The end of term report for Newport’s under fourteen team rugby team will be very good. They have played seven games since the start of the season and only a narrow defeat to a very strong Camp Hill side, has tarnished the six wins they have notched up. More importantly, they have consistently played open running rugby and have scored 32 tries.

With wins over Telford, Stafford, Wrexham, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch in the bag, Sunday saw Newcastle under Lyme visit Newport, with a belief that they could come away winners. Two first half tries from their big number 8 gave them great cause for optimism, particularly as both were converted.

In between these scores Newport had looked disjointed and only a quick penalty followed by a good drive from Kieran Porter led to a score for Newport.

Newcastle’s second try seemed to wake the Newport pack from their slumbers and finally they gave controlled ball to the backs and Zach Stamp put Velcho Alexandrov into space and despite taking contact, he managed to wriggle over.

Half time saw Newcastle leading 14 – 10 and some harsh words for the Newport team from their coaches, led to a much improved second half performance. Much of the second half saw Newport camped in the Newcastle twenty two and a quick pick up from Andy Nurser at the back of a scrum enabled him to drive over for Newport’s third try.

Soon after, scrum half Eddie Foulkes was rewarded for his hard work with a close range effort and Jonno Wilson finally found his kicking boots, in very windy conditions, to convert.

However, the best was saved to last as Newport moved the ball smoothly down the line and full back Darren Pilkington off-loaded exquisitely from the tackle to the looping Carter Campion-Westwood. Picking the ball up on the half way line, Carter still had it all to do, but he showed tremendous pace and strength to burn the Newcastle defenders and score between the posts. Jonno converted to leave Newport 29 – 14 winners in a very tight game.

The Newport pack were outstanding in the second half as they fought for every scrap of ball and stood toe to toe with the very physical Newcastle forwards. A wonderful team performance, that sets this talented side up for matches in January against Bridgnorth and then Ledbury in the North Midlands Plate Competition.

A very good term’s work, in which Newport have shown glimpses of great talent. With greater focus, desire and more hard work, the future looks very bright for this promising side.