Regional 2 Midlands West

Stratford-upon-Avon 8 Newent RFC 45

NEWENT 1st XV maintained their 100 per cent record of bonus point wins with a six-try show on Saturday, reports SIMON BARKER.

A series of penalties against the hosts gave Newent their first entry into the 22 and a catch and drive from a line-out saw skipper Ben Vincent touch down for the opening score, converted by Tom Webb.

Stratford replied with a penalty, but Webb restored the seven-point lead with a similar effort after a high tackle 20m out.

More penalties against Newent gave Stratford a prime attacking position from a lineout, and blindside Angus Whiteman was on hand to take the ball at pace and crash over to make it 10-8.

But deep into first half stoppage time there was a significant momentum shift as Newent scored a breakaway try, a dropped Stratford ball near the visitors' own line hacked upfield, and left-wing Adrian Connelly winning the race to touch it down, with Webb converting for a 17-8 half-time lead.

After the restart, Ben Vincent broke infield from his own half and quick ruck ball found Doug Long who was hauled down but off-loaded to right-wing Kyle Towers to score a memorable try, converted by Webb.

Twice Long then just failed to get on the end of clever cross-kicks from George Clair, but Newent then shunted Stratford off their own ball at a scrum in the 22 and Jack Devries charged over to secure the bonus point (31-8), Webb adding the extras.

Again the hosts were pushed off their scrum ball, and a couple of phases later Jim Hartland finished well for try number five, Webb again on target (38-8).

With the game into stoppage time, Stratford’s scrum-half picked up a second yellow card, both for early tackles after quick tap penalties, and Newent kicked to the corner, where Mason Emery drove over, Webb completing another top class display of goal kicking.

Ross RFC’s first home league game was cancelled,with Gordon League II unable to honour the Counties 4 Tribute fixture.

They will be hoping to see some action at Bristol Barbarians this Saturday (October 19), while Newent 1st XV host Shipston on Stour.