Newbold on Avon RFC 3 – 18 Spartans RFC
Midlands W 2 S

Newbold welcomed Spartans to Parkfield Road optimistic they could improve on the 8-8 all draw they achieved away. Spartans currently lying 4th in the table were equally confident of a result against a Newbold side lying bottom of the table.

Newbold’s kick off was well received by the opposition and quickly moving forward, Newbold appeared to stand back as Spartans quickly advanced into Newbold’s 22 before releasing the ball and scoring an easy try, unconverted 0 – 5.

Newbold immediately attacked the oppositions goal line, Spartans failed to release the ball and Adam Bond returned 3 points with less than 10 minutes of the game gone. 3 – 5. Spartans started to dominate the scrums whilst Newbold struggled to give good ball from the base of the scrums, although the homes sides defence was strong they could not prevent Spartans scoring again wide out caused by yet another mistake in open play just before half time. 3 – 10

Spartans kick off appeared to go past several Newbold players who failed to secure the ball, bundling it into touch deep in their 22. From the resulting line out and a series of forward drives, Spartans eventually broke through, again unconverted increasing the score to 3 – 15. The remainder of the game was very nip and tuck with both sides trying to take the initiative, resulting in the play remaining in the middle of the park, 3 penalty attempts from Newbold all failing, while Spartans managed to convert their solitary attempt. Final score 3 – 18

This is another game that Newbold had within their capabilities to win, lack of concentration when the ball is in open play cost them dearly, the team is still maturing and will continue to improve with every game. Next Saturday Newbold have a rest from league and Cup games and they go into the pool looking for a home fixture, all supporters will be made very welcome to come and support the team and after the match will be able to watch England’s opening game against Wales in the 6 Nations Championship.