Newport were back in action at The Old Showground for the second of three consecutive home games and were keen to get back to winning ways after the defeat inflicted by Bromsgrove last weekend. Previously unbeaten Oak suffered a similar fate after being thumped at home by Burton so it was 2^nd versus 5^th in what was expected to be another tight game.

Jake Goulson, making his 250^th appearance was given the honour of leading out the team on what was a great personal milestone for both him and the club. He didn’t disappoint either putting in a man of the match performance as he dominated the line-outs from start to finish, just as he has done for many a year.

Newport had a similar line up to last week other than Tom Clark returning at prop with Henry Lockington starting in the back row and Tom Clifford moving from No8 to openside flanker. There was also a welcome return to the fold for Jordan Grass who has been unable to feature for some time due to work and family commitments.

The wind, unusually, was blowing straight across the pitch and upon winning the toss Newport skipper George Boughey chose to play with the slope for the first half. Oak kicked off and when Newport failed to collect the visitors were able to exert some early pressure. Oak were energetic and lively throughout but never really looked to have the cutting edge to unlock a stubborn and robust home defence, Port able to soak up anything the visitors threw at them.

The home side suffered an early setback when Henry Williams was forced off with an ankle injury, Charlie Gamble coming on to the wing and the experienced Tim Waqadau moving to inside centre. Gamble soon made good ground after a fine break from Lockington but Oak were able to clear the danger after his chip and chase was collected by the cover defence

Lockington, Clifford and Waqadau were all prominent after Charlie Pugh had won a crucial turnover at the breakdown, Waqadau making the final break before producing a lovely inside ball to the supporting Billy Dinning who raced in under the posts, Elliot Dolphin converting and Newport led 7 – 0 after thirteen minutes.

The penalty count was mounting against the home side but despite several periods of field pressure the visitors just weren’t able to take advantage, a credit to Newport’s well organised and physical defence. With twenty-four minutes gone Goulson claimed the line out on half way and after several phases it was Cliffird who charged through to score, Dolphin adding the extras to extend Newport’s lead to 14 – 0. Newport always looked dangerous with ball in hand but will rue a number of missed chances due to poor execution and maybe a wrong choice or two.

There were good charges forward from Tom Furnival and Clifford before the latter was held just a metre from the line but was then penalised for rolling on after the tackle. Mose managed to clear but Dolphin then spotted space in behind to nail an excellent 50/22 from which Newport took a quick throw that caught the visitors napping, Pugh putting Gamble away to finish under the posts, Dolphin’s conversion bringing the half to a close at 21 – 0

A set of repeat penalties right from the off set up a Moseley line out in the danger zone and whilst Newport were able to hold the initial drive Sammy Erskine squeezed in at the corner for the visitors to make it 21 – 5, to give them a glimmer of hope maybe but Newport soon snuffed out any such worries when Dinning made a searing break into the opposition twenty-two and although brought down short, Newport re-cycled and Clark was driven over for the bonus point try and a score line of 26 – 5.

Grass, Luke Kendall, Fin Barnes and Charlie Saunders were all introduced and it was now really a question of how many more points could Newport add to their tally. There was a catch and drive try for Ollie Bird after Goulson had taken yet another line-out on fifty-four minutes to make it 31 – 5 and then following another great break from deep Dinning was able to feed Jake Reynolds from fifty out, the winger needing no second invitation to finish off the move under the posts, Dolphin converting to make it 38 – 5 with eighteen minutes remaining.

Newport didn’t manage to add to their score and when both Barnes and Bird were issued a yellow card in quick succession there was a certain inevitability that Mose would make it count, driving over from short range, Jaden Colvin’s conversion drawing matters to a close with a final score of 38 – 12 and another five points bagged to keep Newport in second spot behind unbeaten Stourbridge 

Newport will be pleased to have got back on track after last week’s disappointing defeat but they face another challenge when they face Syston who despite being currently rooted to the bottom of the table were playing National League rugby last season and will be no mugs. Kick-Off is at 3pm.

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The post Newport          24pts       v     Bromsgrove    31pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

The visitors were without Will Galbraith (shoulder) and skipper Ricky Bailey (groin) due to injury but were pleased to see George Boughey, recovered from the illness that kept him out last week whilst Henry Williams came in for his first start to replace Bailey. Tom Clifford was also selected at 8.

