Newport (Salop) RUFC

Sun 5 Sep 2021, 13:45

Newport (Salop) Senior U18 Colts

20 - 20

Walsall U18 RED

Newport (Salop) Senior U18 Colts

Walsall U18 RED

Home to Walsall 5th September 2021

Newport 20-20 Walsall

Following a pre-season friendly victory last week against league opponents Stafford where Newport’s six tries to one triumph flattered Newport (a deserved victory but Stafford were much closer than the score would suggest), this week’s opponents Walsall arrived at Newport clearly well prepared with a large squad. As the score suggests, this was an overall even game whose fortunes fluctuated throughout its course, but the squad size difference eventually left Newport comparatively fatigued and short of replacements due to injuries.
Newport’s flying start was exemplified by determined ball carrying from first Gabe O’ Reilly and Fergus Lamb and then followed up by Ross Williams, Dayton Nash and Rob Taylor. But it was when Newport’s powerful number 8 Dan Haves, took the initiative from the back of the scrum, utilising Lamb, which then set Min Rae Hsieh to complete his first of two, though he still had plenty of Walsall tackles to shrug off to make the last 10 yards.

Newport remained focused on their task in defence as Walsall sought to reap revenge, earning a 5-yard penalty from their sustained pressure. Newport held up and repelled, but Walsall then opted for penalty points whilst still in kicking range. Hsieh kept the score rapidly ticking over, breaking through Walsall’s line for his second after scrum half Finley Regan stamped his control at the ruck as Newport’s speed in attack caused Walsall untold problems.

Walsall weren’t going to let Newport get out of sight though and capitalised immediately to level the score by turning over Newport’s scrum on their own 22. Both sides rallied but were unable to force any further advantage before the break. Hsieh’s purple patch continued with him holding up the tackle and halting Walsall’s maul, whilst Williams’ masterful rucking over led the way for the forwards and Alfie Davis integrated with O’ Reilly and Nash to provide staunch defence as well as their natural attacking threat.
A rejuvenated Newport set the early pace in the second period, James Lohan’s fierce tackling combined with Jack Warrilow at full back to extinguish much of Walsall’s threat. Warrilow’s imperative and imposing tackle jolted Walsall’s speedy winger into knocking on and Max Higginson twice gathered up loose balls and pressed on to maintain the pressure on Walsall, when eventually O’ Reilly was able to exploit the room on the left wing to get Newport’s third in the corner. Unfortunately, O’Reilly had to retire hurt and was followed shortly after by Regan. The hard ground was starting to take its toll on Newport and would only get worse from here. But not before Newport further extended their lead when Taylor rounded off excellent work involving Warrilow, Lamb, Davis and Ben Kenyon.

Walsall suddenly became energised and Newport found themselves run ragged. Walsall were quickly on the break again after pulling one back, kicking long and chasing. Walsall’s attacker beautifully kneed the ball forward but tumbled agonisingly out of his reach in the try area where Davis rescued Newport, getting to the ball before anyone else.

Walsall scored again to level as the game petered out with increasing numbers on the injury list. A shortened third period was attempt but proved to be futile with both sides sensibly agreeing to curtail proceedings.
As with Stafford, Walsall proved to be robust opponents with strength and skill. Newport had plenty to match Walsall and should be proud of their performance again. Newport showed yet again that their team ethic, determination and organisation are their strongest assets and will undoubtedly enable them to contest the league well this season.