WRU East One

Monmouth RFC 25 Abergavenny 29

RUGBY returned to Monmouth on Saturday after an 18-week hiatus, as the hosts kicked off their 152nd season for a sixth consecutive year in Division 1 East, reports GARETH ROBERTS.

The first visitors to the Sports Ground were Abergavenny, who fielded a much changed side from last year, with new head coach Dai Rees calling upon his vast contacts book as coach of Crawshays.

Monmouth were led by new skipper, 20-year-old Logan Woskett – a hugely proud moment for the local boy who has worked his way through all the junior age groups for this deserved accolade.

The game ended in bitter disappointment for home fans though, as a 10-point lead evaporated in the closing moments to give Abergavenny a bonus point away win.

The WRU have been criticised for their organisational skills, but not many rugby fans across Wales were complaining when the fixtures were released and were awash with local derbies.

The game started at a frenetic pace, with both teams tearing into each other and it was Monmouth who scored first with wing Harry Whelan bursting through a brace of tackles to cross in the corner.

The visitors’ response was swift however with a penalty, before home fly-half Dan White matched it.

Then Abergavenny scored twice in quick succession, firstly via an Alfie Lewis try, converted by Harvey Barrier.

And next, after Monmouth squandered an attacking opportunity, Aber raced up field for hooker Eoin Shackelton to burst clear untouched from a ruck.

This try was converted and following a further White penalty the first half concluded with the visitors leading 15-11.

Monmouth started the second half with a much improved tempo however, and were rewarded with two scores in the opening 15 minutes.

Following a trademark barnstorming run by second row Shaun Hobbs, the returning Mattie Cotton was on hand to stretch and ground the ball at the posts, White converting.

Having scored nine tries last year, it was then Hobbs' turn to open his account, when he crashed over close to the posts, White again converting to give Monmouth an encouraging 25-15 lead.

Scrum-half Ollie Scriven was sharp and dangerous throughout and next made a scintillating break before being hauled down inside the 22.

Amosa Nove also came close in the corner as Monmouth dominated but could not break the resilient Abergavenny defence any further.

This ultimately was to prove costly after Scriven was harshly sinbinned for a high tackle.

With seven minutes remaining the Bailey Park outfit crossed for a third try courtesy of Max Gregory.

And after a series of attacks they regained the lead when debutant Rob Dudley-Jones crossed, Lewis Prendergast crucially converting both to put them 29-25 up.

Monmouth pressed to find a winning score and were awarded a penalty in the 22, but the kick had to be ignored as they looked for a try.

But the visitors held out for their first win over Monmouth in nearly a decade.

Monmouth have a bye in the Division 1 Cup and therefore the next League game is away at Pontypool United on Saturday, September 28, kick off 2.30pm.