Whitchurch were a few players short in the backs due to Ellesmere being involved in a sevens tournament. Newport were missing several players mostly due to the Adams' German exchange which for some unknown reason seemed to affect half of the forward pack.  However, there were still 22 players in the Newport squad - another great turnout!

Newport started with an unfamiliar scrum with players filling in for those absent - the backs however were virtually at full strength and looked very dangerous from the outset.

Whitchuch's experience in the forwards put the Newport pack under lots of pressure with Whitchurch's No. 8 particularly impressive in both attack and defence. The Newport lads showed great resolve and battled hard, succeeding best when they were able to deliver quick ball from the breakdown. The backs showed their intent spinning the ball very wide, very quickly and it was only a few missed catches that prevented some early tries after they'd sliced through the Whitchurch line.

When the passes did go to hand, the speed and direct running of the Newport three-quarters caused lots of problems. It was this obvious threat outside that contributed to later tries - as the Whitchurch backs shuffled across to limit the space for Newport's centres and wings, big gaps appeared inside which the visitors duly exploited.

Leading comfortably at half time Newport used all their subs to ensure everyone got real match practice.

This resulted in yet further disruption in the pack with many lads who consider themselves to be backs playing in the forwards (thanks to Joe, Joe  & Stefan - have I missed anyone ?) - and despite the lack of familiarity, the level of effort and commitment was excellent.

Newport's backs continued to cause problems attcking well from fly-half and centre as Whitchurch's defence covered the threat out wide. 

However, it wasn't by any means one-way traffic - the Whitchurch forwards were a constant threat and put in great efforts to create a try for the home side late in the game. There would have been a further Whitchurch try in the final minute when one lad made a superb run from his own half only to be called back for an earlier knock-on.

Another good morning's rugby - with some great skills shown by both sides.  Newport's forwards did particularly well to compete with so many regulars missing and the backs moved the ball wide the best so far this season.