A delayed arrival due to a collision on the M6 resulted in a restricted warm up and things didn’t get any better when Charlie Gamble was yellow-carded in the first minute of the game for taking out his opposite number in the air, lucky in the eyes of some not to suffer a harsher punishment. Careless, not reckless, others would argue?

Despite being reduced in numbers Newport were able to stifle any threat that Lutterworth were able to mount and when they won an early penalty it was an easy decision to take the three points on offer for a narrow lead after twelve minutes. Lutterworth were struggling in the line-out especially on their own ball where Jake Goulson and Boughey seemed able to steal possession almost at will preventing the home side from exerting any real pressure by restricting their possession.

Port then went the length of the field from a scrum in their own twenty-two, Billy Dinning, Jake Reynolds and Charlie Pugh all being involved before Ingram went under the posts for a spectacular score, Ingram adding the conversion to his own try to make it 0 – 10 after sixteen minutes.

Lutterworth then enjoyed a bit more of the ball but they were met with several good hits in defence, particularly from John Tuia, Clifford and Tom Furnival. Both teams were guilty of not looking after the ball meaning neither were able to exert any consistent pressure but then from nothing Reynolds made a superb one-handed interception on half way and raced in unopposed to give Ingram an easy conversion and extend their lead to 0 – 17 with half-time rapidly approaching but with one last penalty to the right-hand corner the home side did at last manage to secure one of their own line outs and Simon Johnson was driven over from short range, Alfie Dorrington converting to bring Lutterworth back into the game 7 – 17 at the break.

The second period had only just got under way when Williams, who had a fine game, scythed through the home defence, handing on to Elliot Dolphin to cross the whitewash for Newport’s third, Ingram converting to put Newport back in the driving seat at 7 – 24. Far too many times Newport looked threatening but couldn’t complete before Tuia, Boughey and Gamble combined well putting Reynolds in for another, Ingram added the extras and Newport led 7 – 31 after fifty-nine minutes.

Finn Barnes had replaced Will Turner midway through the first half and now it was Oliver Bird, Luke Kendall, Henry Longfellow and Chris Lindsey’s turn to enter from the bench replacing Mike Adams, Tom Clarke, Ingram and Tuia respectively.

Having secured the four try bonus point the coaching team would probably have liked to see Newport close down the game and take home the 7 – 31 victory but Lutterworth weren’t prepared to throw in the towel and two quick converted tries, the first by Noah Green, from an interception as Newport tried to attack from deep and then a second score of the day for Johnson who muscled his way over from a catch and drive. That made it 21 – 31 and the home side had their sights on, if not the win,  certainly a bonus point or two.

Newport, however, soon put that idea to bed when, after Goulson had stolen yet another Lutterworth line out in the danger zone Clifford galloped away up the middle making excellent ground that caused chaos in the home ranks, the ball eventually being spun left where Bird was loitering, drawing the last man and putting Reynolds in for his third of the afternoon, Dolphin striking an excellent conversion from wide out on a day when not a single shot at goal was missed.

That was the last of the action and Newport returned home with all five points, one of only four teams to have won their opening two games. A tough assignment awaits next Saturday when they return to the Old Showground to take on Bromsgrove with a 3pm kick-off

The post Lutterworth             21pts       v     Newport          38pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

The delayed season finally got under way at a sun-drenched Old Showground but at least it was played at a comfortable temperature rather than the scorching conditions of the summer. The Bank was full to witness a game between these two sides which are generally open, expansive and enjoyable for all those watching and last Saturday was no exception with the result in question right up to the last play of the game

The Newport line-up had a familiar look to it with the majority of the squad home grown with just the one new recruit on show, tight head Tom Furnival (from Chester). Another recruit, George Boughey (returning to the club after a two-year stint at Macclesfield) was selected to start but was taken ill on the eve of the match whilst Henry Lockington, a talented Number 8, will have to wait two weeks for his first appearance having been suspended following his dismissal at Anselmians last weekend.

Newport won the toss and chose to go up the slope and into a stiff breeze with Lichfield asked to kick-off. The early exchanges were fairly even but it wasn’t long before the visitors took advantage of the elements, getting in behind the Newport defence when a first up tackle was missed. Several more dominant phases sucked in the home defence and when it was spun left Paul Maxwell-Keys found himself in acres of space following a cut-out pass and strolled over in the corner after just five minutes. Charlie Milner hit a great conversion which was the start of an impressive performance from him both with the boot and with ball in hand.

