Painswick United, who play their league rugby 2 divisions above Newent, sent a well drilled and organized side, especially in the back division. However, it was Newent who opened the scoring on 2 minutes with a Tommy Devries penalty from in front of the post, following an infringement at the ruck. Painswick countered with a try and conversion on 5 minutes aided by some woeful Newent tackling. They scored again after 21 minutes to lead 12-3 at the end of the first quarter. Newent continued to make line breaks and gradually the confidence returned to a slick looking back line who eventually put Sam Goulding over for a try on 33 minutes. Through the later stages of the half Newent continued to break the Painswick defense until the ever busy Lee Warren, playing his first game for Newent, scored a try converted by Tommy Devries to leave the score 15 -12 in Newent’s favor at half time.

Newent started the second half on the front foot and Tommy Devries who brought his kicking boots along with a striking haircut slotted another penalty on 53 minutes to take the score to 18-12 in their favor. At this point Newent seemed to be cruising but a lapse of concentration allowed Painswick to score an unconverted try on 61 minutes’ leaving it a one point game going into the final quarter. This sparked Newent into action and the good support play evident throughout the game by Newent led to a charging try by skipper Nathan Goulding on 64 minutes, taking the score to 25-17 in Newent’s favor. Once again indiscipline at the ruck allowed Painswick a penalty under the posts to make it a one score game 25-20 with 7 minutes to play. Newent however put the game out of the visitors grasp with two late tried by Nathan Awford and the ever lively Sam Goulding leaving them to run out 35-20 winners in an entertaining game. The home side played attractive positive rugby for the majority of the game and were deserved winners despite spilling three or four further opportunities to score with the line begging. Upfront Lee Warren had an impressive debut, whilst Tommy Devries had an outstanding game in the back row. Behind the scrum Dan Fletcher at outside half made several line breaks and kicked intelligently. Centres Will Ormond and Sam Goulding put in solid performances.

Final Score Newent 2nds 35 Painswick United 20.