senior rugby

Pontypool & Newport District

Division 5 East

Rampant Monmouth

Dry and clear conditions on a firm pitch foretold a speedy game with lots of excitement and scores. Sadly for visitors Crumlin, the scores were all one way as top of the table Monmouth thumped them by 60 points without reply although to their credit Crumlin never once gave up in their quest for a try of their own.

Fly half Rhys Ricketts was to top-score with 25 points from his three tries and kicks with No 8 Mike Griffiths not far behind with a hat-trick of his own.

Tries: R.Ricketts (3), M.Griffiths (3), G.Morgan, M.Tabb, G.Shirlaw, J.Powell
Conv: R.Ricketts (5)

Druids win in Cup

Monmouth Druids temporarily set aside league points as they made the short journey to Usk Rfc to compete in the Pontypool and Newport Cup. The squad was depleted to some extent due to shooting and shopping reasons.

Playing at the Usk Agricultural College was unusual for the Druids and not too frequent for Usk. The home side must have been aware that in the two previous matches this season, they have been soundly beaten by the Druids. Usk fielded a side which included some new players to those who had played in the those matches.

Try: A.Howells, Gavin Jones
Conv: D.Brace (2)
Pen: D.Brace (2)

Bonus win for Monmouth at RTB EbbwVale

A strong blustery down-field wind was to influence play above Ebbw Vale last Saturday with the attendant threat on the field of the same player who had beaten Monmouth last season with his lengthy and accurate goal-kicking.

But Monmouth were disciplined and having created a bonus point 29-0 first half lead with the elements, RTB were forced to chase the game, ignoring possible kicks at goal in pursuit of tries of their own.

Tries: D.Lane, A.Davies, M.Griffiths, J.Powell, PENALTY TRY,
Conv: R.Ricketts (4)
Pen: R.Ricketts

Following two recent wins against top of the league teams Monmouth Youth were looking for their third scalp in as many weeks. Bedwas Youth, whom Monmouth beat earlier in the season, albeit a close game, were the next visitors and everyone was expecting a much closer game this time round especially with a new look Bedwas team emerging from the team bus.

And so it was, in the early exchanges, with once again Monmouth giving away too many penalties and conceding ground in a swirling breeze.

Tries: J.Howelss (4), Rhys Jones (2)

Druids Win in Style

A tough challenge faced Monmouth Druids away at Pill Harriers on Tredegar Park Newport. The Druids who are top of the Pontypool & Newport League were facing opposition who are in third place. Another factor was that Pill defeated the Druids earlier in the season at Monmouth so revenge was on the cards for the visitors.

Tries: Gavin Jones, S. Williams, A.Price, D.Brace
Conv: D.Brace (4)
Pen: D.Brace (2)