Billy Dinning, who was a shining light in the Newport side all afternoon, was unlucky when after returning a Lichfield clearance he made good yards before chipping over the last man only to be denied by a cruel bounce that allowed Lichfield to tidy up the danger. Newport weren’t to be denied for too long however and after they had strung some phases together Elliot Dolphin sent Dinning away down the right, who handed on to Charlie Gamble, another impressive performer on the day, to dance through and outstrip the cover to complete the score. Jack Ingram landed a difficult conversion into the wind to tie things up at 7 – 7 after eleven minutes. 

Another sweeping move from the visitors almost restored their lead but the Newport defence forced a knock-on in the tackle. Newport won the resultant scrum and attempted to run from deep but when Jake Reynolds was bundled into touch within the home twenty-two Lichfield sensed another opportunity. They spun it left from the line but the final pass floated into touch. Fear not, Lichfield stole the line-out and Matthew Key was driven over from short range, Milner converting to restore their seven-point advantage at 7 – 14 with sixteen minutes played. Newport were coming more into the game now, particularly at scrum time where Furnival, Mike Adams and Tom Clark were beginning to see their physical presence put increasing pressure on the Lichfield pack.

Newport, enjoying a prolonged period of possession moved it around, first right, then left, then right again where Dinning was again in the line to feed Gamble, who chipped over and regathered to score a fine try, Ingram converting and it was all-square once more after twenty-six minutes

There is no doubt that Newport’s line-out work will require some attention during the week but on this occasion it was secured on half-way and the ever-alert Ingram spotted a gap at the tail and scooted through, winning the race to the left-hand corner for a fine individual score, difficult conversion missed but Newport now had a useful lead at 19 – 14 having played against the elements.

That advantage was about to be increased when Newport won a scrum penalty, after which a bit of “lip” saw them advanced a further ten metres and Ingram gratefully accepted the chance to take a shot at goal and take Newport into the break 22 – 14 to the good.

Tom Pick had sustained an injury and was replaced by the experienced Jake Goulson. The rest of the five-man bench (being trialled this season) saw Ollie Bird, Luke Kendall, Will Turner and Henry Williams all introduced during the second period.

Lichfield’s tactics were clear from the off in that they were going to run everything, even from deep and on the evidence of their first half showing clearly had the personnel to execute that plan to good effect but all their efforts so far were contained by a well organised and robust Newport defence and it was the home side who were to strike first. Dolphin took play down the right from half-way before handing on to Charlie Pugh who did the bulk of the damage as he broke through to feed Gamble, the winger returning the favour of the first half by passing inside to Dinning who was able to run round under the posts to complete a fine score and, with Ingram’s conversion, stretch their lead to 29 – 14 after fifty-three minutes.

Most would have expected Newport to go on from here and add more scores but Lichfield clearly weren’t done and started to make inroads as Newport’s control and composure began to fail them somewhat.

Reynolds was rather harshly dismissed to the bin for a deliberate know on and Milner took the points on offer to reduce the deficit to two scores at 29 – 17 with twenty-one minutes remaining.

Reduced to fourteen Newport found themselves under increasing pressure and after a number of drives close to their line Lichfield’s scrum-half Freddie Clarkson sniped round the edge of the ruck to stretch and make the try line by the narrowest of margins. It was an impossible conversion to make from the left-hand touchline into the wind even given the well-demonstrated weight of Milner’s boot but they were very much back in the hunt at 29 – 22 with twelve minutes left to play.

Reynolds had returned but almost immediately after winning a crucial turnover penalty Clark was sent to the bin meaning Newport had played the entire last quarter one man down. Milner took what appeared to be a strange decision in going for the three when a kick for the corner may have borne more fruit especially given their numerical advantage. That being a topic for discussion amongst the touchline experts Milner promptly thumped it over from long range to make it 29 – 25 with what would likely be a tough six minutes remaining.

Newport nearly sealed it with what looked like a near certain try scoring pass but were denied when it was intercepted by Rhys Wynne who raced away to try and win the match but Dinning had turned and ran him down before the visiting winger had made the Newport twenty-two.

