Regional 2 Midlands West

Newent 42 Hereford 7

NEWENT triumphed in this top versus bottom clash, scoring six converted tries to maintain their unbeaten start, reports SIMON BARKER.

Dylan Leney made his home debut for Newent at scrum-half, whilst the replacements included George Phelps making his first appearance in theleague since April 2022. 

The hosts opened their account on 13 minutes with a try from an attack which started in their own half.

Twin playmakers George Clair and Tom Webb were involved in creating space for left-wing Adrian Connelly to run deep into the Hereford 22, where loosehead Mason Emery picked up from the base of the ruck and crashed over wide on the left, Webb converting.

An inspired 50:22 from the boot of Clair was the platform for Newent’s second try.

The lineout was secured and the ball swept along the line from right to left for Nathan Brooks to finish in ‘cauldron corner’, Webb adding the extras for 14-0.

Brooks then turned provider making the key break from deep, with right-wing Kyle Towers popping up to finish wide on the left, Webb making it three from three.

The bonus point try arrived five minutes later, from a textbook lineout catch and drive, flanker Jim Hartland at the back of the maul to claim the touchdown, again converted for 28-0 at half-time.

After the break, Hereford’s inside centre Josh Wright picked a good line to arc around and cross to the right of the posts to make it 28-7.

But Dylan Leney darted for the line from the back of the advancing scrum and George Phelps was in support for try number five, Webb again on target.

And powerful tighthead Ethan White then crossed from close range for the hosts’ sixth try, Webb completing a perfect afternoon from the tee for a 42-7 win.

Newent: D Long; K Towers, N Brooks, T Webb, A Connelly; G Clair, D Leney; M Emery, W Tanner, E White; J Devries, J Marshall; J Hartland, L Oakey, B Vincent (capt.). Replacements:T Woodman, G Phelps, W Hartland. 

Newent next visit near neighbours Ledbury on Saturday (November 16).