Under 7s & Under 8s Cotswold Tour 2007 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newport arrived at Widden Old Boys, looking forward to capitalising on their success in recent games against Oswestry. They were therefore disappointed to learn that Widden Old boys were only fielding an U7 side, as their U8 were resting for a county game the next day. The Newport teams were quickly re-arranged to provide some balanced opposition against this weakened team.
The first Newport team to run out against Widden were quick to find their pace, with Charlie Home sprinting for the corner to score the first try. Widden responded with a score, but Newport were a lot stronger with their defence and they soon capitalised on this by turning over the possession and scoring. James Orchard was second to score with one of his darting runs from near the half way line. At half time Newport were leading 5 tries to 3 with James and Charlie each scoring a further try and Noah Bourton scoring his first of the game. Newport defence continued to improve during the seconds half, with Widden only scoring 1 further try against a further 5 for Newport. The final score ended at Newport 10 Widden 4. Try scorers for Newport - Charlie Home (3), James Orchard (3), Noah Bourton (1), Philip Broomhead (1), Joshua Hodson (1) and James Humphries (1).
With Newport’s strong performance in the first game they only fielded a team of 7 against Widden’s 8 to see if this would even things up. With a team member down and Widden seemingly trying to pirouette their way down the field, the score remained even at half time at 4 a piece. The Widden coach and the referee embarrassed by their teams new technique soon put a stop to it in the second half and Newport were able to prove their superiority in defence turning the ball over a number of times and going on to score and come away worthy victors. Final score Newport 8 Widden 5. Try scorers for Newport William Davies (4), David Taylor (1), Joe Scarisbrick (2), Luke Bywaters (1).

The Under 8's played two matches against a well organised Evesham side. The first match saw Newport play some of their best rugby of the season and they ran out winners by 8 tries to 6. Joe Scarisbrick scored a hat trick and other tries were scored by Philip Broomhead (2), Jack Byrd and William Davies (2).
By the second match a tiring Newport side were beaten by 6 tries to 4 against their fresh legged opponents (and some eccentric refereeing) . William Davies managed to score a hat trick and Noah Bourton scored Newport’s other try.
The Under 7's assisted by two squad members from the under 8's played two matches of 6 a-side against Evesham on one of the smallest pitches seen. The first match was won by Newport a comfortable 9 tries to 4. Notable mentions go to Charlie Home for his 4 try effort, assisted by James Humphries and Joshua Hodson with 2 tries each and a try from Will Higgins.
This first match for Newport seemed to wake them up from the previous night's partying as they then managed a very convincing 14 tries to 4 victory against a slightly changed Evesham team. The biggest improvement was with team's defensive play, pushing Evesham back and forcing handling errors. This was capitalised on by Joshua Hodson, with many a stolen ball giving him several of his 6 try tally. He was aided with strong running from James Humphries, whose pace saw him score straight from the re-start to the try line on several occasions, with a match total of 4 tries. Other scorers were Charlie Home with 3 tries and Will Higgins with 1 try.
For many of the team this is their first season of playing rugby and it was pleasing to see the vast improvement both in terms of individual skills and the way they play as a team.

James Humphries, Jack Byrd, James Orchard, Henry Bryan, Thomas Underwood, Philip Broomhead, Joe Scarisbrick, Noah Bourton, David Taylor, Oliver Dixon, Charlie Home, Joshua Hodson, William Davies, Will Higgins and Luke Bywaters