In their latest match, Monmouth Druids beat the elements and their opponents West Mon of Pontypool on Chippenham Mead. A miserable, dark day with a very soft playing surface greeted both sides as they took the field of play. West Mon started well and they forced the home side to defend their strong driving forward play. The Druids subdued these early attacks and in turn found their way deep into the West Mon half. The ball was worked left and passed through several pairs of hands before second row Andy Howells stretched out to touch down wide out. Outside half Greg Wilding converted with a fine kick with a wet ball. The Druids stepped up the pressure and just before half time added to their score. Good scrimmage possession saw centre John Jeffs cut back inside to the strength of his forwards. He beat a number of static West Mon defenders before popping up a pass to supporting wing forward Stu Boylan who dived over the visitors line. The conversion kick failed but it signalled the whistle for half time with the Druids leading by 12 points to nil. The resumption began in much the same way as the first half had ended. The Druids used the ‘pick and drive’ tactic very successfully thus giving their backs some real opportunities. It was from a breakdown in play in the West Mon 22 metre area that the home side moved the ball wide to give full back Will Davies a run in for a well-worked try, which was not converted. The Druids continued their dominance and they scored two more tries from good handling and skilful running. Substitute wings Gareth Jones and Mattie Morgan were the scorers both in the left hand corner. One of these tries was converted by Will Davies with a fine kick. A 36points to 5 victory in difficult playing conditions will give the Druids some confidence for the Ivor Jones Cup game against West Mon in two weeks time. A fine all round team performance due in some part to the fitness of the Druids forwards coupled with good handling in difficult conditions. Nine victories from ten starts promises well for the rest of the season.
|