Garndiffaith 22 Monmouth 10

MONMOUTH put up a good showing at top of the league Garndiffaith on Saturday, defying their own position as relegation contenders.

The form book was thrown out last week as Garn lost their unbeaten start to 2006 while Monmouth won for the first time in eight outings. But Saturday saw a return to the norm with Garn returning to winning ways in Division Four East and Monmouth slipping to their twelfth reverse this year.

After only four minutes, a weak flip pass by a Monmouth forward gave the ball to blind-side flanker Chris Jones, who broke three tackles in his run to the right hand corner. An off load to Garn's number eight Joe Powell saw him score the first try of the game, converted by fly half Craig Sulway.

But after a furious first quarter, Garn's pace and vigour declined as the Monmouth pack got stuck in and the visitors themselves began to dominate. Centre Andrew Lane ran in through a half gap for an unconverted try after a quick penalty for offside at a scrum had Garndiffaith scrambling the ball away by a kick to touch.

But with their lead reduced to two points, the Garn began to turn the screw again, bringing the very best in tackling out of the Monmouth back row trio and centres.

Strength in the scrum was beginning to become a factor, as was Stacey Edwards' scavenging on the floor for Monmouth and the visitors made it back to the other end with Dave Brace leading the way with a penetrating run. An offside call allowed Monmouth to take a narrow lead into the break, but a poor miss saw them miss out on three additional points.

Ten minutes after the break, Garn executed a lesson in kicking to score a penalty stretching the score to 10-5 while Monmouth introduced New Zealander Kelly Lehmann to offer hopes of a comeback.

But appeals over a crossing call were ignored by the referee after a tremendous defence-splitting run from Garn full back Gareth Jones, and second row Matthew Billens scored his 12th of the season to make it two home tries in the space of four minutes.

Monmouth threw everything into attack with half-backs Gareth Morgan and Ben Berry ensuring the ball was moved about. But time although winger Brace crossed for another unconverted try in the corner it was too late to alter a result which sees both sides heading out of Division Four - in opposite directions.

Garn head coach Adrian Herbert added he was pleased with the season so far but would like to see more commitment from the Athletic to push for first-team places.

Chairman John Gunter has expressed his thanks to those involved in running the under-13s and under-16s youth squads; as well as Athletic, the Seniors and the women's team.

He said: "The club has come back from the brink and is once again a vibrant and successful club and part of the community."