Newtown overcome arch rivals

Newtown returned to rugby action at the weekend and despite looking a touch rusty, overcame struggling neighbours Welshpool to climb the North Wales Division Two table.

Welshpool’s problems were evident before the kick off as they opted for uncontested scrums whick took some of the intensity out of the game but Newtown eventually outscored their hosts by seven tried to two for a 41-20 victory.

A hat-trick of tries from wing Richard Andrews was the highlight with further scores from outside half and captain Rowan Meek, number 8 Tom Bucknall, flanker Matty Jones, and replacement hooker Matt Land. Centre Matthew Jones kicked three conversions.

 

While the 1sts were winning at Welshpool, the 2nds made safe passage through to the semi-final of the Mid Wales Cup with a dogged 19-8 win over Llanidloes 2nds.

With no competitive action since October, this was always likely to be a scrappy affair, and so it proved, with neither side able to put any meaningful phases together. On a bitterly cold day, the cause was not helped as numb hands made for numerous handling errors.

After Llanidloes opted to play the game with uncontested scrums, Town made the breakthrough mid way through the first half when second row Neil Farrington barged over out wide. Llanidloes cut the deficit shortly after, taking the points after Town were penalised under the posts.

Town gave themselves some breathing space shortly before half time. Full-back Danny Hill picked up a loose kick and evaded numerous tackles before feeding pacey Number 8 Junior Dean to cross. Hill slotted home the conversion.

 The sides turned round with Town leading 12-3, but the game resumed its stop start nature. Llani gave themselves some hope with a score early in the half, good hands sending the winger in at the corner. But a length of the field move involving numerous pairs of hands culminated in centre Greg Kiely crossing under the sticks for the try of the game for Town.

It was a pleasing result for Newtown after such a lengthy layoff who will look to string a consistent run of matches together as the season enters its second half.