Lichfield had one last chance to win it with the last play of the game when they put a penalty to within fifteen of the Newport line but potential hero Milner turned villain when he was penalised for encroaching within the ten metres at the line-out. A gleeful Dinning took the tap and put the ball out to secure an opening day victory that sees Newport collect the full five points whilst Lichfield must settle for the one.

Great match up, some good solid performances but clearly some areas to work on which is only to be expected following an opening fixture of the season. Next Saturday Newport travel to Lutterworth for a 3pm kick-off.

The post Newport 29pts v Lichfield 25pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

Newport posts that gave them their half time lead of 0 – 26 which would surely be
unassailable.

With the re-start the game took a turn with a noticeable shift in momentum as with
nothing to lose Newport threw everything at it Jake Reynolds racing over in the left-
hand corner and Jack Ingram, on his 50 th cap, adding an excellent conversion to
begin what might be an improbable comeback at 7 – 26. Spearheaded by skipper
Ricky Bailey, who made several incisive breaks meant Newport had their chances
for sure but a combination of wrong choices and a cruel bounce that denied Benny
Elliot perhaps summed up why this wasn’t going to be Newport’s day.

As the last quarter approached Newport began to dominate and on sixty-three
minutes Jake Goulson was driven over from short range, Elliot tacking on the extras
to make it 14 – 26 but just as the door appeared to be opening Stour slammed it shut
in their faces with a try in the corner to extend their lead to 14 – 31 but Newport stuck
at it and despite Tim Waqadau’s yellow card more dominance saw John Tuia wriggle
through to add a third try, Elliot’s conversion attempt brushing the upright and going
wide but at 19 – 31 they were still within two scores but running out of time.

Home hearts were then lifted when following Elliot’s penalty to eight metres out a
clever move at the front of the line saw Chris Taylor go over and with Elliot’s
conversion proving good made it 26 – 31 with seven minutes left on the clock but just
as Newport dared to dream Stour wrapped it up with a try in the right-hand corner
that made it 26 – 36 at the final whistle.

True, this was a disappointing way to end what has been a fantastic season but it
has been one of growth and development where virtually half the team are still
teenagers and will have learned a great deal from this experience.

Much of this can be put down to Director of Rugby, Steve Dolphin, who has guided
and overseen this development across all teams and to the coaching team led so
admirably by Head Coach Craig Ingram. There is much to look forward to and we
can’t wait to see this team back in action next September where we will doubtless
make further steps in the right direction.

The post Newport 26pts v Stourbridge 36pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

The post Newport 42-24 Burton appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

From the first moments, double tackles and terrific linespeed from Ed Udale and Henry Holmes set the tempo of Newport’s defence. And whilst Shrewsbury’s flowing move to the left curtailed with the ball sailing harmlessly out of play, Newport’s tight line looked remarkably assured. But when a quickly taken penalty, only yards outside their own 22, resulted in a Shrewsbury interception, Newport were turned inside out; Shrewsbury rounding under the posts.

Newport responded with some attacking threat with useful carries but Shrewsbury’s backs had speed in abundance, causing Newport real difficulties. Billy Parry and Rob Taylor managed to usher Shrewsbury’s fullback out of play and Shrewsbury’s winger at full tilt, was unceremonially halted. Alas the force and variation of attack inevitably led to Shrewsbury doubling their lead.

James Lohan hefted forward to create an opening which Jamie Robinson exploited with a sharp blast into midfield. Harry Peregrine, in support, maintained Newport’s advance with Holmes also then battering forward and with the recycled ball received on the left wing, Taylor completed Newport’s best spell and opened their scoring.

Newport now toiled to prevent Shrewsbury gaining any further points. Jack Charnock’s tryline tackle and hold-up, Robinson’s recovery tackle forcing the knock-on and Shrewsbury again sailed a dangerous pass to their winger out of play. But countless tackles at the tryline to deny Shrewsbury showed a steely determination which almost saw the half out. Of course, Shrewsbury achieved their third with only moments left before the whistle.

Newport initiated attack mode for the second-half but needed some time to click fully into gear. Once Udale snatched possession from Shrewsbury’s marauding second-row giant and Robinson again instinctively launched the counter-attack, Newport’s disjointedness seemed to disappear. Creeping their way forward, Parry’s pick-up at the rear of the scrum and unstoppable charge brought more points but more importantly, genuine belief.

