Monmouth Druids hosted old rivals Usk RFC in an end of season friendly, played on Chippenham Mead. Usk were looking to reverse a long run of defeats by the Druids whose recent form has been very suspect. The spectator numbers at kick off was boosted by the fact that the first team game was cancelled and everyone was looking forward to an open running game in the bright sunshine. He he! The first half began with Usk meeting the home side with some confidence and their pack easily matched the Druids pack in all phases of play. Their outside half and centre looked dangerous as the home backs subdued the Usk attacks. The unopposed scrums caused by Usk being unable to field recognised prop forwards evened out possession in that area but at the lineout Usk had slightly better of the play. Usk gained a foot hold in the Druids 22 metre area and their pressure looked to be turned into points as the ball moved across their back line. A dropped pass was picked up by Druids full back Sam Harding in front of his own posts. Harding’s speed took him away from the pursuing Usk players and he ran the length of the pitch to touch down between the posts of the visitors. Outside half Rob Frost improved the try to give the Druids a somewhat fortuitous seven point half time lead. Early substitutions by the Druids were made to try and make changes to their play and this did bring some improvements. The game opened up and this suited the Druids who were looking to move the ball through the hand. A maul developed near the Usk line and flanker Chris Davies very cleverly sold a dummy, changed his pace, side stepped and made an outside break to crash over with three opponents on his back for a fine try which Rob Frost converted. Another try followed when flanker Russell Hoggins ran 25 metres from the back of a lineout to touch down half way between the posts and touchline. Again Rob Frost converted to stretch the Druids lead to 21-0. The Druids were not finished and centre Greg Wilding went on a run beating several players but he was eventually held but managed to get the ball to supporting hooker Max Dyke. He raced around behind the posts to give the Druids a fourth try which Rob Frost converted. A well earned victory which took time to realise, due to a hard working pack and better handling in the second half. Wing Rory Lane, full back Sam Harding and centre Greg Widing all played strongly to ensure victory.
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