Sat 7 Jan 2023
Market Drayton 21-43 Newport Second XV
After a month hiatus, Newport Second XV were looking to begin 2023 with a strong start against Market Drayton, who Newport knew would provide a stronger and more competitive unit than their travelling squad earlier in the season. And Market Drayton could consider themselves unfortunate to be behind at the break after a resilient and competent first half performance. But Newport matched Market Drayton and in the second half had the extra class and movement to pull away.
Newport kicked off on the front foot looking for an early score, but Market Drayton held out and were soon advancing toward Newport’s goal-line, whose persistently conceded penalties a cause for concern. George Boughey, Richard Biggins and Ben Turner making successive tackles and Charlie Gamble’s hit causing the knock-on only gave Newport temporary reprieve; Market Drayton forcing themselves over to stun Newport.
Big hits from Fin Barnes, Luke Kendall and Luc Barratt halted Market Drayton as they threatened to make further advances. Newport gained possession and with fast yards from Tristan De Jager put Newport in Market Drayton’s danger area, allowing Phil Bradley to squeeze into the corner to level the try count.
Early injuries then necessitated a change round of personnel, but Newport adjusted quickly finding space and openings on this heavy pitch. De Jager’s chase of Gamble’s crossfield kick and Boughey being held up were omens that the tide had begun to turn. Kendall picking up at the scrum headed right then pirouetted back under the posts for Newport to snatch the lead at the whistle.
Newport re-established themselves in the second half, first keeping the points ticking over with a kicked penalty after Fergus Lamb moved play forty yards up field, and secondly Kendall again picking up at number eight battered his way the short distance through Market Drayton’s brick wall to put clear daylight between the teams.
Newport continued to probe for openings, but a determined Market Drayton found ways to shut the door, until De Jager caught Market Drayton’s kicked clearance and charged back with venom. Gamble on his inside in close support accelerated the remaining yards to the posts.
Market Drayton, switching play inside followed by a kick and run caught Newport off guard to double their tally. Newport though still dictated play and the pace of the game, were held up shortly before driving the subsequent scrum over the line for Kendall to drop onto.
Market Drayton found a hole in Newport’s line-up from the restart, gathered momentum to wrestle a try back, but this just reinvigorated Newport to ensure they finished with the last word. Surges from Kendall, Lamb, Barnes and Harry Bailey all made significant punches forward, but it was De Jager’s measured fly kick and chase that secured the final points of the game.
A spirited and strong performance from Market Drayton proved a real test for Newport’s Second XV, who had to fight for survival at times during the first half. Newport though displayed their mettle to first match Market Drayton’s strength, turn the tide and then enforce their mark on the game in the second half. A cracking contest and a satisfying result for Newport.
.JPG?v=638050476508783149){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476516421137){kind=link}
.JPG?v=638050476527323943){kind=link}