Newport went to Caldy knowing they were facing their toughest opponents this season as they faced Cheshire finalist runners up. Newport started well and put Caldy under pressure but found that this opposition were not going to be pushed aside. Caldy’s forwards started to dominate the breakdown area and took control of a ten minute spell where they crossed the line twice, though it must be said there second being a rather dubious try.

 

 

Half time approached and with some solid defending from all the backs the score was kept at 14-0. With a few adjustments at half time and a reminder to the squad of a good luck card sent from Newport’s 1st XV wishing them all the best, they were determined that their unbeaten run was not going to end.

 

 

With the wind behind them Newport started to kick for territory and apply some sustained pressure on Caldy. Newport’s forwards were now turning the screw and with Oliver Sheridan winning a couple of scrums against the head, it was only a matter of time before the first try arrived with a strong run from Jo Holland leaving Caldy’s defence in tatters. Fly half Connor Adams converted. Now it was all Newport, and after two close efforts by Joe Richards, and Hannah Bates Newport scored with a piece of brilliance from skipper Connor with one of his jinking runs beating four defenders on his way to the line, and then successfully converting to tie the match. It could however had been Newport’s as once the pack had got its act together and scrum half Jack Stewart setting the backs in motion, but time was running out and proved to be Caldy’s friend.

Wirral 0 v 70 Newport

 

After a brusing encounter the day before, Newport racked up the points against what has to be said was a weaker side than expected. Four tries in quick succession from Joseph Humphries with a fine run, one for Connor Adams , Jo Richards scoring at the end of a fine move, with Oliver Sergeant and forward Elliot Jeffries crashing over. Newport coaches then decided to rest their half back pairing who have been magnificent all season. Another score was added before the break with a fine move which saw forwards Rob Jackson, Tom Miles, and Harry Thompson off loading in the tackle as Newport went the length of the pitch.

 

Second half introduced Richard Heath who had took a blow on the knee the previous day, but soon got back into things with his barn storming runs. Newport scored again and with ten minutes remaining brought their half backs back on and soon Jack Stewart was finding fly half Connor and on several occasions after trying to put Ewan Wright and Jo Lloyd in for scores Ewan unlucky twice held up near the line. Newport breached the try line on several occasions to round off an unbeatable season. Coaches Matt, Bob, and Alan were pleased for them all in what has been a great season, the hard work has paid off.

Squad

Forwards: Rob Jackson, Oliver Sheridan, Jo Holland, Richard Heath, Tom Miles, Harry Thompson, Elliot Jeffries.
Backs: Connor Adams (capt), Jack Stewart, Joseph Humphries, Oliver Sergeant, Jo Richards, Ewan Wright, Jo Lloyd, Hannah Bates.