Travelling to Caerleon for their latest match, Monmouth Druids were to field a pair of half backs whose combined ages was 100 years. Super veterans Andy Tansill and John Jeffs were obviously delighted to bring their vast experience to the fore! For only their fourth fixture of the season they took a 100% record with them to face opposition they knew little about. Also in the side was New Zealander Dion Hurinui, who was to make a real impact. The game started with the Druids showing real purpose and had Caerleon back pedalling at a real rate of knots. However on three separate occasions, different Druids players burst through, only to lose possession with the try line at their mercy. Not to be outdone, they continued their assault which caused confusion in the Caerleon ranks. When one such attack was stopped, just on the home side line, Druids number eight Dion Hurinui picked up and dived over for wing Dan Wilkinson to convert. A seven point lead after 20 minutes was scant reward for the visitors efforts. Caerleon were rarely out of their half as their pack struggled to hold the fiery Druids forwards. A defensive kick by the Caerleon full back was caught by wing Gareth Rowlands. He sped down the wing and when held, gave an inside pass to centre Adam Roberts who in turn fed Dion Hurinui who raced behind the posts to touch down. Again Dan Wilkinson converted to increase the Druids lead to fourteen points. There was one more score before the interval. From a scrum deep in their 22 metre area, Caerleon lost control of the ball and the ever alert Dion Hurinui seized the ball and dived over for his hat trick. Dan Wilkinson added the extra points. At half time the Druids must have been wondering why they only scored three tries, whilst Caerleon must have been thinking what they could do to get back into the match. In the second half the home pack raised their play and the game became more evenly matched. Gradually they tired and the fitter Druids gained control of the play. Again from a set piece John Jeffs fed centre Gareth Jones who cut through to score an unconverted try. The Druids wrapped up the match when from loose play second row Andy Howells scampered over for Dan Wilkinson to kick his fourth conversion. A 33-0 victory was very satisfying but basic skills were sometimes poor and need improving. Man of the match was Kiwi Dion Hurinui-a reward for superb support play. Stand in kicker Dan Wilkinson deserves mention as do the back row of Joel Price, Pip Hodgekins and of course Dion Hurinui who made the real difference.
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