Sat 28 Jan 2023
A slow Newport start meant they had difficulty trying to stamp their authority against Oswestry whose solid running attacks and strong defence saw them resist Newport’s revival in the second half and justly claim the points.
Oswestry settled themselves early by twice kicking for points having gained territory amid a plethora of Newport penalties. However, their first try contained excellent movement, breaking through the middle and subsequently finding players over on the right wing. Their second though should have been avoided; a mix-up in collecting Oswestry’s kicked clearance allowed Oswestry’s momentum through.
The penalty concession count resulted in Newport finding themselves a player short, but conversely Newport seemed to spark. Rob Taylor collected and made ground, Ben Turner’s determined carry and Luke Kendall all giving forward impetus to eventually see Daniel Boomer use his telescopic reach to puncture Oswestry’s tryline.
Oswestry restored the difference, mauling and breaking off from their short-distance lineout, but Newport were desperate to give themselves a chance. Dillon Finnegan’s crossfield invitation to Taylor and Immanuel Shute, whose tremendous linespeed put Oswestry under pressure, and after knocking the door, Boomer triumphed for his second to halve the deficit.
Maintaining their energy into the second half Newport struck early, quick hands between Ross Hemmings, Turner and then Kendall over the line put Newport in touching distance. But growing Newport belief almost immediately withered away when Oswestry charged down Newport’s kicked clearance which fell kindly for them to score.
Oswestry slipped through to score again creating a twenty-point chasm. But with twenty minutes left, Newport had a question of character to answer; capitulate or fight back. And the latter was the indubitable answer, Newport pressed across their entire line forcing Oswestry to incessantly defend each Newport attack. Boomer across the line for a hat-trick not awarded, may have changed the dynamism of the final moments but probably not enough to change the outcome.
A stronger Oswestry side were able to run in their chances and withhold Newport’s pressure for a deserved win against an under-par Newport, especially in the early stages. Newport’s revival to get into the game and to fight till the end underlines their undying spirit and unity.
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