On a warm September Saturday the Service players converged on the Monaghan playing fields determined that nothing would keep them out and that they would break through any defences. Unfortunately a small chain and combination padlock had other ideas and so they were delayed somewhat before preparations for the first league encounter could begin.

With 4 players making their debuts it was perhaps a little inevitable that there would be a few issues as the new players bedded in but Connor, Gareth, Geoff and Owen acquitted themselves well throughout the match and indeed the last 3 of those, along with pack leader Ben Morgan started in the lineouts particularly well as they not only retained their own ball, but spoilt a lot of the oppositions'. Unfortunately though, as seems to keep happening, Civil were just a bit sluggish for the first half, a few weak tackles, half assed kick chases and poor decisions showed and in fairness the visitors were somewhat fortunate to go in at half time at 3 - 3 as a late Peter Hoskins penalty levelled the scores.

The second half began a little like the first, Owen took the ball well from the kickoff but then some poor breakdown play led to a turnover. The ball was quickly played wide by the home side and quick hands gave them an overlap. Ruiadhri and Gareth were left exposed to the attack and despite their best efforts the try was scored early on to give the hosts the lead. Fortunately the place kicking was fairly poor as this conversion and a few penalties were all missed otherwise the home side may have been out of reach. With the scrum being wheeled at every opportunity by the home team despite some momentous drives by prop Brendan Smith, the referee showed great restraint in keeping both sides at full strength. Service were somewhat stung into action by this setback and pressed forward and finally started to show what they were capable of. A few half breaks were made, Dan and Connor in particular were unfortunate to get caught but then, after some good work in particular by Gareth Lewis, Stephen Powell the wily veteran spotted a gap off a ruck. A quick roll of his snake hips bamboozled his opponents and an outrageous dummy threw them the wrong direction. Accelerating at a rate belied by his age his dancing feet were a blur leaving the defenders baffled as he crossed the line to bring Service back into the match. With Hoskins maintaining a 100% record for the day as he continued with this conversion and a following penalty Service were keeping the score line tight but following yet another wheeled scrum the home side crashed over from close range despite the efforts of flankers Matt Robinson and Bryn Sturgeon. Just 2 points adrift Civil were battering at the home sides 22, their superior fitness showing but some frantic defending held them out. Captain Chris Burns skipped past 4 defenders from a set play but was held up and nearly at the death Dan Cartland was desperately unfortunate not to win it for the visitors but a chip kicked bounced agonisingly just inches over his head as he raced for the line.

With the relief on the Monaghan faces palpable it is they of course who will be delighted with the 18 - 16 victory but with players to return and many positives it certainly wasn't a wasted trip for the Belfast side