Newbold 0 – Nuneaton Old Eds 54

The Newbold 2’s started the new season on a very warm Saturday with a mixture of last year’s core members and new recruits to the squad.

Nuneaton looked very confident from the start and caught Newbold on the hop scoring 3 tries in as many minutes. The Bold defence found it difficult to react and counter attack as the visitors built momentum utilising their large pack and fast forwards.

The heat took it’s toll forcing the referee to stop the game every 20 minutes for water. Nuneaton adapted better to the conditions showing the benefits of well attended 2nd team training nights.

The Newbold centre field held it’s own, but with width and space out wide the Old Eds added to their tally to no reply. Half time approached and the game was won, 0 -40.

Newbold made a few minor changes and rejected the refs. offer of a shortened second half. Within moments Newbold used their experience to pin the sleepy visitors in their own half. A strong lineout and good kick cleared the Edwardians lines and the Newbold defence was tested again.

The second half was a lot more even and although the visitors added 14 points to their tally with no reply, the Bold looked a lot more competent almost scoring on 3 occasions.

An exhausted and despondent home team gave their visitors the respect they were due at the final whistle, knowing they had been beaten by the team that will undoubtedly top the table in 7 months time, 0 - 54.

Despite the score there were many +ves to take out of the day, holding a strong side to 2 tries in the second half after such a one sided 1st half and turning over several scrums, lineouts and rucks presented a few consolations to the home team.

Training, Fitness and Mind-set were the Bold’s down falls, but with a few players coming back from injury and a growing team spirit the future looks brighter for this seasons 2’s.