Worcester Wanderers 38-10 Newbold on Avon RFC
Midlands 2 West S.

From the kick off Newbold started strongly, taking all the early initiatives forcing Worcester on the back foot. Wilf Barclays rampaging early running ensured the hosts were forced to defend; basic errors at crucial times prevented the visitors crossing the line. A knock on from Newbold in an attacking position was seized upon by the opposition and good advantage by the referee enabled Worcester to ship the ball out wide to their winger whose pace outstripped the visiting defence and scored out wide with their first visit into Newbold’s half and converted  to make the score 7-0.

From the kick off, Newbold advanced into the Worcester half, again simple handling errors released the ball to the Worcester backs and again the winger was released, ghosting past some ineffective tackling to score his second and then, third try, both converted, increasing the score to 21-0.

At this point of the game the score line was flattering the home side because most of the play and territorial advantage had been in the home sides half. However much pressure is applied it is fruitless if you do not convert it in to points, due to an inability to finish the moves due to basic handling errors. Newbold were finally rewarded with a penalty which Glenn Bond duly dispatched. 21-3
Newbold continued to compete up front and exerted pressure on Worcester; however the home sides defence stood strong, Newbold were always looking suspect in their own half. A penalty clearance from the home side found touch 5 yds from the Newbold line, a simple catch and drive and Worcester scored again, unconverted increasing the score to 26-3.

From the kick off Newbold over turned the ball and Sam Viggers pounced on the ball and charged 35 yards to touch down, converted by Bond signalling the end of the first half.  26-3
Newbold kicked off the second half determined to improve the score line, great running from Ben Edge, supported by Danny Facer, attacked the opposition goal line but was again thwarted by the last pass syndrome and the advantage was lost.  Despite 2 almighty tackles by Ben Harrison he alone was unable to prevent Worcester scoring again, increasing the lead to 33-10. Despite the score line Newbold’s heads never went down, further aggressive running from Harrison highlighted the potential of the visitors, however each attack was suppressed by the opposition, a breakaway by Worcester from the middle of the park up to the visiting sides 22 was halted by a resolute Newbold pack but good driving enabled Worcester to again breach Newbold’s line for a final try, final score 38-10

Although the score line compliments the home side, Newbold need not be too disappointed; this is probably one of the best teams in this league and Newbold proved  that for long periods of the game that they were able to match and better their opposition.
This Saturday Newbold are at home for their first game of the season against Old Coventrians, it is also Newbold’s Vice Presidents dinner which should ensure a large crowd to support the team. All supporters will be made very welcome.