Newport 42-24 Burton

Newport Third XV were always in control against strugglers Burton in what turned out to be a
strangely informal encounter. However, Newport’s second minute try was a pastiche of things to
come; a pair of belting Henry Holmes tackles, an incisive Pete Thomas pass and man-mountain
Michael Woodhouse twisting inexorably over the tryline to defy Burton’s futile challenges. Burton
though, were not inclined for Newport to have it all their own way and provided plenty of threat to
keep Newport on their toes.
Indeed, Burton’s fast attack needed to be snuffed out; Fins Walker and Smielus combining in the
tackle to keep Newport in command. And shortly after, Thomas’ calming presence reset Newport’s
attack finding Mark Lindsay, whose pass inside set Ben Bennett through for Newport’s second.
A Woodhouse steal, a Monty Lohan tackle and holding Burton up over the line appeared to show
Newport‘s disciplined defence could handle Burton pressure. But Burton’s number eight pick-up
from the resultant five-yard scrum found himself in acres of space to the left, halving the deficit.
After Walker’s bludgeoning tackle ramming Burton off the pitch, Holmes then turned the tables,
picking up from Newport’s own scrum and making space for slippery Sandy Stewart to brush past
Burton’s tackle-attempts, charging through to the posts.
Despite both Smielus and Harry Jennings adding fast ground it was heft that brought the next two
tries. One each side, Demetrius Constantinedes blasting through for Newport from their close-range
penalty. With Burton missing their penalty kick, half-time arrived with Newport ten points to the
good.
Encouraged, Burton grasped the second-half with gusto and inevitably, once their big forward had
momentum, Newport were unable to fell him to ground before the tryline. Walker’s example from
the restart spurred Newport back into gear, chasing down the Burton receiver and forcing the knock-
on, Newport were now ready to re-establish themselves.
Holmes’ zigzag through Burton’s pack to the tryline and Stewart’s twenty-yard, left-wing sprint, with
a final step inside at the corner, brought Newport tries in quick succession and a safety margin with
which they began to dictate play. Holmes made amends, after somehow being unable to ground the
ball after his triple fly-kick chase, by easily cantering in unchallenged from Newport’s eight-yard
scrummage. And when Burton switched off for Newport’s pitch-centre penalty, Harrison Foody took
full advantage, slaloming his way to Newport’s eighth try.
With the result now in the bag, Newport were able to easily manage the game out. But Burton’s
sharp, smart, short-range interchanging passes in the final moments, earnt them a deserved bonus
point and the last word.
An expected victory for Newport’s Third XV, but still should not be taken for granted. Doubling
Burton’s try count gives a comfortable scoreline for Newport, whilst playing within their capabilities,
is a job well done.