Sat 12 Nov 2022, 14:15
National League 2 West
Newport Come Up Just Short
Newport 29pts v Hinckley 33pts
Newport welcomed back old foes Hinckley to Forton Road last Saturday after a gap of almost seven years. Other than a slight breeze the game was played in perfect conditions and a fiercely contested and enjoyable match was served up for the large crowd to savour. Ultimately, it was Hinckley’s powerhouse pack that ensured the five points went back to Leicestershire whilst Newport, on the other hand, will take some comfort from an improved performance and a well-earned two bonus points.
Changes to the line-up saw Army recruit Josaia Raqio come in at full back whilst Reece Beddows made his first start of the season on the left wing and Nat Titchard-Jones returned to the front row after missing last week’s trip through an infection.
Despite going up the hill it was all Newport early doors and they were soon rewarded when patient phases took them into the visitor’s twenty-two and following good yards from Ricky Bailey and Max Himbury speedster Beddows finished well in the left-hand corner, Connor Adams converting via the upright and Newport led 7 – 0 after just four minutes.
It was easy to see why the Hinckley pack is so renowned and they were gradually exerting pressure on the Newport eight and beginning to dominate but the home defence was both organised and robust enough to keep them out. Even though they were living on scraps the home side were moving the ball well when they had it and after Himbury had broken the Hinckley line he timed a perfect pass to Beddows to put him in again, Adams tacking on the extras to extend the lead to 14 – 0 after seventeen minutes.
Hinckley would obviously be dangerous from short range so they would need to be kept at distance and despite some excellent defence over an extended period it is easier said than done and Hinckley eventually drove prop David Peck over for their opening try on twenty-two minutes, Joe Wilson converting to reduce the deficit to 14 – 7.
Worse was to come for Newport when, again under pressure in the scrum, they conceded a penalty try to bring the scores level after thirty minutes, Josh Kent being dispatched to the sin-bin for illegally trying to halt the drive. Hard enough with eight, virtually impossible with seven, so it was no surprise when visiting hooker Adam Johnson added to the tally, again from short range, Wilson converting to give Hinckley the lead for the first time in the match at 14 - 21.
There was just time for Newport to work their way into Hinckley territory and still a man down decided to take the three points on offer from a penalty that Adams knocked over to bring a see-saw and very entertaining half to a close with the score-board reading 17 -21.
The second half opened with a scare for the home side when Hinckley re-gathered their own kick-off and immediately drew a penalty that they put into the corner but again the home defence was up to the task and kept them out.
A Newport move then broke down on half-way, the ball being hacked through close to the Newport line. Hinckley didn’t waste the opportunity this time and after another spell of patient phases spun the ball left where Mitchell Lamb was able to cross, again converted by Wilson to make it 17 – 28.
Could Newport fight back or would Hinckley extend their advantage? Thankfully the former. A penalty to the Hinckley five-metre line gave Newport great field position and some controlled tight phases and Newport were on a roll, Jake Goulson emerging from the pile of bodies to claim the try, Adams again converting and it was very much game back on at 24 – 28 with twenty-five still to play.
Chris Taylor stole a Hinckley line out to save his side from yet more defensive duties but although they were able to clear the visitors were soon back in the Newport twenty-two and after multiple phases scrum half Ben Pointon was able to scamper in unopposed but Wilson’s conversion attempt missed and Newport were still in with a sniff at 24 – 33.
Newport got themselves into the right area and eventually an opportunity popped up for Kaid O’Neill and he plunged over for the bonus point try, Adams unable to covert but the gap was back to four with ten minutes still to play.
Newport then found themselves under intense Hinckley pressure and couldn’t get themselves to within striking distance to try and take the win but outstanding team defence ensured their line held and they were able to bank a very useful and hard-earned two points with a final score of 29 – 33.
A week’s rest now before another stiff challenge awaits when they travel back down the M5 to tackle second-placed Clifton on 26th November
Written by: Chris Wilde
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