Down to the wire in table-top battle (From Free Press Series)

Down to the wire in table-top battle

Monmouth 5 Bargoed 6

As befitting a top of the table clash, Monmouth and Bargoed battled it out toe-to-toe all the way until the referee blew-up early in the gathering darkness.

Monmouth veteran fly-half Frost scored the only try of the game to two earlier penalties to leave the score 6-5 in Bargoed's favour.

The final scoreline was probably a fair indicator of this tough encounter, although the strength of the two defences almost earned a draw, which might have been a fairer result, given the absolute commitment displayed by both teams.

Determined to build on their recent run of success, Monmouth met early to try to get out of their systems the effects of the long holiday period, and to modify a few set moves now that second row Powell has definitely been side-lined for a lengthy period with a leg fracture sustained in the recent Usk fixture.

In the first half, Monmouth took barely a backward step, leaving Bargoed wondering if this was the same side they had so comprehensively beaten back in September.

Morgan and Scourfield profited from good throwing at the line, and also took most of Bargoed's ball as well.

Inside five minutes, Forrest just missed a touchline penalty, only to see the visitors take the lead with an effort a few minutes later.

The next direct scoring opportunity came and went on the stroke of thirty minutes but Forrest missed again - both of which on another day he would have converted without too much difficulty.

But it did let off the bemused visitors enough to edge further ahead with another penalty on 35 minutes where the referee appeared to spot an offside almost in the corner but gave the kick under the posts to the bemusement of Monmouth's players.

At half-time, and six points down, it was clear Monmouth needed to score early to boost their chances of winning, and it was Frost who found himself the beneficiary of a weak kick for touch which resulted in him diving on after only three minutes.

The angle again defeated Forrest, and both sides dug in for an intense battle over the next thirty minutes.

Every player played their heart out, but Bargoed are not league leaders for nothing, and they concentrated on keeping Monmouth deep in their half for much of the rest of the game.

There were isolated penetrating runs from deep by Monmouth but always they failed at the last fence.

The good crowd certainly had their money's worth, as both sets of players drove themselves almost to a standstill. Battered and bruised they may have been, but the crowd will have struggled to regain their voices for some time.

What a pity there isn't another opportunity for these teams to play each other again this season, but instead, Monmouth can relish a visit away to their old rivals, Chepstow, this Saturday and everyone is praying for good weather so that both sides can be judged on their merits.

All is equal this season, given the fact that the first game was declared void due to a referee injury when Chepstow were leading by 12 points.

Monmouth's Anniversary Dinner on January 23, looks set to be a great success with Max Boyce and David Moffett now confirmed for the event. Whilst tickets are still available from the Club Steward they are going steadily enough for a sell-out to be confidently forecast.