Dragons Plate Cup Final

Monmouth RFC Druids 11 Newport HSOB 19

IT proved a game too far for Monmouth RFC's second-string Druids as they fell to a second narrow cup final defeat in three days, losing 19-11 to Newport HSOB Expendables at Rodney Parade, reports GARETH ROBERTS.

The squad, who had played only seven league games all season, were challenged to play twice in 72 hours following their agonising two-point defeat to Crickhowell in the Ivor Jones Cup final the previous Saturday, so Tuesday's clash was always going to be a tough task against fresher opponents.

But the Druids put in a terrific performance, showing guts, determination and skill before, understandably, running out of steam, with captain Adam Roberts leading from the front and awarded ‘Man of the Match’.

The game began in torrential conditions, but this didn't deter both sides from trying to play attractive, running rugby.

The Druids fell behind to a try after 20 minutes, followed by a second, well-worked converted effort, with the Monmouth outfit replying through two penalties from Robert Williams before half-time, where it was 12-6.

But the Druids had the worst possible start to the second period, as just two minutes in the Old Boys countered from deep to score the best try of the game under the posts for another seven-pointer (19-6).

Numerous changes were made to aid the weary and aged legs, and some of the younger replacements impressed, including four members of the Monmouth Youth setup.

Among them, Harley Thorpe scored a try out wide, after some fine inter play among the backs to make it 19-11, but that's how it stayed to the final whistle.

It was a great advert for 2nd XV rugby, and hopefully the Druids will get to play a stack more games next season alongside a better end-of-season scheduling.

It was a fine effort, and the Druids deserve to lift some silverware, having come runners-up in two competitions in each of the last two seasons.