Sat 8 Feb 2020
Newbold still trying to find the right combination shuffled the pack once again with a new half-back pairing of Ethan Wookey at fly-half and Reiss Boon at scrum-half. Ed Scott also returning in the centre was to make an immediate impact by stiffening up the central defence. Writes Phil Fereday
The match was played with an ever-increasing strong wind (Storm Ciara) blowing down the length of the pitch making life difficult but both teams adapted well in the conditions (in comparison to the Murrayfield international) The Bold had first use of the elements and after 15 mins of play were 6 points in front from two Dan O'Brien penalties. Newbold next score came after 25mins from a superb interception by the ever-improving James McGill who ran 80 metres to touchdown this was converted by Dan Obrien 0-13. That was the final score of the first half and the pundits (sausages) on the sideline did not think 13 points were going to be enough with the wind getting stronger by the minute. The second half started and the home side soon showed their intension with wind-assisted kicks deep into Newbold half and after 50 mins of play had scored two converted tries making the score 14-13 and it was looking like the flood gates had opened and the Bold needed to stem the flow. Stem the flow they did through with some strong ball carrying and hard-hitting tackles in defence with the Bold back row of Dixon, Furlong and Thompson once again leading the way. Newbold managed to turn the tide and regained the lead with a Dan Obrien penalty converted into the now gale force wind 14-16. The Bold defence held out until they conceded a penalty in the 78 min 17-16 to the home side. The game now in injury time and Newbold were throwing everything into attack but a speculative pass went loose on the halfway line for the home side to kick through and break away to score a converted try 24-16. This Newbold side were still not finished and determined to come away with something regained possession straight from the kick-off and the ball was fed out to Ethan Wookey who made an outside break and ran in a great try from 35 metres out going over in the corner which was not converted by the last kick of the match 24-21 and the Bold had salvaged a losing bonus point. Once again, the Bold found themselves on the losing end of a close match where one score made the difference. Fine margins indeed.
