WARRIORS FIGHT ON TO THE END   

The Monmouth Warriors (under12's) played an active part in the Abergavenny RFC tournament, which was held this year at the Usk Show Ground.

Many of Wales' leading young rugby teams took part in the tournament, the standard of which was very high.

Monmouth kicked off against a huge Glamorgan Wanderers side. The Wanderers bullied their way over the try line to secure a first half score. In the second half, the Warriors proved that what they lacked in stature they made up for in commitment and determination.

A wonderful break by Daniel Dunmore led to a try from 40metres out. Finlay Radcliffe led a formidable forward display with Nico McCord and Daniel Musselbrook also highly influential, which saw the Warriors achieve excellent ball retention throughout the second half. Both Daniel Dunmore and Finlay Radcliffe were awarded Man of the Match awards following the game which ended in a five all draw.

The next match against Tondu was a hard fought affair with Tondu taking an early lead. Josh Carpenter had an excellent game in the second row, making some big tackles and putting his body where others dared to follow. Some excellent footwork from Hamish Lindsey allowed him to score in the corner for the Warriors equalling the scores at 5 all at full time. Both Josh Carpenter and Hamish Lindsey won Man of the Match awards for their performances.

The next game was against Gwent cup finalists Caerleon. Despite the score line of 4 tries to 1, this was a game in which the Warriors justified their name. Jacob Webley led the back line to superbly from outside half, clearing his lines where necessary to alleviate the pressure on his team.

A series of cynical infringements from the Caerleon side saw the Warriors go into overdrive. Determined forward play by Andrew Morgan raised the Warriors, with Joseph Walters and Harry Miles also in the thick of the action. A plethora of quick tap penalties from Max Davies allowed him to score a hallmark try from scrum half late in the game. The Warriors finished the match on a high with Andrew Morgan and Max Davies being awarded Man of the Match awards.

The next game against Cowbridge saw the Warriors start to come into their own with some superb support play by Jonathan Clewes winning him a Man of the Match award. The first half was dominated by the Warriors with Hamish Lindsey crossing in the corner for a well worked try. Excellent running, passing and support play from Ben Zorab saw him gain recognition from the referee and win a Man of the Match award. Unfortunately 2 break away tries in the second half saw Monmouth lose to Cowbridge by 10 points to 5.

The last match against St Josephs proved to be a torrid affair. The Warriors, having been led fantastically well all day by Joe Besani were determined to win this match. The match saw some wonderful running from wingers Liam O'Hare and Hamish Lindsey. Some beautiful work from the Warrior backs saw Hamish Lindsey run 25m to score his first try in the first half. Hamish's second half try was one to behold with Hamish running 40 yards and beating 7 St Joseph's players, carrying 3 over the try line with him for his fourth score of the afternoon. The forwards once again proved that they had made great progress throughout this season. Nico McCord, Daniel Muselbrook and Daniel Edwards gave their all throughout 100 minutes of the rugby festival.

Without doubt the most outstanding back of the day was Hamish Lindsey, scoring 4 tries with a man of the tournament performance. The Warriors forward of the day was Jonathan Clewes, who in the last 2 matches proved that with his exemplary support play and determination he is a wing forward to look out for next season.

The Warriors played very well throughout the tournament. Their commitment and enthusiasm was exemplary and typified their season.