On an unseasonably pleasant Sunday morning the Under 12s made the short trip east to face Stafford. After a very close contest a month earlier at Forton Road this promised to be an exciting fixture.

 

Both Newport and their hosts had a large squad of players available so three 20 minute matches were arranged to ensure everyone got a good run out without too much disruption.

 

Playing on a proper Mini pitch with goal posts suited Newport who started well and, with some excellent rucking and mauling, exerted early pressure on a well orgainsed Stafford defence. However, as in previous fixtures, Newport were unable to convert the pressure in to points. As the first game progressed Stafford got into their stride and launched a series of attacks on the Newport try line. It took Newport's best defensive display of the season to keep the home side out with some heriocs when Stafford finally crossed the line to see the ball "held up". The first match ended 0 - 0.

 

The second match saw a host of changes on both sides and slightly more space for both teams to play. Newport continued to win good ball and were unlucky to find themselves a try down when a handling error and unkindly bounce of the ball presnted Stafford with an easy opportunity to open the scoring. The try lifted Stafford who began to exert more pressure on the inexperienced Newport defence. Some excellent defensive work by the Newport midfield of Joe Wright & Tyler Felton kept the home side at bay for a while until finally the gaps appeared and Stafford scored their second try. Pleasingly Newport refused to roll over and further good work in both defence and attack showed great promise for the future. Stafford deservedly won this match scoring a third try on full time - although the score line did not reflect some of the very promising passages of play by Newport where a little more precision could have made the scores much closer.

 

The third match again saw a host of changes with both teams bringing back rested players. Another very close contest ensued with good ball retention by Newport and good defence by both sides. Unfortunately some ill-discipline by Newport, followed by a lack of concentration, presented Stafford with some space in which to play, which they duly exploited to score the first try.  For a brief moment it was unclear whether the Newport team's frustration would send them in to a sulk or motivate them to fight back. Fortunately it was the latter and it was clear from the restart that they were channelling their disappointment positively. After some superb tackling and rucking Newport found themselves near the Stafford try line - this time the decision making and execution were good and Newport levelled the score. More good rugby followed but neither side were able to break the well organised defences and the third match finished  7 - 7.

 

Thank you to Stafford for a good morning's rugby - we look forward to meeting them again at next month's Telford Festival.