NEWENT claimed local bragging rights with a bonus point victory over neighbours Drybrook last week, winning 26 to 7 at the Rec.

A chill north westerly wind contributed to handling errors and messy set pieces, making for a scrappy encounter, but Newent’s backs produced enough moments of quality to score four tries.

A resolute defensive display ensured Drybrook’s attack was largely kept at bay. Reports Simon Barker.

With Tom Webb still sidelined through injury, Nathan Brooks continued at fly half, while Ryan Thomson made his first start at tighthead prop in the absence of Tom Woodman and Garrett Myers.

Leo Oakey returned from injury to reclaim his place on the openside flank, prompting a reshuffle with James Hartland moving to blindside and Dan Fletcher partnering Jack Devries in the second row.

Drybrook, captained by Mitch Bourne and featuring veteran Sam Peaper, fielded a youthful half back pairing as they coped with injury problems of their own.

Drybrook started the brighter, taking advantage of Newent’s sluggish opening. After sustained pressure in the 22, blindside Will May powered over from close range, with Josh Burnett converting for a 7 to 0 lead. Newent responded with a spark of their trademark spontaneity.

When Drybrook were penalised on their 10 metre line, Hartland tapped quickly and carried deep into the 22. The ball was recycled swiftly and spun wide for Brooks to slice through a gap and touch down in the corner. Doug Long’s conversion drifted just wide, but Newent were back in the game.

Moments later, Newent attacked again from the restart through Kyle Towers’ strong break. The visitors briefly relieved pressure, but Newent soon struck again. Another quick tap from a free kick saw the ball moved wide for winger Adrian Connelly, who cut inside from the left and finished superbly in the opposite corner. Long converted from the touchline to give the hosts a 12 to 7 lead at half time.

Newent carried their momentum into the second half. Hooker Ethan Allen drove deep into the Drybrook 22 to set up prolonged pressure, and although Fletcher was denied on the line, the hosts struck next when Drybrook failed to find touch with a clearance.

Towers ran the ball back and released Long, who cut through two defenders to score in the right corner before converting his own try to extend the lead to 19 to 7.

Drybrook had opportunities to respond, enjoying territory in Newent’s 22 after a scrum penalty, but the home defence held firm. Their best chance came when they were penalised on their own 5 metre scrum, allowing Newent to clear.

The hosts sealed the result ten minutes from time when George Alvis burst through a gap from halfway and sent Connelly racing clear for his second try of the afternoon. Long converted once again to make it 26 to 7, where the score remained until the final whistle.

It was a fiercely contested derby played with passion and physicality, watched by a large crowd that included members of Drybrook’s famous Twickenham era squad.

It may not have been a day for flowing rugby, but Newent’s efficiency in attack and defensive resilience made it one to savour. The five point win keeps them well placed in Regional 1 Midlands and ensured the bragging rights stayed at the Rec.