Drybrook Rugby Club

Drybrook United were good value for their latest victory played out in front of a large crowd under the Mannings’ floodlights on Friday evening.
Right from the off Drybrook’s larger forward pack made life difficult for the Welshmen and flanker Jim Rugman was denied an early try when he accidently ran into his own man in the build up.
A few minutes later the first score did come when the ball was moved wide and winger Jack Freeman made the extra man by coming off the opposite wing before diving over in the corner.
Monmouth had the chance of some points straight after but shunned a penalty in front of the posts and Drybrook managed to win a good turn over to clear the danger.
Midway through the first half Drybrook’s second try came from a powerful driving maul and No 8 Ashley Jennings crashed over. Skipper Andy Milner added the conversion with a great kick from the corner.

Drybrook’s total dominance in the forwards was emphasized a few minutes later when another rolling maul ended with giant lock Marcus Cowles touching down with Milner again adding the extras.
Monmouth enjoyed a spell of pressure at the end of the first half but made little impact against a strong defence.

Half Time:
Drybrook United 19pts
Monmouth Druids nil

The second half by contrast developed into a turgid encounter and the game deteriorated into a bad tempered affair that threatened to spill over on occasions.
Drybrook always looked the more likely to score with Monmouth offering little attacking threat.
Finally on 30 minutes Jennings brought the game to life with a great run down field and Drybrook capitalized by adding a fourth try.
The home side took a quick tap penalty in front of the posts and quick hands gave centre Simon Rugman the space to dart over in the corner.
Monmouth had their best spell at the end of

the game where a bone crunching tackle from hooker Dean Jelf was needed to prevent them from grabbing a consolation score.

For Drybrook busy flanker Connor Hale was the man of the match.

Drybrook United XV; Rhys Evans, Jack Freeman, Gareth Holdsworth, Simon Rugman, Tony Hussey, Andy Milner (capt), Kieran Auker-Howlett, Craig Boughton, Dean Jelf, Huw Rimmer, Marcus Cowles, Glenn Nott, Jim Rugman, Connor Hale, Ashley Jennings.
Replacements; Alex Smailes, James Smith, Mitch Browning.