Sat 1 Apr 2023
A hard fought and closely contested final game, a fitting cameo of Newport’s exciting season, resulting in a respectable league fourth place and promise for incremental improvement next year. On edge throughout, Newport’s efficiency told in the end, defensively enough to thwart Cleobury Mortimer’s chances whilst effective in gaining territory and creating openings in attack.
Cleobury Mortimer started hard in attack, Rob Taylor’s first of many deep, solid tackles earning a scrum for Newport. But Newport were unable to make enough distance, Cleobury Mortimer electing to kick for their first three points.
Starting afresh, Newport pinged forward, George Crow and Andy Shore with big carries taking Newport ever closer to Cleobury Mortimer’s tryline. Luke Kendall’s and Richard Biggin’s quick hands from the short penalty found Fergus Lamb able to bullet through for Newport’s first try. Retorting from their own penalty 10 yards out, Cleobury Mortimer found space on their left wing when Newport were slow to regain their shape. But Newport fired back immediately, Ed Udale breaking forward, James Lohan’s quick-fire hands and further through to Gabe O’ Reilly, marking his return from sabbatical for Newport’s second.
Newport went all out attack, Alistair Heath twice spearheading Newport’s advances, but nearly came undone when Cleobury Mortimer’s long clearance challenged Taylor to a flat-race, which despite giving Cleobury Mortimer a head start, he made it back to snuff-out their opportunity and Newport saw the rest of the half out ahead.
Defending on the front foot, but deep in their 22, Newport conceded early in the second when Cleobury Mortimer countered Newport’s linespeed with a long pass, putting them one point ahead but with plenty of clock left.
Both sides searched for the breakthrough, Lamb’s rip and counter, Sunny Mahal’s jackal, Sam Sargeant’s crossfield kick across the tryline almost gathered, and Newport’s attacking maul malevolently collapsed by Cleobury Mortimer at the tryline, all kept Newport alive and in the game. The resultant penalty in the left corner rapidly found its way to the right wing where the lurking Taylor blasted diagonally through, to deservedly give Newport the lead.
Cleobury Mortimer tried desperately to snatch the points back but Newport, with renewed determination remained resolute, closing gaps, tackling hard and maintaining discipline, rebuffed Cleobury Mortimer’s efforts until the whistle. A fantastic spectacle and fitting finale to a successful season leaves Newport’s Legion looking forward optimistically to the start of the next.
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