Regional One Midlands

Newent RFC 33 Newport RUFC (Salop) 29

THE Green Army produced a performance of immense character to snatch victory over a big and physical Newport side with a last-play try at the Rec, writes Simon Barker.

Newent started strongly and the referee produced his first yellow card of five after just five minutes, after a fourth infringement in the 22.

Tom Webb kicked to the corner and skipper for the day Will Hartland finished well on the blindside, Webb adding a good conversion for 7-0.

A converted Fishes try from a penalty then levelled the scores.

But from the restart, Newent were turned over in the 22 before Jim Hartland charged down the clearance to score, converted by Webb.

The lead was short-lived though as a converted try made it 14-14 at the end of a breathless first quarter.

And when Newent were penalised at a breakdown on their 10m line, the Fishes fashioned another seven-pointer to lead for the first time.

Newent were soon in the opposite corner however after the visitors were penalised, and hooker Ethan Allan broke blind from the back of the maul to touchdown for 19-21.

After a yellow apiece for both sides, Newent then turned over a kick to the corner and cleared to bring a pulsating half to a close.

Newent secured their opponents’ restart and Ted Bailey box-kicked from the ruck, but was caught late and high by Newport blindside Callum Bradbury who was sent off.

The Fishes were then down to 13 after a late hit on Webb, but it was the visitors who extended their lead thanks to a three-pointer from just outside the 22.

That was followed by the cheapest of penalties for something said out of turn, giving Newport a lineout on the 22.

And a clever move ended with an unconverted try for 19-29, with Newent’s Ethan Allen also soon yellow carded following another indiscretion at the breakdown.

Jim Hartland moved from flank to hooker and at his first scrum the home pack drove forward to win a penalty on Newport’s feed.

This had a galvanising effect on the home side and they went on to dominate territory and possession for the closing minutes.

Newport defended strongly, but their cause was not helped by another yellow card after a penalty offence close to their line – especially as Allen rejoined the fray shortly afterwards to give Newent a two-man advantage again.

Eventually the pressure told, as Dan Fletcher crossed to the right of the posts to complete a multi-phased attack.

Webb converted to reduce the deficit to 26-29, while the home supporters celebrated a try bonus point and the prospect of a losing bonus point.

Their team had their sights set on the full five, however, and secured them with the game into stoppage time.

The platform was a scrum won against the head just inside the home half, from which forwards and backs combined to take play deep into Newport’s 22.

Will Hartland was tackled just short but tighthead Ethan White – picked by the opposition as their man of the match –was in support and picked up to crash over for the winning try.

Tom Webb’s successful conversion was the prelude for the referee blowing for full-time, sparking wild celebrations.

Ross RFC didn’t play but travel to Westbury for a friendly this Saturday (September 27).