Sat 5 Nov 2022
For the last of a challenging block of away fixtures, the 2nd XV travelled to Aldridge for the first meeting between these two clubs. Newport lost the toss, with the Aldridge captain quick to elect to play uphill in the first half – clearly knowing the impact the long grassed, gently sloping pitch would have in the second half.
Newport regained the ball immediately after the kick off after a classic Tom Higgins restart, slicing the ball off his shoelaces to a surprisingly alert Henry Holmes who grabbed the ball from the bounce and charged on. Newport quickly took a foothold in the game, Aldridge indiscipline at the ruck afforded line out opportunities and scrums but Newport were inaccurate and unable to take advantage. Ross Hemming managed to make about three forward passes in 10 minutes denying Benty the opportunity to add to his impressive try-scoring total.
Despite not scoring, Newport were still dominating resulting in three yellow cards for Aldridge for continued penalties, chiefly an attempted decapitation on Fergus Lamb. Fin Barnes finally got Newport on the score sheet after 30 minutes from a quick tap penalty. Newports second try came after a driving maul was collapsed illegally by the Aldridge 8 just a metre from the line. Feeling generous and saving Aldridge from another yellow card and most likely penalty try, Ben Turner picked up the ball and scored in the corner right on the stroke of half time before the referee could reduce Aldridge’s playing numbers again. Half time score, 10-0.
After the half Newport were next to score, another illegally collapsed maul afforded Newport a second opportunity at the line out closer to the Aldridge try line, electing to play off the top the ball was moved wide quickly, Harry Bailey used his fantastic footwork and created the space to put Gabe O’Reilly over in the corner. Aldridge then enjoyed probably their longest period of possession of the game, before great defensive pressure forced a knock on. O’Reilly broke down the left wing, and after kicking ahead was illegally tackled off the ball, earning another penalty for Newport who exited well. Play continued as it had for most of the game, Aldridge continually infringed and Newport were just not quite as accurate as they would have hoped.
Still searching for their bonus point try, Newport were looking for a moment of brilliance - and one soon came, Rob Mayer picked out a fantastic intercept right above his head, and accelerated away before passing to Tom Griffiths. Tom, fresh from his backs course with forwards coach Mike Turner, turned Aldridge’s fly half inside out and connected beautifully with his opposite winger James Bent, putting the big fella away for a fantastic try. Griffiths converted. Finally, Newport had their bonus point try and with it the confidence to throw the ball around. From a quick tap penalty, Newport put together a fantastic set play, a hard carry amidst two strong dummy lines from the pack created space on the right for Tom Griffiths, who having made a bet with James Morton for £20 if he scored a try was not going to let the opportunity get away from him. Once again dancing around two Aldridge defenders and earning his beer money!
Inspired by (in his own words post match) “them Fijians” Henry Holmes soon cut a fantastic line on the tips, making a break to cheers of ‘yes Henry’ from the Newport support. The shouts soon then turned to ‘NO Henry’ as he launched the ball high into the air over his shoulder, but quickly back to cheering as grabbing the bouncing ball Ben Turner offloaded to Sam Sargent, who then put away O’Reilly for his second try of the game - a try that had
supporters of both teams clapping. Griffiths converted, and after some pressure from Aldridge right at the death another turnover from man of the match scrum half Phil Bradley allowed Sarge to kick the ball of the pitch and end the game, final score 0-34 to Newport.
The 2nd XV face Burntwood next, under the lights at The Old Showground on Friday night, after 4 weeks away on the trot the lads are looking forward to playing on home turf once more! Congratulations to Man of the Match Phil Bradley, and thanks to Aldridge for hosting us at their fantastic club. A special mention also to Richard Biggin, who not content with dominating his opposite man in the scrums smashed Aldridge’s 2 pint challenge, taking 1.5 seconds off their record seeing off his 2 pints in a mind blowing 4.2 seconds!
Match report by Ben Turner
.JPG?v=638050476508783149){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476516421137){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476527323943){kind=link}