Sat 26 Oct 2019, 15:00
Newbold travelled to a very wet and waterlogged Droitwich who had to switch pitches to ensure the game went ahead. So play took place on not an ideal playing surface in monsoon conditions but it soon became apparent that the 'Bold were up for this game no matter what conditions. Writes Phil Fereday. From the kick-off, the handling and skill levels on show from Newbold were superb. Playing with the elements at their backs the Bold were soon camped in Droitwich half testing the home defence and after a set move from Newbold’s backs saw Lee Lightower break thought to release Josh Cooke to complete the move and dive over for an unconverted try 0-5. Newbold came straight back and from a line out caught by Tom Dixon some 10 metres out allowed the bold to set up the drive which saw Stu Houghton crashing over for a try which was converted by Dan Obrien 0-12. After 20 mins of play, Droitwich were down to 14 men after having a forward yellow carded for foul play. Newbold were soon very quick to take advantage and from a loose ball, 40 metres out that was kicked on and controlled by Kyle Furlong to score a try converted by Dan Obrien 0-19. Newbold were not having things all their own way by any means but Droitwich attacks were halted by a determined Newbold defence with a fit-again Ed Scott and fellow centre Ethan Wookey putting in some fine tackles. The final score of the half came after a good run from James McGill bringing the ball out of defence which was carried on by the forwards who drove the ball towards the home line and it was Kyle Furlong who was on hand to finally crash over to score a try with Dan Obrien adding the extra points 0-26 at half time. Second half began with Newbold now playing into the wind and driving rain and it was 15 mins before the next score which turned out to be the only score of the half it came from some typical runs from the forwards Ben Dawes once again carrying and making good ground before slipping the ball to Kyle Furlong to dot down for his hat trick try to celebrate his return to the team. This was converted by Dan Obrien 0-33. The remaining period of the half was ground out by both sides with Newbold determined not to concede any points and this was achieved with a great deal of pride and grit from all the Newbold players. This was a well-deserved win for a great all-round team effort.
