Monday 20 October 2025 15:54
Even though Newport had found better form and secured narrow victories in recent weeks, Burntwood, a dominant force in this league, would no doubt provide a much sterner test for Newport’s Second XV. And deservedly trailing at the break and with the slope against them, it was difficult to believe that Newport would get anything at all from this game. Burntwood’s dominance in the first- half, relied chiefly on their superiority at the breakdown, whilst Newport’s handling errors meant their possession levels were far too low and erratic.
Burntwood set out at full throttle and unsurprisingly mauled to the undefended blindside corner for their first try. Marsden Humphries’ ten-yard blitz was unsupported resulting in Burntwood wresting back possession from Newport’s brief spell and after earning their fifth penalty within ten minutes, elected to successfully kick their next points.
Masiwara Baleinavere’s thumping tackle, clattering Burntwood out of play brought Newport cheer and perhaps instilled some confidence as Newport’s resolve stiffened and brought some attacking play. A pivotal knock-on, and a missed penalty-kick both chances spurned by Newport, to create a foothold in the game. Instead, Burntwood’s 50-22 and then an advanced penalty, due to Newport dissent, completed the half with Burntwood predictably mauling the ten yards, to go fifteen ahead without reply.
Rhys Morgan and Tom Griffiths both carrying twenty-yards early in the second-half brought renewed impetus. But more importantly, support runners securing possession and hence the territory was imperative to Newport’s revival. Sam Sergeant’s delayed pass, Manasa Volaikisuva’s diagonal to create a gap and Ben Tagg running the inside channel; Newport were through and eyebrows beginning to raise.
Keeping possession enabled Newport’s backs to use their growing mobility to, not only undo Burntwood’s probing kicks but also threaten attack from anywhere across the backline. Indeed, Griffiths collecting Burntwood’s clearance on the left wing, within fractions of seconds, Jake Reynolds, at full back, injected speed plenty and Max Swann then from the right-wing was suddenly in-flight over the tryline. Intercepted mid-air though, Burntwood sighed in relief, but Newport had discovered the key to unlock.
Defending to do next for Newport, as Burntwood’s chip, scurry and then scramble had them beating down on Newport’s tryline. Firstly held-up, then Liam Wordley’s rip gave Newport deep possession. A transformed Volaikisuva somehow emerged and finding Tomasi Ratu in support had Burntwood rocked onto their heels; Reynolds collected for the final leg. And it was Reynolds’ sharp dash, after Baleinavere’s forward burst, that invited Tagg, two minutes later, to claim his brace, and Newport the lead.
Burntwood sought to stem Newport’s revival, reeling changes and re-establishing their forward attacking bias. Drawing Newport into the pack with repeated phases, Burntwood’s sudden shift to their left-wing found enough space to squeeze into the corner, narrowly seizing back the lead with six minutes remaining.
Newport thought they could snatch a victory by kicking their penalty. Alas falling short and ceding possession; would Burntwood’s tiring pack have the energy to manage the clock till the whistle? Instead, they elected to kick clear twice. Griffiths and Reynolds each time retrieving the spoils and counter-attacking. Reynolds scampering through Burntwood’s stretched defence for his second.
This time, in order to create a two-score gap, Newport again elected to kick another penalty. Unfortunately, the same result ensued, but Newport remained undeterred from their quest. Volaikisuva starting and finishing a rampaging charge ending short on the tryline. In the corner, Baleinavere’s soft, fast hands found Sergeant, whose reach down punched Newport’s score beyond Burntwood, denying them any consolation points.
A mixture of tweaks and repositions, and of renewed determination and spirited character provided Newport with a formidable second-half fightback. Burntwood’s first-half dominance at the breakdown combined with their accurate and punishing kicks had Newport firmly on-the-ropes. Knuckling-down at the coalface and finding alternative methods of attack rewarded Newport not only with the big scalp of Burntwood, but also bonus points and their largest winning margin, so far this season. Entertainment at its best.
| First half | Second Half |
| Tries | TriesBen TaggJake ReynoldsBen TaggJake ReynoldsSam Sergeant |
| Conversions | ConversionsBen Tagg 3/5 |