NEWLY-promoted Newent RFC kicked off their Regional Midlands 1 campaign with a tight 34-31 home win over Lutterworth.

Host skipper Ben Vincent crashed over under the posts after just three minutes, Tom Webb converting.

But Lutterworth then proved quicker to the breakdown and a jackal led to a quick reply, converted for 7-7.

Newent’s Will Hartland then put in Nathan Brooks to score, Webb's conversion making it 14-7.

And a Webb break from deep was next carried on by Brooks whose sublime touchline inside pass put Adrian Connelly over, Webb converting for 21-7.

Lutterworth hit back for a pushover scrum before the break, the extras added for 21-14.

But early in the second half, Hartland threaded a perfect grubber kick which Brooks pounced on to score with an acrobatic touchdown for 28-14.

Webb then converted two penaties for 34-14, before the visitors hit back, scoring from a rolling maul for 34-19.

And with Newent reduced to 14 men and uncontested scrums, Lutts went over again wide out for 32-24.

Down to 13 for another 'high tackle' with three minutes left, Newent shipped another try, converted for 34-31.

Lutterworth laid siege to the Newent line again, but this time the depleted Green Army stood firm, hanging on for victory.

Newent 1sts play Banbury away in the league this Saturday (September 13), while Ross RFC make the short trip to Dockham Road to play Cinderford Stags in a friendly, both kick-offs 3pm.