Demitrius Constantinedes’ short lineout to Alastair Heath caught Shrewsbury napping and suddenly Newport were hammering at the door again. Then, giving the ball some flight, Newport whizzed left. Udale’s catch, change of direction and power to the tryline, under the posts, giving Kyle Smith a decent target and Newport just four points adrift.

Shrewsbury though sensed Newport’s revival and stepped up to the challenge. Newport, missing touch from a penalty deep in their 22, allowed Shrewsbury to re-pressurise Newport’s ragged defence with several phases eventually seeing them re-establish an eleven-point lead.

Despite there being plenty for Newport to go at, uncertainty and probably fatigued threatened to derail their efforts. A turnover lineout and further missed pass encouraged Shrewsbury to bully Newport toward submission. However, Taylor’s forty-yard spree, gaining huge territory, reinvigorated Newport. Chris Lindsey asserted control at Newport’s lineout, Smith found Taylor who in turn invited Ollie Chambers to dash over, earning Newport a bonus point and a losing point.

With a makeshift squad against a strong, organised Shrewsbury, to come away with two points can only be seen as a huge positive for Newport Second XV. However, most importantly, their promising attacking performance in the second half should build belief and confidence. Indeed, in retrospect, their battling first-half determination to keep themselves in the game and provide a platform to build their second-half should not be under-estimated.

The post Newport 24-28 Shrewsbury appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

Newport’s final away league match saw them travel to League champions Bournville who as well as clinching the title last weekend also boasted a 100% home record, whilst with only one defeat on the road all season Newport had the most wins away from home.

Newport’s continuing front row crisis with no less than 9 props either injured or unavailable meant that Jack Wells (259 1stXV appearances) and Tom Cowell (207) were both dragged out of retirement to fill the gaps in the squad caused by injuries and unavailability. The plan was probably to play half a match each but when Tom Clarke, their only remaining recognised prop, was forced off after just three minutes with a shoulder injury those plans were thrown into chaos. Both Cowell and Wells went on to complete the whole match and performed like the true gladiators they are throughout.

Not unsurprisingly the visitors were completely dominated when it came to scrum time but the rest of the play went Newport’s way with their defensive line speed, commitment and ferocity constantly bringing an end to Bournville’s attacking intentions.

Newport, shining bright in yellow, kicked off in icy cold conditions and with a near gale blowing straight across the artificial pitch. It was the home side who exerted the early pressure but Newport’s defence was resolute, so when Bournville overthrew at an attacking line-out Ricky Bailey pounced on the loose ball, breaking to half way before feeding the lively Jake Reynolds who raced away before chipping inside the cover for Jack Ingram to gather and go in by the posts for the opening score, to which he also added the conversion to give Newport a 0 – 7 lead after seven minutes.

Dominant at the scrum and drawing penalties Bournville then set up a catch and drive, rolling on in controlled fashion over fully twenty metres for Clarkson McCleod to touchdown, Jacob Fewtrell adding the extras and tying things up at 7 – 7 after sixteen minutes.

The home side struggled to put any concerted attacks together as the Newport defence continued to force them into handling errors or they would lose the ball in contact. Newport still looked the more likely and after a repeat set of penalties that allowed Billy Dinning, who had an outstanding afternoon, to put them into the home twenty-two. Line-out secured Newport were patient, going through several controlled tight phases before George Perkins muscled his way over for Ingram to convert again and restore their seven-point advantage at 7 – 14 after twenty-seven minutes. Bournville then worked their way into the visitor’s twenty-two but more great work at the breakdown, where Finn Barnes, John Tuia and Olly Bird excelled, turned over possession and Dinning and Reynolds were away down the left flank, Bailey eventually held up over the line forcing the goal line dropout.

Bourns had one last chance before the interval but it was Perkins who turned it over this time and Ingram was able to put the ball out to ensure Newport went in at the break with their seven-point advantage intact.

There was no doubt that Newport would have expected a reaction from Bournville in their efforts to go through the season unbeaten at home but the visitors added to their score almost from the off when Tuia burst through some weak tackling and won the race to the corner to make it 7 – 19 with only a minute played of the second period.

