Matthew, knew to things, blindness was temporary and he was panicking. Thus he did the opposite of what his opponent was thinking, he dropped his sword and tackled him as the blindness took hold. He couldn't see but he dragged the monk down and did his best to throw the spell book away, he couldn't see but he was much stronger, years of training and diligent sword play had left well toned though not as well muscled as warriors. He threw a couple punches in to the monk, trying unable to see. As his eye sight returned he found he successfully pinned the Monk and he landed a couple good blows, however the monk had grabbed his sword and gave him a strong whack with his own weapon, grabbed on the second try but the Monk had pulled his second spell book and the powerful blast not him away, getting up Matthew grunted and stood up slowly, fighting the pain. 

The Monk had taken the brunt of the damage, but Matthew had hurt his leg in blast, no more dodging for him, he needed to get in close and finish this or the monk might just take him out.