CHEPSTOW were on the back foot after conceding a try in the first minute and they didn't really get into the game until the second half of the derby.

The visitors raced into a 14-0 and good work by Chepstow with a try late in the half appeared to have been undermined with a sin-binning as the interval loomed.

Monmouth added three penalties to Dewi Lane's early try before Chepstow put a long-range penalty into the corner and drove over.

Despite being down to 14 men Chepstow added another unconverted try a couple of minutes into the second half and a change of tactics by the home side led to a change of fortunes.

They took their chance when a Monmouth man was sent to the bin for 10 minutes, with a converted try putting them 17-14 to the good.

Both sides were playing probing rugby but Monmouth spurned the chance to equalise when a penalty sailed wide.

The home side increased their lead with another penalty and had to endure a barrage of late pressure but they held out to complete the double over their neighbours.

Chepstow forwards coach Andy Morris said: "The potential has been there all season but we haven't quite clicked until now.

"This win will give us the belief and confidence to kick on and start moving up the table.

"The whole team really dug in and performed well to achieve this much-needed and important result."