There’s nothing like getting a new season underway than with a local derby to get the blood racing. With a sprinkling of players with first team experience, the Druids were full of confidence as they travelled to Usk RFC. Even more because of the four victories last year, the Druids were full of optimism for a winning start for the new campaign. The first quarter was evenly fought as each side looked to gain early advantage but rustiness was evident and shortage of match practice a clear feature. Two scores changed the deadlock as slowly the Druids gained an edge over the home pack. From a scrum on the Usk 22 metre line, outside half Greg Wilding made an outside break to cross for the first try which he duly converted. Shortly afterwards, again from a scrum in a similar position Wilding gave a short pass to fast running centre Adam Roberts who raced over for a fine try. Wilding converted to give a half time lead of 14 - 0. The second period saw Usk show more determination and they forced the visitors back into their 22 metre area and only tigerish tackling, from the Druids, kept the home side scoreless. Druids wing forward Olly Grey, who posed a threat throughout the match with his strength and determination pounced on a Usk mistake by gathering up the loose ball and diving over for the third try. Wilding just failed with the conversion kick. It was the Druids who held the supremacy now - they pressed hard for Usk to defend sometimes desperately, but they failed to prevent the visitors scoring a final try. From a tap penalty prop Leon Millard put flanker Stuart Boyland over in the corner for an unconverted try. So a fine 26 - 0 victory but everyone at Monmouth RFC knows it is not how you start the season that counts, it is how you finish it. Pick of the Druids was Greg Wilding, Olly Grey and Stuart Boyland whilst newcomers Adam Roberts and full back Will Davies showed real promise. A good start then but much, much more to be achieved in the season ahead.
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