Roberts Kicking Wins It

The Quarter Final draw for the Ivor Jones Cup saw Monmouth Druids play away at Crickhowell. Both sides have had better seasons but winning was important for both sides. The playing conditions were as good as can be reasonably expected and the Druids were supported by a much larger bunch of spectators than usual-heady days indeed!

From the kick off it was evident that the result was going to be close as two evenly matched sides locked horns. This was particularly seen at the scrumage where a fair old contest was taking place. Druids stand-in Prop Stu Boyland stuck manfully to the task and more than held his own. Constant wheeling of the scrum kept the referee patient but busy.

The Druids kindly sponsored by South Hereford Garages, came closest to scoring when Centre Huw Adams and Wing Gareth Jones combined well but the final pass went adrift. The away side got the lead through Outside half Adam Roberts who kicked a 25 metre penalty goal when Crickhowell were found to be off-side at a maul.

Crickhowell raised their game and put together some pressure of their own. The Druids Number 8 was penalised for holding on in the Ruck and the Right winger kicked a 25 metre penalty goal to bring the scores level.

Just before half time the Druids took the lead through another penalty goal by Adam Roberts for a Crickhowell transgression. The referee blew the half time whistle and the Druids would have been optimistic for the second period as on balance they looked the more likely to score a try.

The second period started in a way that the Druids would not have wished. Firstly they conceded a penalty goal kicked by Cickhowell to bring the scores level. Then even worse when their Scrum Half was Yellow Carded which gave the numerical advantage to Crickhowell.This was almost crucial when Crickhowell were awarded a penalty but the kick just drifted wide.

Druids Captain Brad Morgan rallied the troops, reorganised and they held out the home side.It was the Druids turn to have the better of the play and they went close through Wing Mattie Morgan and Centre Huw Adams.

With 10 minutes remaining the Druids won a penalty goal and once again Adam Roberts stepped up. The Druids fans held their breaths and the Druids players looked on optimistically. Roberts disappointed no one when the kick sailed through the posts to make the score 9-6 to the visitors.

The final period of the game was played out in much the same way as previously with play see sawing each way. The final whistle went with the Druids on the offensive and on balance deserved their victory. A whole hearted win with some outstanding displays. Of course the kicking of Adam Roberts was crucial with the forwards facing up and this give the backs an edge.