for a ten-minute enforced ‘rest’ after only thirty seconds or so of his appearance and Brynithel fancying their chances against 14 men, perked up again. When a further penalty came their way to take them into a one point lead there was still more than 15 minutes for the home team to save the game but it was not to be. Brynithel now had the bit between their teeth and defended doggedly especially around the fringes. Monmouth tried all they could but a further chance went begging when, following a late tackle penalty award, King rather scuffed the kick. Individuals were still lively for Monmouth and on at least two occasions overlaps were ignored for lack of breadth of vision. True if a dropped goal attempt had gone over the result would have been different, but try as hard as they might, the clock ran out on Monmouth and they were left regretting the many untaken opportunities that had been theirs. A further chance to put it together comes away against Risca at the earlier time of 1330 next Saturday so as not to clash with the Twickers match but the primary focus that day has to be on the league because the capability is definitely there and Monmouth deserve better results than this.
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