Green Army's castle finally breached for first time in 33 months

Regional One South West

Newent RFC 38 Launceston 49

NEWENT RFC fell to their first league defeat at home since January 2024, in an entertaining game of fluctuating fortunes.

The hosts served up most of the inventive running rugby, with five of their six tries coming from their three-quarters, including a second half hat-trick for outside centre Joe Warner, whilst Launceston played a more limited but clinically effective game built around a well-drilled pack and the cultured boot of fly-half James Tucker, with all their tries stemming from set pieces.

Newent conceded a penalty on their line-out ball on halfway a minute after the start, and from Tucker’s kick, the visitors secured their line-out, and recycled the ball through multiple phases before inside centre Jack Easton crossed from close range, the fly-half converting (7-0).

But Tom Webb then ran back a clearance kick to spark an attack which ended with Will Hartland finishing well to the right of the posts for a try which Webb converted to bring the scores level.

Newent were soon back on the attack and the hosts executed an effective maul from a line-out close to the line, and James Hartland claimed the touchdown as the pack drove over, Webb adding the extras (14-7).

The Cornishmen drew level though as the game entered its second quarter, touching down after a series of pick and goes from a 5m scrum which Newent conceded when forced to carry over a kick ahead from a loose ball.

But Newent next capped a period of sustained pressure with a lovely try in Cauldron Corner, quick hands through the backs creating space for Tom Cowan to finish well, Webb again converting (21-14).

But the closing minutes of the half proved costly for the hosts as they conceded three converted tries in quick succession to trail 21-35 at half-time.

Webb was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on as Newent defended from a scrum in their 22, and Launceston’s tighthead Charlie Short rumbled over from the tap penalty.

The pack then mauled over from a penalty line-out 18m out, hooker Archie Doidge touching down, before, from the final play, another maul from a penalty line-out was the platform for a touchdown wide on the left, Tucker converting again.

After the restart, quick footwork from Will Hartland created space for centre partner Warner to streak clear and touch down under the posts for Newent’s bonus point try though (28-35).

Warner was at it again at the end of the third quarter, crossing wide on the left to finish a multi-phased attack (33-35).

Backrow replacement Tommy Devries then ripped possession from a Launceston attacking maul and broke clear to release No 8 Josh Lever, who carried hard to the 22, where quick ball released Warner to finish wide on the left again (38-35).

The lead was short-lived though, as the restart was knocked on then handled by a player in front with the resultant penalty kicked to the corner.

And Launceston’s maul took control as replacement Brandon Rowley touched down and Tucker added another conversion (38-42).

Newent then drilled a scrum penalty to touch 10m out, but having won the line-out the ball was then turned over.

Josh Lever made a charge into the Launceston 22, but lacking support was pinged for holding on.

But two penalties secured a 5m line-out for Launceston from which the pack drove over, Tucker converting for 38-49, which proved the final score.

Newent will want to bounce back quickly as they make the short trip to face Forest rivals Lydney in a derby this Saturday (October 24).