Under 12s vs Stafford - 10th February 2008
A fine morning saw the Under 12s entertain Stafford, pinching the Under 11s pitch (thanks to Matt & Bob) to avoid the molehills. Both teams had plenty of players so the morning was split in to three periods of 20 minutes.
The initial period was closely contested with little to choose between the sides. Newport had their share of opportunities and possession but, as in previous matches, failed to exploit this against a well organised Stafford defence. The visitors made better use of their chances and first 20 minutes ended 0 - 7 in their favour.
The second period saw the introduction of all the substitutes with Newport changing 9 of their 13 players. This scale of disruption proved Newport's undoing with defensive organisation being in short supply. The Stafford backs were quick to seize their opportunities and ran out comfortable winners 0 - 28.
The final period saw a much closer contest once more with both sides showing some good skills. This time Newport came out slightly on top winning 5 - 0 (Editor's note - it would have been 7 - 0 if the coach hadn't thrown the kicking tee at Alex in the middle of his drop kick conversion attempt !).
A good morning's rugby with the opportunity for the less experienced squad members to get match practice, and start to realise how little time you get to think against a good side !
Well, this was our last home fixture of the 2007/08 season. Next time we take to the field in anger at the Old Showground it'll be 15 a side on a full size pitch !
Being late with this report I know now that the away fixture at Willenhall didn't happen because of the weather (nice sausage & chips, though) so our next match is away at Shrewsbury.