Under 13s - Cotswold Tour 2007
Tour match against Widden Old Boys under 13’s (Cheltenham)
Due to county master class on Sunday the under 13’s travelled down for the match on Saturday. We had a very good turnout with a squad of 19 to select from. The weather conditions were good although there was a fairly strong breeze blowing down the length of the pitch. We decided to play into the wind for the first half. Newport started very well and the forwards dominated play presenting the backs with good ball. The backs passed the ball down the line and both wingers got a chance to run at the opposition.
Newport winger Tom Parsons opened up the scoring with a superb run down the wing scoring a try in the corner. The wind conditions made kicking difficult and the try went unconverted. Both packs worked extremely hard and it wasn’t until late in the first half when Newport No8 Jake Bates scored the second try.
With the wind behind Newport for the second half, coaches Richard and Kevin told the team to keep the ball in hand and avoid kicking. This worked well and good forward play saw Dan Bolton going over for the third try this time converted by Tom Parsons. Widden Old boys scored a dubious try early in the half but Newport knuckled down and continued with their hard work and brilliant running. James came on at half time and scored a deserved try, which was converted by Tom Parsons before Tom left the field. Newport were now fully in charge of the game and playing brilliant rugby. Forward and back interaction was very good and Will Brench scored a superb try in the left hand corner after seemingly being tackled on the 22 line he dragged the tackler with him all the way to the line. A further try by James was converted by Ryan Cattle. This was a very good game for the spectators to watch and the coaches think probably the best the team has played together. Final score was Newport 36 Widden Old Boys 5.