Tuesday 25 March 2025 09:46
Newport 22pts v Kendal 21pts
A large crowd gathered at Kendal’s impressive Mint Bridge facilities with upwards of 100 having travelled up from Shropshire to give their support in Newport’s final away league fixture.
Kendal had openly declared this game to be their cup final in that success would have secured their place in this league for another season and with the home side playing out of their skins to make sure it happened a tight,nervy encounter unravelled with the lead changing hands no less than seven times before the visitors prevailed. To their credit Newport’s attitude and application was absolutely spot on even though they had, arguably, less to play for than their hosts.
Kendal had the advantage of the slope first half but it was all Newport in the early exchanges but robust defence, an admirable trait shown by both teams throughout the afternoon, kept them out before the hosts exerted some pressure of their own. This also came to nought after several forays so when offered an easy three points from in front, Aaron Stephens slotted the kick for a 3 – 0 lead after fifteen minutes.
Benny Elliot then made the most of a repeat set of penalties that took Newport to within five and when they secured their line out Uluaki Kale was driven over for the game’s opening try. Elliot couldn’t convert from wide out but they led 3 – 5 at the end of the first quarter. More nip and tuck ensued before Stephens converted his second penalty after Newport had tackled high to restore the Kendal lead at 6 – 5 after thirty-one minutes.
Newport were then wasteful in the Kendal twenty-two from which the hosts countered with real purpose taking them fully sixty metres into the danger zone but after winning a turnover penalty Charlie Gamble broke clear before feeding Elliot who was tackled into touch trying to round the final defender. Matt Hubbart, who had another fine game, then made good ground handing on to Tim Waqadau who was tackled into touch within sight of the home line.
Newport were enjoying life at scrum-time with props James Tideswell and Jordan Grass having significant dominance over their opposite numbers. The ball was held in at the rear and with the shove on drew the inevitable penalty, Elliot converting from in front to send Newport in at the break 6 – 8 up.
Despite having the benefit of the slope for the second period Newport found themselves under pressure but Kendal didn’t seem to possess the necessary cutting edge to take advantage of such promising field positions, a symptom perhaps of why they have found victories difficult to come by in the current campaign.
Jake Goulson had proved very effective in the line outs and together with Hubbart had conjured up some important “steals” from Kendal throw ins.
Newport then committed a series of repeat infringements in the red zone and were somewhat fortunate not to suffer a card or two. Kendal again decided to take the points on offer and Stephens put them back in front 9 – 8 with his third penalty after fifty-three minutes.
Stephens then was forced to sit out the next ten minutes when he was adjudged to have broken up a Newport attack with a deliberate knock-on. Elliot’s penalty took them to within twelve metres whereupon a regulatory catch and drive try resulted for Ollie Bird, Elliot converting via the near upright restoring the visitor’s lead at 9 – 15 after fifty-eight minutes.
Still down to fourteen Kendal roared back immediately and produced a catch and drive try of their own, Barney Coxon being credited with the score and with Stephens still absent, Ollie Rose added the extras and the lead had changed hands yet again, 16 – 15 with sixteen minutes remaining.
Kelvin Okeyere and Charlie Pugh replaced Tideswell and Freddie Richardson respectively as Newport fought to get back into the ascendancy. Gamble had two surges down the right flank in quick succession but the visitors couldn’t convert the chances into points.
Newport then exercised a bit more patience in their build up phase play and when George Perkins surged to within five metres of the home line Kale was on hand to force his way over for a decisive score, Elliot converting to make it 16 – 22 with ten minutes to go.
A set of repeat penalties against Newport eventually took its toll and Steven Nelson was driven over for the game’s fifth try, all of which had been scored from close range. With the crucial conversion to come, not an easy kick but neither was it too difficult either being midway between touchline and posts, but Stephens pushed it wide right and the raucous support from the Kendal balcony packed with home support suddenly fell silent, Newport staying in front at 21 – 22.
With barely three minutes left Newport managed to run the clock down and boot the ball out of play to confirm the victory, the home players sinking to their knees knowing they still have much to do to stay in the league, one win from their two remaining games, away at both Wirral and Penrith, whilst a Stoke defeat at Rossendale who were confirmed champions on Saturday despite their loss at Anselmians would also do the job.
All at Newport would like to offer their congratulations to Rossendale who have topped the table from Day 1 and wish them all the best as they tackle the delights of National League rugby for the very first time.
Newport, meanwhile, will complete their league programme with a home game against Birkenhead Park, bottom of the league and already relegated. This will take place on April 5th with kick-off at 3pm.
