Fri 11 Nov 2022, 19:30
Under the Friday night lights, and in front of a bumper crowd, Newport 2nd XV hosted Burntwood, who travelled to The Old Showground in a rich vein of form with big wins against their two previous opposition. Newport kicked off and were soon back in possession. First playing left to right and then swinging back left, Tom Higgins pass over the top was picked off by the Burntwood full back who raced under the posts for the first score of the evening. Undeterred, Newport began to apply the pressure, Higgins kicking into the corner superbly on two occasions and Newport got their maul going. Twice pulled down illegally, but no penalty try gained Newport were unable to convert their opportunities into points.
Eventually Newport’s frustration and indiscipline gifted Burntwood territory and possession, a sustained period of attack through their forwards saw the Burntwood number 8 reach over the line. The grounding was debated heavily by the Newport defence, but the referee was unsighted, so the try stood. 0-14 to Burntwood. Before the half was up, Burntwood were able to take another 3 points from the tee. Half time, 0-17.
Despite the score line, the feeling at half-time was optimistic. Newport had, in patches, played the better rugby for large parts of the first half. Receiving the kick off, Newport carried hard through the midfield, making ground through strong carries from Finn Barnes and Fergus Lamb. Newport than played left, another carry against the retreating Burntwood defence got Newport over the opposition 22, and finally swinging right Fergus Lamb was over for Newport’s 1st try. Converted by Tom Griffiths, Newport were back in the game. 7-17.
Burntwood were next to enjoy a period of strong possession, camping out on Newport’s 5m line a series of scrums which were under huge pressure, Burntwood finding themselves on the floor numerous times with the Newport front row still standing. With the referee insistent on resets, and no penalties given at scrum time to either side following the scrum collapses, the Newport pack dug deep through multiple consecutive scrums, eventually forcing a knock-on, and exiting the 22. Both sides tightened up on their discipline, so the middle section of the 2nd half was a hugely physical and intense encounter, neither Newport nor Burntwood able to break down the others defence.
On 76 minutes, a fantastic break down the right-hand side after a period of strong pressure around Burntwoods 10m line saw Tom Griffiths race around the right wing to score Newports 2nd try. Converting his own score, Newport received the restart with just 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Newport carried hard, desperately searching for an opportunity for a score at the end of the game, but, as it had been all night, Burntwoods defence was excellent – forcing a maul and bringing the game to a close. Final score 14-17 to the visitors.
Congratulations to Burntwood on their win, and well done to Fergus Lamb on another MOTM performance. Special thanks also to all the supporters who came down to watch the game. A fantastic evening in the clubhouse followed, Burntwood were great visitors, singing songs and taking part in a tightly contested boat race – from which Newport emerged as victors! The 2nds have a weekend off from league action next, before hosting Clee Hill at the Old Showground on Saturday 26th November.
Match report by Ben Turner
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