The winning run of Monmouth Druids came to a halt last Saturday at Caldicot RFC. The fact that Caldicot first fifteen did not have a match should indicate what happened-more of that later. The opening half saw the larger, organised home pack press the Druids, but the visitor’s pack more than held their own. In fact, the Druids had slightly better of the play and one break of 50 metres by Number 8 Dion Huruini almost breached the Caldicot defence. The only score of this period was a 30-metre penalty goal by Outside Half Greg Wilding to edge the Druids in front. The second half was very evenly fought but the line out ability of Caldicot, despite Andy Howells efforts, took its toll on the visitors. Caldicot seemed to realise what a defeat would do to club morale and they looked worried. A rolling maul close to the Druids line saw Caldicot drive over and touch down for an unconverted try. Two or three half breaks from the Druids backs could have brought scores but the final pass could not go to hand or the ball was spilled. In the final minutes, with the light fading, Caldicot scored again when the ball was moved left and their wing touched down in the corner for another unconverted try. So a 10-3 defeat for the Druids, only the second of the season. In fact considering the opposition, the atmosphere in the changing room after the game told a different story. The match gave the team a real contest and with more luck they might have snatched victory. Will Caldicot be proud of this victory? What about the spirit of the game? A blow for the Druids was when Flanker Stu Boylan left the field with a knee injury, which will probably keep him out of the team for next week's Cup quarter final game against West Mon.
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