Fri 24 Mar 2023
Once Newport had weathered early Luctonian intensity and started the points-clock ticking, they were always able to control the game. Luctonians maintained advantage in the scrum throughout, but Newport used their guile and agility to punish Luctonians at will.
The ambiance of a well-supported Friday night kick-off added to the occasion, as Luctonians were desperate to secure early advantage. They were met with combative tackling from Will Galbraith and Mike Woodhouse to stem their attack and Daniel Boomer characteristically enthusiastic to reverse the momentum. Gaining a penalty two yards into Luctonians half, the brave decision to kick for goal bore fruit, as Ed Udale’s walloping kick sailed between the posts. Despite just missing the next from an acute angle, Luctonians were clear in Newport’s message; easy penalties would lead to Newport points.
Newport’s defence remained resolute with Sam Jones and Sam Sargeant adding to Newport’s tackle count, but it was Andy Shore’s double tackle and turnover that switched the impetus to Newport. Luke Kendall and Fergus Lamb penetrating Luctonians line to create openings allowed the magnificent Tom Griffiths, spun round in the tackle, to reach over into the corner to put the ball down; Newport were now motoring. Luctonians defended sturdily, but Newport’s movement allowed them to thrice reset their attack and finally into a maul with Woodhouse dropping over the line.
Luctonians continued to carry their threat through their scrummaging, and driving Newport’s scrum deeper into their own 22, Kendall desperately found Griffiths, who, confronted by three Luctonians kicked long from his own left corner. The ball paralleled the touchline full-pitch-length, bounced left and out of play a mere couple of yards short of Luctonians’ corner flag.
In attack again, Newport found themselves using their movement to open gaps, Kendall’s nuanced step allowed him to bludgeon between two Luctonians to bring the tally to 22 without reply. Luctonians, knowing they needed to get something before the half, elected to kick their central penalty from twenty yards.
Despite having more attacking play as the second half progressed, Newport found it more difficult to break Luctonians defence, until Newport’s wing attack drew Luctonians across. Rapid ball recycling found Galbraith in the centre to add Newport’s last score.
Luctonians strength now started to prevail against an ever-tiring Newport. Freddie Elliot’s brutal tackle stymied Luctonians temporarily but winning a penalty twenty yards out and electing to scrummage told the story of Luctonians’ gameplan. Having got their first, that Luctonians would be able to score again was not in doubt. So, it was vital for Newport to retain their resilience and hold out against the clock. Lamb’s tackle-and-jackal, Udale’s and Sargeant’s linespeed and accurate kicking kept Luctonians at bay. Newport’s defence tackled rigorously till dying seconds where Luctonians made it through for their second and deserved respectability.
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