Bourns continued their scrum dominance but failed to make it count as they came up against more staunch defence from Newport. Chris Taylor, another with over 200 caps to his name had another excellent game – is there anyone better around this level at tidying up ball at the back of a retreating scrum?

Dinning then pulled off a fine try-saving tackle and as was the case for most of the afternoon Newport were first to the breakdown where Tuia won the turnover penalty to relieve the danger.

Bournville were still trying to attack but were now becoming frustrated with their lack of progress and when they again spilled it in contact Elliot Dolphin gobbled up the loose ball and put in a superb 50/20 that took them to within five of the home line. Newport secured their own throw in and after several more patient phases Cowell peeled off the advancing maul to plunge over. Conversion missed but Newport now led, with the four-try bonus point secured, at 7 – 24 with fifty-six minutes on the clock.

RAF recruit Tom Clifford, previously with Chinnor, replaced Barnes and immediately won a turnover penalty before Dolphin and Charlie Pugh broke up yet another Bourns attack, Dinning’s kick to the right-hand corner seeing Bird and Jake Goulson exchange passes at the front of the line-out for Goulson to add another score and put the game well and truly out of Bournville’s reach at 7 – 29 with just thirteen minutes left to play.

Entering the final stages, Wells’s afternoon was cut short by a few seconds when he was yellow-carded in the Red-Zone, Bourns managing to work the ball left for Kieran Henderson to cross for what was nothing more than a consolation score, Fewtrell’s conversion ending the contest at 14 – 29.

This was Newport at their very best, all the more remarkable given their stretched resources up front but a perfect example of what can be achieved with spirit, determination and togetherness, attributes all shown in abundance in a performance that will live long in the memory.

That said, over the course of the season the league table doesn’t lie and Bournville have proved themselves to be the best side in the division over the twenty-two games when the league programme ends on 11^th April. Everyone at Newport offers them our congratulations and wishes them the best of luck in their immediate return to Nat2 next season.

Whether Newport can join them remains to be seen in what will be a very testing play-off programme. With this result they have already secured home advantage on 25^th April against either Stourbridge or Newent. Bromsgrove are still in the mix but they would have to rely on both the above clubs losing without picking up bonus points.

If Newport were to come through this tie they will then face Topsham (Away) or Brixham (Home) dependant on who wins that match-up. A Play-Off Final then awaits (Away) against whoever finishes 12^th in Nat2 (West) on May 9^th

Any further questions on the play-off process by Postcard please!

Written by : Chris Wilde

The post Bournville 14pts v Newport 29pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

In what was a superb advert for local community rugby Bridgnorth deservedly came out on top in the battle of the two titans of Shropshire rugby, holding off a late surge from Newport to secure the spoils.

A large crowd assembled on a glorious Spring day with The Old Showground looking at it’s best bathed in somewhat rare sunshine. Newport won the toss and chose to go uphill inviting Bridgnorth to kick-off. There were good early carries from Luke Kendall and John Tuia before a Newport penalty took them to within five of the visitor’s line, George Perkins the beneficiary from a well-controlled drive. Jack Ingram added an excellent conversion to give the hosts a 7 – 0 advantage after seven minutes.

Bridgnorth were then able to exert some sustained pressure in the home twenty-two and they were soon over in the left-hand corner, another excellent conversion levelling things up with seventeen minutes played. Jake Goulson then took a wonderful ball at the line-out to set Perkins away on the charge and after breaking through several tackles over a twenty-metre rampage he was able to feed Ingram with an inside pass that saw the scrum-half scamper over for their second score and in converting his own try made it 14 – 7 with nineteen minutes played.

Port had several more half-chances but the common trait of late in trying to force the play saw those opportunities spurned and when Tuia was yellow carded for a high tackle the chance arose for Bridgnorth to take advantage of the extra man. Newport did well to survive without damage but as soon as he returned the visitors got over  in the left corner, the well struck conversion making it all square again at 14 – 14 after thirty-eight minutes.

Just as everyone thought the teams would go in at half time on equal terms some weak tackling in midfield let North in under the posts meaning they would go into the break with a seven-point lead.

All the locals will tell you that the slope at Newport is worth ten points so a seven-point deficit shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to overhaul but Bridgnorth had other ideas. Newport found themselves contained within their own twenty-two unable to find or execute an exit strategy meaning they were constantly under pressure.

