Match Report – Burntwood 35pts v Newport 34pts

Burntwood 35-34 Newport

Notwithstanding points deflected from the posts, Newport’s exemplary performance throughout, but especially in the latter stages, is victory enough at this point in the season. If Burntwood believe they are well placed to push for promotion next term, they will be pursued all the way by Newport’s Second XV on this showing. Burntwood clung on with remarkably stubborn fingernails as Newport tirelessly closed the gap and pushed for the win; creating an incredibly exciting finale.

Newport began with higher energy, testing Burntwood’s resilience, which withstood the barrage until both sides tried to dink chips over each other’s pack. With nothing coming, Burntwood cleared long. Rob Taylor’s characteristic gather and punch forward hammered into the melee and incredibly emerged the other side still striding with Burntwood’s soft underbelly exposed. Taylor cruised through the other half-pitch, Newport’s confidence visibly growing.

Upping the ante, Burntwood attacked Newport’s right corner with their burly pack. Alistair Heath, Max Vernon and Luke Kendall providing the stonewall, but with Burntwood awarded a central penalty, peril persisted. A James Smith tackle, a Kendall drive and Ben Turner’s steal and carry gave space for Ed Udale to kick well clear, with a Burntwood deflection keeping possession for Newport. And with forward momentum earning Newport a central penalty, thirty yards out, Udale notched Newport’s lead up to ten.

Burntwood, catching up with Newport’s electric pace, instigated their own attack. As Newport held out again on their tryline, a change of direction enabled Burntwood to sneak into the corner. Their next try however, was a fast-running move finding supporting runners to work their way under Newport’s posts. Newport’s scrambling defenders unable to snuff out Burntwood’s surge, the move itself deservedly wrested the lead from Newport.

Newport though maintained focus and control, seeking to establish a lead before the break, with strong carries from Llewellyn Evans, Kendall and Fergus Lamb combined with rapid ball exchanges through the backline. Alas Burntwood, though stretched to maximum, were able to close out the half intact.

When Smith escaped into space and found Billy Dinning there was still plenty to do. Acceleration, sidestep, and round to the posts, imperious Dinning could not be caught to give Newport a three-point lead, as the second half began with a bang. A set piece for each narrowed the margin to a single point, Burntwood’s deep pass allowing their ball-carrier to gather unstoppable momentum, but Newport’s set-piece was more elaborate. A pair of feigns and dummy-runs, Newport carved Burntwood open putting Dinning in the clear to complete.

Burntwood then began to impose themselves after breaking down their left flank and forcing through to Newport’s tryline, it was now Newport’s turn to struggle. As tension grew, Newport’s tackling became more desperate, another Burntwood try felt inevitable. Liam Wordley’s ankle-tap tackle knocking Burntwood into touch appeared to bring a reprieve. But the rapid turnover at the lineout caught Newport cold and flat; had they let this game get away from them?

Burntwood cleared to touch from the restart, Heath initiated counter-attack mode with a quick lineout, inviting Taylor to accept the challenge. Taylor’s half-pitch blitz turned the game on its head. With ten minutes remaining Burntwood were rolled onto their heels; Newport were flying again. Suddenly, Wordley had broken into space and made twenty yards. Toby Eggerton, alive to the opportunity, took on the mantle and Newport then set-up camp on Burntwood’s tryline. Kendall’s pick-up and menacing drive from Newport’s five-yard scrum almost crossed the line, but Vernon was on hand to make the last hard yard.

With one point between them and Newport continuing to hunt for glory, Burntwood gleefully accepted the chance to kick the ball dead as time usurped Newport’s attempt to plunder all. Unfortunately, a bonus-point and losing-point will have to suffice for Newport’s valiant efforts. Despite marginally missing out, the positives to draw for Newport are almost endless. A pair of braces from Newport’s fast and hard running backs the epitome of a fantastic team performance. Competing evenly with Burntwood’s massive pack, both in scrums and tackles, an enormous foundation for Newport to build from. But most importantly, Newport’s thriving character and spirit clearly on display here; the future is bright.