MONMOUTH YOUNG RUGBY U12’s MATCH REPORT

Sunday 4th November 2007

Following the driving wind and rain at Drybrook the previous Sunday, it was refreshing to see the return of the sunshine at Chippenham Fields this Sunday for the fixture between Monmouth U12’s and the visitors from Caldicot. The toss was won by Monmouth who chose to kick off. The first five minutes were spent with both sides measuring each other up bringing about some ferocious and rapid forward interplay in which the Monmouth forwards appeared to have the advantage. Constantly driving forwards through Sean McMahon, Jonathan Clewes, Joshua Carpenter and captain Harry Miles, Monmouth continued to restrict Caldicot to their own half. Ten minutes into the game a rare mistake by the forwards saw Caldicot turn the ball over and release it to their fullback who caught the whole Monmouth defence napping with a diagonal run finishing under the posts and then adding two points for the conversion. This brought about instant response from Monmouth whose forwards continued to drive Caldicot back into their own half. More spirited play from Nico McCord, Dan Edwards and Dan Musselbrook released the ball for Max Senior to make one of his amazing runs, only to be foiled by his loss of footing before crossing the line. Monmouth had difficulty getting the ball to their backs as scrum half Henry Orchart was impeded at every opportunity. Thankfully, the forwards were soon in attendance, once again driving Caldicot back and when the ball popped out of the ruck Morgan Paley spotted the opportunity, picked up the ball and scored on the line with outstretched arm. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed leaving Monmouth in arrears. Caldicot struck straight back with a massive forward effort and once again the Monmouth pack with Ollie Bezani and Jack Donovan resisted the force and survived until half time with only a two point deficit. With two very large squads in attendance, wholesale substitutions were made at half time but this thankfully did not change the shape or pace of the game which continued at a ferocious pace. Monmouth backs Ieuan Gale, Will Fraser and Morgan Deacy made every attempt to run the ball wide but their greatest contribution was in the tackle area with tackles reigning in throughout the game from Jacob Webley, Ben Zorab, Dan Dunmore and Liam O’Hare. Fifteen minutes into the second half another scrum on the Caldicot ten metre line saw replacement scrum half Max Senior completely deceive his opposite number and, catching the full back out of position, he ran the ball in from 40 metres. This was no more than Monmouth deserved for their sustained pressure. Once again, the forwards Finlay Ractliffe, Joe Bezani and Morgan Deacy took it upon themselves to defend the lead stoutly and all others made their contributions in defence to ensure Monmouth hung on for a fine wine of 10 points to 7. Spectators and officials all agreed that this was one of the best “young rugby encounters” they had witnessed for some time and congratulations go to both sides.

Next week sees Monmouth Young Rugby U12’s at home to Hereford.