WRU East One

Abergavenny RFC 5 Monmouth RFC 5

A DRAMATIC 88 minutes of rugby given the extra-time played, with a multitude of “what ifs“, “buts“, and “maybes” resulted in a 5-5 draw at Abergavenny’s Bailey Park on Saturday, reports PETE WALTERS.

Three squandered penalty kicks at goal would comfortably have given Monmouth the win they perhaps marginally deserved, but equally a missed conversion following the home team’s try would have been unjust had it succeeded.

On the most pleasant of December days, the conditions were perfect as a strong breeze died down just before kick-off, and therefore could not be used as an excuse for failed kicks at goal.

But as the game went on the temperature dropped sharply, with many of the players falling to the ground from exertion-induced cramps.

Abergavenny played down the slope for the first half and deserved to be well behind given the first half dominance of their visitors, preventing them for 15 minutes to properly encroach into Monmouth territory.

But despite much display of vigour by both teams it was not to be for either of them, with possession being kicked away and the fairly equal and determined defence of both.

On the adjoining pitch, the 2nd teams were displaying even more physical endeavour but with less well managed temperaments, with the referee deciding to abandon the game with Monmouth Druids ultimately declared 29-17 winners, having previously reduced their numbers by means of joint red cards.

The second half of the main event saw a much altered attitude from Abergavenny, showing far greater determination and pace with the result that the Monmouth defence was often stretched to the limit.

And an almost inevitable score came as the visiting defenders eventually cracked under the bombardment of their line by Aber No 8 Rob Dudley-Jones, who scored the winning try when the teams last met.

Individuals stood out for Monmouth though, not leastcaptain Logan Woskett for his safe hands in the line-out.

Flanker Kester Mobbs-Morgan grows in his ability every week, and this time excelled for the multiple tackles he put in capped by his supporting play.

And when full-back Dan White sparked a move from defence allowing wing Harry Whelan to make a determined break down the left, he found Mobbs-Morgan in support who ran round under the posts to score

Unfortunately, fly-half Lewis Bates' kicking boots failed him again, leaving it all-square at 5-5.

Centre Amosa Nove showed his pace, courage and class on numerous occasions, cutting down opponents whilst also making occasional big dents in the Aber defence.

And not to be outdone, prop Mattie Cotton made one dogged burst which deserved better, ending up being penalised for holding on given a lack of available support.

The increasingly raucous home crowd urged their players on, but at the same time gave the referee a hard time, so much so that he began to appear to lean their way on a few occasions.

The most significant of which had been when wing Arnold Jarvis went round the right flank and over for a try under the posts in the first half, which was recalled for a questionable forward pass decision.

Both teams were quick up in defence leading the many amateur referees in the crowd to lament loudly the lack of penalties for apparent offsides, but justice was perhaps done as both sides slugged it out.

A draw was a fair result but most of all the players were deserving of a hot shower by then.

It is worth noting though that Monmouth are unbeaten away this season and now look forward to the traditional festive home derby against Usk on Boxing Day, kick-off 2.15pm, with the Druids away in the morning.

The next league action is home to Pontypool United on Saturday, January 4.