Sat 9 Sep 2023, 15:00
Away to Stourbridge Saturday the 9th September 2023
Stourbridge 26-42 Newport
Looking to build on last week’s solid foundation, Newport Second XV arrived at a swelteringly sunny Stourbridge brimming with confidence but well aware Stourbridge would provide a tough test. Concentration and early intensity were key to Newport’s success, adding regular tries to stay ahead of Stourbridge’s fast-transition, counter-attacking strengths.
Newport began with a sharp snap in their play maintaining dominant territory resulting in two early tries. The first an error from Stourbridge, volleying the ball back into play from Newport’s penalty; Rhys Williams alert to the gift, pounced on the ball loose in the in-goal area. The second after Rob Taylor gathered Stourbridge’s kicked clearance, injecting bullet pace to Newport’s retort and finding Chris Taylor whose interplay found Luke Kendall able to run into the corner.
Stourbridge then demonstrated their lethal potential, reacting quickly on turnover ball and working free in the centre. Their converted try leaving them only three points short, despite Newport’s domination. Newport remained focused, adding another from their short lineout, mauling over the line, Fergus Lamb in possession at the grounding.
Newport’s lineout not only provided a sound attacking base, Will Galbraith’s one-handed steal from Stourbridge’s lineout intensified Newport’s pressure resulting in Williams searching for his second, tearing in from the left wing only to be shut out on the tryline. Stourbridge’s winger, with rapid reaction, again following turnover, ran full length to put Stourbridge only one point behind.
Stourbridge, sensing the need to grasp the initiative pressed hard requiring Newport’s defence to stand-up. Repelling Stourbridge’s advances, Newport’s own counter-attack through Charlie Gamble’s kick-and-rush was stymied off the ball resulting in yellow. Stourbridge persisted but another Galbraith steal from Stourbridge’s 10-yard lineout dissipated the danger and Newport progressed to safer territory to see the half out.
A pair of single-phase plays from Stourbridge’s two kick-offs from the second-half, both culminating in Gabe O’ Reilly scoring gave Newport just reward for their first-half travails. The first through the hands of each and every back, whilst the second a kick and chase after Matt Dingle’s punch forward, though O’ Reilly needed to engage the boosters, diving under Stourbridge’s defender to reach the ball.
Newport began to attack at will but Stourbridge weren’t giving up, strongly rebuffing Newport’s advances until Lamb found his way from the rear of the scrum to break forward; Dingle on hand to claim the recycled ball and dart under the posts.
Dingle then led a plethora of Newport tackles, Gamble and Jordan Grass joining in before Chris Taylor’s thumping stonewall and clearance halted Stourbridge. However, a bouncing Newport clearance gave Stourbridge another opening and using their strength of the fast counter, got one back. A Stourbridge offside error from the resulting kick-off gave Newport the opportunity to re-assert themselves mauling from the lineout, the ever-dependable Sam Jones touching down.
Fatigue beset both sides in the final stages offering each other another try, Stourbridge battling through from their 5-yard penalty before Newport finished on a high. O’ Reilly breaking free with Grass in support to consolidate the attack before Sam Sergeant instigated Gamble to run in the final yards.
Stourbridge exploited their opportunities efficiently and provided stern opposition. But Newport with a strong and professional performance always looked in control in all aspects of the game. Maintaining these high standards will be essential in order to continue achieving the required results.
.JPG?v=638050476508783149){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476516421137){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476527323943){kind=link}