Sat 18 Mar 2023, 14:15
Newport recorded both their highest score and biggest winning margin of the season last Saturday and in beating a side of Redruth’s pedigree and stature they made it a truly memorable day for the locals. Not quite safe just yet as, mathematically, they still require a further five points from their four remaining games to ensure National League rugby will be available for all to watch in Shropshire next season.
True, it was a re-arranged game having to be played on what was originally a blank weekend, so both teams were somewhat short of regular personnel but despite that they managed to serve up a feast of quality rugby on what remained a decent pitch despite a second half downpour.
Chris Perry was missing from the backs so Nic Yeoward started at centre whilst Oli Buckley was also absent meaning George Boughey got a chance in the second row where he acquitted himself well. Perez Raqio replaced skipper Tom Cowell whose back problems continue to trouble him but who bravely put himself up for a place on the bench. With others missing from the squad local lad Will Galbraith also benched alongside Joe Raqio who was appearing for only the second time this season.
Newport were given the advantage of both breeze and slope first up and they took advantage almost immediately Nic Titchard-Jones finding space out wide to trundle over for the first score after just two minutes. The hosts continued to have the upper hand although Redruth looked equally menacing when in possession. Newport continued on the attack and produced a moment of brilliance when Danny Brough broke free down the left before linking with Finn Barnes. When Barnes returned the ball to Brough he appeared to have little or no space but somehow he managed to dot down in the corner, the rest of his body in the air and out of play, a sublime piece of finishing that has somewhat become his trademark over the last couple of months.
Newport continued to excel with Brough involved again before feeding Charlie Gamble who shot through the gap at pace before drawing the final defender and passing inside to Chris Taylor, who had a monumental game from start to finish, to score under the posts, George Castledine having a rather easier conversion this time around to make it 17 – 0 after sixteen minutes. Redruth were beginning to realise that this could possibly turn out to be a tough afternoon if they didn’t up their game and a penalty into the Newport twenty-two enabled them to build multiple phases before Dean Wills scampered in under the posts and in converting his own try reduced the deficit to 17 – 7 with just over a quarter of the match played. Redruth then enjoyed a period of dominance where Newport’s defence had to be at it’s very best and this was typified when first Perez Raqio stole a Redruth line out followed by Taylor securing a vital turnover in the red zone. This relieved the pressure and Newport were soon down at the other end where visiting prop Tommy Phillips infringed once too often and was invited to spend the next ten minutes in the bin. Newport pounced following Jake Leonard’s penalty to within five metres, Perez Raqio being driven over following a number of tight controlled phases. Castledine converted and it was 24 – 7 at the break.
Jo Raqio came on to replace Yeoward who was struggling after picking up a knock last week and he certainly added some “fizz” to the Newport attack. Despite the wind having picked up and the rain starting to fall Brough won a chip and chase over some sixty metres or so, re-gathering but just falling short when his inside pass to the support runner was adjudged to have been forward. Newport then worked their way into the visitor’s twenty-two and from a neat set piece move Jo Raqio shot in with ease, Castledine converting for 31 – 7. Redruth hit back with a catch and drive try for Ed Pascoe to make it 31 – 12 but it was still Newport on top and when Gamble chipped inside Jo Raqio was on hand again to win the race to re-gather and score, no conversion this time but Newport were fully in control at 36 -12.
There was no way Redruth were throwing in the towel and they were rewarded when after multiple tight phases hooker Rich Brown went in on the right flank and it was now 36 – 17 with five minutes remaining. Galbraith (for his debut), Jack Wells and Rhys Morgan had all been introduced from the bench and there was still time for Brough, Conor Adams and Morgan to combine nicely and engineer a second try for Taylor, Castledine’s conversion taking their score past forty for the first time this season at 43 – 17. Jo Raqio then received a yellow card meaning Newport would play out the match with fourteen, Redruth scoring a try through Bailey Williams, converted by Adam Hall to ensure at least they had a four-try bonus point to take back with them on the long trek home to Cornwall. Full Time 43 -24.
This was an outstanding team performance and just reward for all the hard work put in by Director of Rugby, Bob Adams, his coaching team and all the players. It is a measure of how far this group has come since their 95 – 7 defeat down in Redruth at the beginning of October. There is now a firm belief that Newport belong at this level and that could all be secured next Saturday when they entertain second-placed Clifton who will provide stern opposition but this team has already shown that they can compete with the best.
All please note that next Saturday is a 3.00pm kick off to accommodate the visit of Dean Richards who will be speaking at a sold out pre-match lunch
Written by: Chris Wilde
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