Fixture

Monmouth RFC 1^st XV v Talywain 

WRU Div 1 East

Saturday 9 Sept 2023

Talywain Too Hot for Monmouth

Temperatures in excess of 30 degrees ensured that Talywain were given a warm welcome to the immaculate Monmouth Sports Ground last Saturday. It was of no surprise to Monmouth that last seasons second division champions would provide a stern test in what was the first home match of the season. The energy sapping high temperature and humidity resulted in the referee introducing frequent official water breaks, allowing both teams to play the game at surprisingly high pace.

The frustration for the Monmouth coaches and supporters will be that following a mostly dominant first half performance by their team, Talywain were however to walk away with the spoils at the final whistle.

Monmouth failing to convert several clear first half scoring opportunities resulted in a narrow half time lead of only 13-12 to Monmouth, this not being a true reflection of the home teams greater possession and territory. Talywain, lifted by the narrow score line were to show an improved urgency and game management in the second half which saw them through to a final whistle 28-20 win.

The Monmouth team would have learnt from last seasons campaign, in that teams in Division 1 will make you pay for failure to take scoring opportunities and in particular will make you pay for unforced errors, lapse in concentration or incorrect decision making at critical stages.

Both teams showed good strength and structure in defence, however the referee, adopting the new law in respect to high tackles, was to consider some of the tackles by the Monmouth team being above the now regulation maximum chest height. This resulted in a high penalty count against the Monmouth team and gave impetus to the visitors.

Monmouth took an early lead on 7mins with a penalty from 40m, well struck by full back Harry Johnson. A try from the pacey Talywain wing Luke Basham went unconverted giving Talywain the lead after 15 minutes. Monmouth quickly rallied to again take the game to Talywain and on 18 minutes scored a converted try following a rampaging break from 20m by the prolific, knee lifting, side-stepping second row, Corey Harper. The central midfield Monmouth attack through Jeffs, Williams and Howells made several surging runs which should have resulted in scores, however unfortunately off-loads and final passes went adrift which were to prove crucial at the final whistle. Talywain, largely against the run of play, were to score a corner try at the end of the first half which was well converted from the touchline to give a half time score of 13-12.

The visitors showed greater urgency at the start of the second half and early pressure resulted in the award of a penalty for a high tackle, quickly followed by a try by Talywain second row Gethin Lear converted by Morgan Jones giving Talywain a 22-13 lead. The Monmouth team upped their game to again dominate both possession and territory. Following strong set piece lineout, expansive and clever play by the Monmouth threequarters resulted in a try by centre Rhodri Williams, converted by Harry Johnson. With the score at 22- 20 with 10 mins left the Monmouth team would have regretted the earlier decision to spurn an easy penalty opportunity which would have put them in the lead. The Talywain team was to show greater skill and game management in the closing stages to close down the game and snatched two late penalties which was to deny the home team of at least a deserved loosing bonus point. The final score 28-20 to Talywain.

The Monmouth squad now travel to Ynysddu next Saturday for what will again be a tough league encounter. 

With RWC now underway club members and guests are welcome to visit the club to view most games on large screens - check details info@monmouthrfc.com