North added to their tally with a straightforward penalty on fifty-three minutes to make it 14 – 24 before Newport eventually cracked under constant pressure to concede a further converted try on sixty-two minutes with the visitors well in command at 14 -31.

At last Newport managed to exert some territorial pressure of their own and hit back almost immediately when Tuia made a fine break down the left-hand channel, Jake Reynolds finishing in style in the corner. Ingram was unable to convert but Newport were back in contention at 19 – 31 with fifteen left on the clock.

North then put themselves three scores ahead with a long-range penalty, a score that proved decisive as Newport ran out of time to chase it down. There was only eight minutes left when Jake Goulson forced his way over from short range, Ingram converting for 26 – 34 and when Ricky Bailey scored with an excellent individual effort there was a glimmer of hope for Newport. The last five minutes was a remarkably tense and frantic affair as the hosts gambled everything throwing the ball around with Bridgnorth desperately trying to hold onto any ball they got to run the clock down.

Ultimately it was Bridgnorth who prevailed to claim a 31 – 34 victory in what was a pulsating and thoroughly entertaining encounter. Well done to them!

Newport will look back on three consecutive home defeats in which they have lost by three points or less, results which have seen Bournville clinch the title, and with it immediate promotion back to National 2, with two games still remaining.

Newport travel to Bournville next Saturday for what many were predicting would be a title decider several weeks ago but that is no longer the case. Their focus must now be to make sure they claim the necessary five points from their two games to ensure a home promotion play-off against Stourbridge or Newent.

The post Newport          31pts       v     Bridgnorth              34pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.

Nuns would hope to start the second half well but Newport were in again virtually
from the re-start, Hurford-John and Reynolds doing the fancy stuff before feeding
captain Ricky Bailey, who was no doubt delighted with the showing of his young
charges, and he was able to cross by the posts allowing Elliot to add the extras and
extend their lead to 5 -38.
Matt Hubbart, who had a fine game in the “boiler-house” joined Tom Clarke, Lindsey
and Turner in making some hard yards that again drew the penalty as Nuns found
themselves under increasing pressure. Port again opted for the scrum, Elliot ghosted
through with ease and in converting his own try quashed any lingering idea that there
may be a remarkable comeback on the cards.
It was now 7 – 45 after forty-seven minutes with the home side staring down the
barrel of a hefty defeat. Several interchanges involving the bench ensued with
Okeyere and Rhys Morgan entering the fray and whilst not everything worked
perfectly as standards of execution slipped a little Newport continued to add to their
points tally.
Hubbart stole the Nuns line for maybe the fourth time of the afternoon before
charging downfield and setting up position on the Nuns twenty-two, the ball being
sent left for Hurford-John to squeeze in at the corner and bring up the fifty. John
Tuia, another who excelled on the day made a great break up the middle before
handing on to Morgan who, having made his customary ten yards handed on to
Reynolds who capped an outstanding performance by dancing through sublimely to
score by the posts, the conversion stretching the lead to 5 – 57 with sixty-six minutes
on the clock.
There was even time for veteran ex-skipper Tom Cowell to make a ten-minute
cameo appearance from the bench when he replaced Bird at hooker. Port then
attacked down the right for Gamble to jink here and jink there before popping the ball
inside for Luke Kendall to grab the solitary forward’s try on the day.
Elliot then chipped through for Reynolds to re-gather and although the full-back was
collared he managed to slip the ball to Gamble who sprinted in by the posts to end
the scoring at 5 – 71
Although the writing has been on the wall for most of the season this defeat
mathematically seals Nuneaton’s relegation back to Level 6. They are a great club
and will doubtless bounce back sooner rather than later having suffered terribly from
senior player retirements, season-ending injuries to key players and the temptations
laid before their better younger players to try their fortunes elsewhere.
As regards Newport, with just three fixtures remaining a return of six points will
ensure a play-off spot whilst seven would ensure that game would be played at
home against any of Stourbridge, Bromsgrove or Newent. Not as easy as it may
sound as they still have to travel to champions elect, Bournville, adding extra
importance to the home game against Bridgnorth on 21 st March, a fixture that will
play host to the annual Ex-Players lunch. Kick-Off is at 3pm.
Written by: Chris Wilde

The post Nuneaton 5pts v Newport 71pts appeared first on Newport Salop RUFC.