Sat 11 Jan 2020, 14:15
Before the kick-off, the players from both sides came together and along with the spectators observed a minute’s silence for John Bram a past player who played hooker in the ’70s for the Bold and Roy Hall ex-club secretary and life member both recently passed away and will be sadly missed. Writes Phil Fereday
The match started in wet and windy conditions with Newbold having first use of the wind in their favour. Using this advantage, the Bold were soon camped in the visitor’s half and after 5 mins of play were awarded a penalty which Dan Obrien converted 3-0 to Newbold. All the play continued in Stokes half and the next score came after a bad clearance kick by the visitors which was gathered by Manny Sidhu to score an unconverted try in the corner 8-0 after 15 mins. The remainder of the half was played out with both sides having problems handling the slippery ball and both defences holding out so no further score was made.
The second half began and Stoke soon made use of the wind advantage pinning Newbold back deep in their own half and within 10 mins Stoke had kicked two penalties to bring the score to 8-6. Newbold were then to have a period of maintaining possession and with their hard-working back row of Tom Dixon, Kyle Furlong and Sam Thompson making ground were pressing on Stokes line and it was Ben Dawes and Eddie Allen who drove over the line for Ben Dawes to score Dan Obrien added the conversion 15-6 to the home side after 60 mins. Stoke then stormed back and after a succession of penalty’s Newbold were reduced down to 14 men after being yellow carded. In spite of some great defence notably Tom Dixon and Kyle Furlong making try saving tackles the visitors took advantage of the extra man and scored an unconverted try in the corner 15-11. Newbold once again still with 14 men came back at Stoke and in the last few mins of play pinned Stoke down on their line but failed to score. Stoke were awarded a penalty and cleared the line and so now in the last play of the game and in additional time slowly made progress towards Newbold’s try line. Play continued with Newbold conceding penalties. Stoke were now pounding away at Newbold’s line but after 8 mins of extra time and still with an extra man advantage Stoke scored a try which was converted with the last kick of the game 15-18 to Stoke.
