Rugby Union:
Twickenham dream is still alive

Newbold 21 Stafford 6

RFU Intermediate Cup Round Three

NEWBOLD took another step closer to Twickenham on Saturday when transferring their excellent league form to the Intermediate Cup as they booked a place in the last eight of the Midlands section.

Having won all seven league starts so far, Newbold hit the ground running against Stafford with a first minute try that saw them rewarded for turning down an easy three points from a penalty.

Having opted for a scrum in front of the posts, Newbold’s strength in the set piece showed as Danny Facer crossed the whitewash and Josh Andrews added the extra two points.

The hosts repeated the tactic almost instantly as after gaining possession from the restart, they won another kickable penalty, but instead decided to kick to touch, five yards from the try line.

Tom Grimmit, fast emerging as a key first team player, secured possession from the line-out before the pack started driving for the line.

On this occasion it was Danny Treharne who emerged triumphant over the try line with Andrews converting again.

Stafford responded with two penalties to put their first points of the game on the scoreboard but Newbold went further clear again before the break when James McGill intercepted and ran in from halfway. Andrews’ third conversion of the game made it 21-6.

Newbold were forced on to the back foot at the start of the second half but they defended well to keep Stafford at bay.

The hosts tried to add to their advantage as the half wore on but they too, were denied by some impressive work in defence from Stafford.

Ultimately the scoresheet was to remain blank in the second half but the good work done by Newbold in the first half proved enough for them to secure victory.

Saturday sees Newbold travel to top of the table Leighton Buzzard with both sides having an unbeaten record to protect.

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