New Milton U14 staged a stunning fight back to come from 29-12 down to win by a converted try against a much improved skilful and powerful Salisbury side. This was New Milton’s first match after winning the Hampshire Cup and the players took a while to get into their stride.

Salisbury started well playing structured and effective rugby. Their forwards drove well and backs ran the ball with power and pace when unleashed. Jensen Lightfoot took the initiative to get New Milton into the game by showing great vision and then pace to pick the ball from the ruck and break free on the blind side to get New Milton onto the scoreboard. Tai Taukei scored a break away try to give New Milton a foothold in the game. But the first half ended with Salisbury dominating the scoreboard 29-12 with too many missed tackles and hesitation harming New Milton.

The second half was a different story with New Milton getting back into their stride and playing some fast, furious and committed rugby. The team were clearly up for it with Sammy Smith lifting the team in defence by rousing the players with passionate encouragement. George Davis sparked the attack into life with decisive running and keeping the Salisbury defence in suspense with his feinting and footwork. He was supporting ably by Elliot Pegg who burst through the Salisbury defence on several occasions, once after a break from George Davis and Tom Clayton-Smith added power, pace and precision to finish off the move.

Tai Taukei rounded off two more scintillating passages of play for his hat trick with New Milton’s forwards back in the ascendency and the backs enjoying the space created to run free.

New Milton demonstrated again that when the going gets tough they respond with skill and team work and keep their heads under difficult circumstances. Well done to the team who finish the season unbeaten and County champions.

New Milton RFC

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