Under 11s vs Newcastle - 15th February 2009

Following on from their superb display against Bridgnorth two weeks ago, the under 11s again produced an outstanding display of rugby in the match against Newcastle  to finally dispel the doubts about their ability to win matches.

After losing five key players from the team that beat Bridgnorth 43 v 26 two weeks ago, it was always going to be a tough battle against a much bigger Newcastle side who had soundly beaten Newport in December 38 points to nil. The Newport team however stood up to the challenge and worked tirelessly for each other to produce four first half tries, which had the visitors reeling.

The early stages of the match saw Newcastle take the upper hand as they made the advantage of a bigger pack tell in the scrum and at the break down. However, Newport quickly got the measure of them with Danny Wasdell, and Nick Withers taking on the big guys and slowing them down. Amelia Collins, and Jack Prince in the second row fought tirelessly in the maul to secure ball for Orla Leadbeater at scrum half to combine with Fergus Mulhern at flyhalf to release the backs. With both Orla and Fergus playing at the top of their game, it wasn’t long before Tom Franklin was given a chance to run at the Newcastle backs on the right wing bringing Newport’s first score.

The second score for Newport came soon after when the whole team combined to drive the ball up field through four phases of play, with Lewis Gillespie taking the ball over for a superb team try, which was converted by Amelia.

Newcastle recovered well from this, and took the game deep into the Newport half only to be thwarted by excellent tackling by Jack Tracey, Josh Stork, and Elliot Scott at full back. However, following an unfortunate error by Newcastle, Newport were able to capitalise when Scott MacKenzie seized the ball at the break down and ran three quarters of the length of the pitch to score a superb solo try. He then kicked the conversion to top it off. Newport added a fourth try a short while later following another fine solo effort by Lewis.   

Newcastle came back much stronger in the second half and despite strong tackling particularly by Scott, Kenny Jefferies, and Ryan Pierce (both on as substitutes) were able to cross the line twice. Newport responded well through Will Bennett and Hamish Inglis, but were unable to convert effort into points. The game finished with Newport victors at 24 v 14. Man of the match was Scott MacKenzie for his try and excellent tackling, but all of the team played extremely well and can be justly proud of the result. Well Done!!