A cold morning with a biting wind (but fortunately no snow !) saw the Under 12s play hosts to both Whitchurch and Bridgnorth.

 

With large squads available for all the teams  the morning was organised in to six short matches with A and B teams competing in a three way to give everyone plenty of match time, and hopefully limit the hanging around.....freezing !

 

 

 

First up were Newport A vs Whitchurch A. Just like the same fixture earlier in the season there was little little to choose between the teams with both sides defending well. The Whitchurch backs showed the better handling skills whilst the Newport forwards had the upper hand in the loose. Eventually Newport's defence proved slightly stronger with the first 15 minutes finishing 14 - 7 in favour of the home side.

 

 

Next Newport B took on Bridgnorth B.

 

An early try for Bridgnorth looked an ominous warning for the home side but this shook the Newport defence in to action. Bridgnorth had the best of the play for most game but their backs failed to take advantage of the superiority and a late try for Newport gave them an undeserved draw with the match finishing 7 - 7.

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst the Newport players put on tracksuits and huddled together for warmth Whitchurch A played Bridgnorth A. Once more there was little to choose between the sides with some good rugby from both teams. Again the Whitchurch backs showed good handling and put pressure on Bridgnorth's possession to stop their backs exploiting good positions.

 

In the end a keenly fought contest ended even at 14 - 14.

 

 

 

 

Next up were Newport B versus Whitchurch B.  Unfortunately the 15 minutes (or longer) break had done the Newport players no favours. Whitchurch were quickly in to their stride and Newport's defence was no match for the visitors' attacking.  Played at speed, with more good handling, Whitchurch sliced through Newport on a number of occasions to win 21 - 0.

 

 

Next was the turn of Newport A and Bridgnorth A. With defences to the fore and things largely even in the forwards this contest ended all square at 0 - 0.

 

Finally, with the coaches and spectators thoroughly frozen, Whitchurch B took on Bridgnorth B. Bridgnorth's backs were unable to capitalize on their chances whilst Whitchurch made the most of theirs to win 14 - 0.

 

 

Thanks to all the parents who stuck around in the icy wind to cheer the teams on and thanks to the lads on all teams for some good matches in very cold conditions.

 

Next Sunday we host Stafford for our last home fixture of the year !