Newent triumphed in this top vs bottom clash, scoring six converted tries to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, but were made to work hard for the win by a Hereford side who defended strongly throughout and dominated the third quarter of the game.

James Marshall (Paul Dando) returned from injury to take his place in the second row against his former club, but otherwise Newent’s starting pack was unchanged from the tricky trip to Edwardians last time out. The replacements included George Phelps (UNSPONSORED), making his first appearance in a league game since an end of season match at North Petherton in April 2022. In the backs the versatile Nathan Brooks (RW Tyre Services) started in the outside-centre berth, adding some heft to the midfield, whilst Dylan Leney (UNSPONSORED) made his home debut at scrum-half.

After a minute’s silence on this weekend of Memorial Sunday, Newent kicked off towards May Hill and looked threatening from the start, coming close to scoring on several occasions before opening their account on 13 minutes with a try from an attack which started in their own half. Twin playmakers George Clair (UNSPONSORED) and Tom Webb (BOULSDON LIFESTYLE) were involved in creating space for left-wing Adrian Connelly Paul Dando) to run deep into the Hereford 22, where Mason Emery (Neil Kinlay) was in support to pick up from the base of the ruck and crashed over wide on the left. Webb added the extras from close to the touchline, the start of a flawless display of kicking from the tee.

Hereford’s full back Iwan Holder had a chance to reduce the arrears, when Newent were caught offside 30m out, but although his kick was well struck it drifted wide of the left-hand upright.

An inspired 50:22 from the boot of fly half George Clair was the platform for Newent’s second try. The lineout was secured and the ball swept along the line from right to left for Nathan Brooks to finish in ‘cauldron corner’. Tom Webb converted again from wide out. Brooks turned provider for Newent’s third try, making the key break in another move from deep. He was tackled just short of the line, but the ball was recycled quickly and right-wing Kyle Towers (Mark James) popped up to finish wide on the left. Another excellent conversion from Tom Webb extended the hosts’ lead to 21-0 with half-an-hour played.

The bonus point try arrived five minutes later, from a textbook lineout catch and drive after Hereford were penalised on their 22. Blindside flanker Jim Hartland (Ecclesiastical) was at the back of the maul to claim the touchdown. Tom Webb converted for 28-0, the score at the interval – although the half ended with Hereford on the attack deep in the 22. Newent disrupted their lineout drive to prevent a try on this occasion, but it was a taste of things to come as the visitors monopolised territory and possession throughout the game’s third quarter.
Now it was Newent’s turn to show their defensive mettle, and they did so for 20 minutes before the pressure finally told as Hereford’s inside centre Josh Wright picked a good line to arc around and cross to the right of the posts. Iwan Holder converted to reduce the deficit to 28-7 and introduce a hint of jeopardy to what previously had been a relaxed afternoon for home supporters.

Nerves were soon calmed as Newent re-established control for the game’s final quarter. George Phelps -on as a back row replacement- won a turnover in the Hereford 22 before the visitors were penalised for a high tackle and Newent opted for a scrum. Dylan Leney darted for the line from the back of the advancing scrum but was stopped short, however Phelps was in support to drive over for a try on his return to the fold. Tom Webb converted again.

Newent were soon back for more and well as Hereford defended they couldn’t stop powerful tighthead Ethan White (CCM) crossing from close range for the hosts’ sixth try of the afternoon, converted by Tom Webb once more. Newent continued to press, with Nathan Brooks -now at full-back- being stopped just short after a powerful run, although they were indebted to Will Hartland (Always Shine) - a replacement at outside-centre- for winning the foot race after a loose ball was hacked on by Hereford and chased into home territory, but there was no more scoring before referee Alex Deller blew for full-time.

Final score: Newent 42 Hereford 7

Head Coach Sam Goatley was pleased with another good all-round performance from his side, whilst crediting Hereford with staying in the game despite being under pressure for long periods. Newent’s pack went well again, especially in the set pieces, although Hereford managed to secure most of their under-pressure scrum ball thanks to quick heels and the efforts of No 8 Ollie Hutcheson. Newent’s replacements all made impacts on the game, notably George Phelps who looked hungry for work after his long absence and made several trademark carries. Some of the running and handling from the backs was of high quality, with the speed and length of passing provided by new scrum half Dylan Leney buying them valuable time and space.

Next up for the Green Army as they look to maintain their winning streak is another local derby at Ledbury, a first meeting in the leagues for these two old rivals.

Newent: D Long; K Towers, N Brooks, T Webb, A Connelly; G Clair, D Leney; M Emery, W
Tanner, E White; Jack Devries, J Marshall; J Hartland, L Oakey, B Vincent (capt.).
Replacements: T Woodman, G Phelps, W Hartland.
Newent scorers:
Tries: M Emery, N Brooks, K Towers, J Hartland, G Phelps, E White.
Con: T Webb (6).