Sat 22 Feb 2020
Newbold entertained Worcester at Parkfield Road and were looking to end a 3-game losing streak and make amends for the 2-point defeat by them at the start of the season. Writes Phil Fereday.
Worcester kicked off and soon took charge of possession and camped themselves in Newbold’s half launching attacks at the Bolds line but good solid defence from the Bold held out until the 20 mins when finally, Worcester found a gap and scored an unconverted try 0-5. Newbold now getting some possession worked their way upfield and scored after a brilliant break from try-scorer Ethan Wookey 5-5 after 25 mins. The away side soon hit back to score a converted try 5-12 after 30 mins. It was Newbold that had the last score of the half having to settle for a Dan Obrien penalty after a lot of pressure on the away side try line 8-12.
Five minutes into the second half Worcester scored an unconverted try 8-17 but the Bold hit back straight away with a Dan Obrien penalty 11-17. Once again, the away side having the majority of possession at this stage of the game went over and scored a try that was converted 11-24 after 65 mins. At this point, it could have been all over for the Bold but coach Huw Thomas made some team changes and brought on his 3 finishers Josh Hutchinson, Lee Lightowler and Wes Hallam and all 3 had an impact in the remaining 15 mins. Both Hallam and Hutchinson started making some hard yards with strong ball carries as the Bold started to turn the game around and after a clean catch from a close-in lineout by Rob Sandercock who was having a fine debut in the team the forwards drove over the try line for the hard-working Micky Pails to score an unconverted try in the corner 16-24 after 73 mins. The Bold now were in all-out attack mode with the ball being kept alive and being passed through many pairs of hands until Lee Lightowler making a welcome return after injury made a telling break being stopped just short of the line but managed to offload to man of the match Sam Thompson to score a try which was converted by Dan Obrien 23-24. The game now in injury time with Newbold desperately trying to get that much-needed score were awarded a penalty just inside the visitors half so from 45 metres out and the last play of the game Dan Obrien showing nerves of steel coolly step up and took the kick at goal and as it cleared the crossbar with yards to spare the great comeback was complete.
26-24 to the Bold. So it was another pulsating, exciting and close game with the Bold deservedly coming out winners this time.
In the clubs 125th year it is turning out to be a transitional season for the Bold. Hard-working Head Coach, Huw Thomas, has tried out new combinations and more importantly is giving opportunities to the young and up and coming players in the club to play at this level. Charlie Reed, Carter Murphy and Josh Hutchinson all making an impact in today’s game.
