Newport (Salop) RUFC

Sat 10 Sep 2022, 14:15

Newport (Salop)

35 - 28

(HT 15-13)

Bournville

Newport (Salop)

Bournville

Newport came out 35 to 28 winners over old Rivals Bournville on Saturday to open their account in National rugby. After a difficult start to the match the switch was flicked back to the flowing dynamic rugby of last season and frankly the final score somewhat flattered the visitors. As with last week’s visit to Old Redcliffians Port must learn that mistakes and lapses in concentration can cost dear at this level.

Newport suffered an early setback when Ollie Buckley was sin-binned after six minutes for collapsing a maul. The resulting Bournville pressure finally told after eleven minutes when Williams crossed for the try, conversion slotted by McGahan. A second yellow for Newport brought more pressure with McGahan slotting two more penalties to build a 13 -0 lead for the visitors. The sharp refereeing and speed with which penalties are awarded is certainly something Newport will have to get used to quickly at this level. After twenty eight minutes a break by De Jager brough Newport within range and brought a penalty which Leonard converted to open Port’s account. On twenty-nine minutes Castledine starting in the number ten shirt found a soft shoulder and broke from around halfway to register Port’s first try, converted by Leonard. Adams was next to find a hole in the Bournville line and although the ball was stolen back Port recovered and put in Nick Murphy for his debut try on thirty-eight minutes. Port then gave away a penalty at the restart that was missed by McGahan, one of a number of missed kicks by Bournville on the afternoon.

Port were quickly on the board again after half-time when tighthead Jack Wells ran a great line, received a tip pass and galloped in under the posts for a fine try converted by Leonard. Leonard was on the score sheet again after forty-seven minutes converting a penalty awarded apparently for back chat by Bournville, a costly conversation. After fifty-five minutes a missed pass from Port was recovered by Bournville who used their pack to force over Harding for the try. In immediate response Bailey found another soft shoulder, breaking the line and putting in De Jager for a try. On sixty-three minutes Port were guilty of going to sleep and were punished. An exit kick went straight into touch and many of the Port players turned to return to the point from which the kick was taken. Bournville took a quick line out and cruised through the napping defence for Tibbets to dot down. After sixty-eight minutes more Port pressure resulted in another Leonard penalty at the Bournville line to stretch the home lead. The returning Harry Mahoney was sin-binned on seventy-four minutes and the visitors used the man advantage to put in Harding on seventy-seven minutes for the final try of the game. Final score Newport 35 Bournville 28.

National rugby was always going to be a steep learning curve for Port which will surely continue. Saturday’s result was evidence however that the men from the Old Showground have what it takes to live at this level.