The last Sunday before the Christmas break saw the Under 13s host a Burntwood side depleted by the current round of viruses etc. Newport, with only a handful of players missing, started with a strong and balanced side and showed their intentions from the kick-off, putting pressure on the receiver and securing a scrum in the opposition 22.

 

Whilst Burntwood's scrum was physically bigger, their lack of experience was exploited by the Newport pack who had the better of the exchanges - controlling their own ball and winning a couple "against the head" - one of which led to a try with the backs quickly adjusting and spinning the ball wide for a score at outside centre.

 

The Newport lineout worked better than in previous games with the forwards working as a unit to secure their own ball and disrupt the opposition's throw.  There was good link play with the backs who also worked as a team altering the point of attack to make things difficult for a hard working Burntwood defence, with strikes from fly-half, centre and fullback - the last of these producing a score from first phase helped by some aggressive running.

 

Newport didn't have it all their own way - Burntwood made some good breaks and recycled the ball well to score tries of their own. And both kickers made some good attempts in very windy conditions.

 

In the last quarter of the match Newport lost a bit of shape, perhaps due in part to substitutions as 25 players were available and possibly fatigue, but also there was less team play, with individual efforts ignoring those around them.  It's vital we stick to the principles we've practised for the whole match - and we're still not making full use of the width of the pitch and getting the ball in to the hands of our wingers.

 

Overall a good win, another great performance with effort and skills right across the squad - and some points to work on for our next match.

 

 

 

The starting XV show off the new kit